Mike Tyson demands cannabis reform and clemency for offenders

In the United States, boxing legend Mike Tyson joined a coalition of athletes and entertainers advocating for significant cannabis reform, criticizing the previous administration's failure to enact promised changes. On a recent appearance on 'Fox & Friends,' Tyson articulated the pressing need to reclassify cannabis, which is currently categorized alongside dangerous substances like heroin and cocaine. He argued that this classification is baseless and harmful, particularly for those people and businesses affected by the stigma surrounding cannabis usage. Tyson emphasized three pivotal points in the reform proposal directed at the Trump administration: granting clemency for nonviolent marijuana-related offenses, rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, and alleviating discriminatory banking practices that hinder legitimate cannabis businesses. He highlighted a statistic indicating over 500,000 individuals are unable to secure loans due to the federal classification of their business, underscoring the economic potential of the cannabis sector. During the discussion, Tyson personally shared his transformative experience with cannabis, stating that it served as a vital element in managing his personal struggles and enhancing his quality of life. He expressed how cannabis had been a remedy for his past issues, including bouts of aggression and emotional turmoil. Tyson's message resonated not only with sports figures like NBA star Kevin Durant and former NFL player Dez Bryant—who are also part of this initiative—but also with a larger audience demanding reform. The coalition's letter to the Trump administration expressed disappointment with former President Biden's inaction on cannabis-related issues during his tenure. Biden's inability to fulfill his promises regarding clemency and the reassessment of marijuana laws was termed a betrayal, accentuating the urgent need for decisive action in addressing cannabis-related injustices within the American criminal justice system. The group believes that this moment offers a critical opportunity for the current administration to rectify the disparities exacerbated by previous policies and to embrace a progressive stance on cannabis reform.