Mike Tyson has once again opened up about his deep connection to cannabis and how it has shaped his personal life. On the debut episode of the Confidence of Champions podcast, the former boxing champion reflected on the time he briefly stopped smoking and the surprising impact it had on his household. The break, he said, revealed a version of himself that even his closest family members struggled to recognize.
Tyson’s relationship with cannabis is long-standing, stretching back to his childhood. The retired boxer has previously admitted to starting at the age of ten and has maintained a heavy usage routine well into adulthood.
His cannabis consumption is reportedly substantial, with Tyson spending as much as $40,000 a month. For him, the substance isn’t merely recreational, it plays a crucial role in managing mood and maintaining his calm demeanor.
Mike Tyson’s family begged him to smoke again
During the podcast, Tyson recounted a brief five-day hiatus from marijuana that sent his household into mild panic. “My wife and my kids would get scared,” he admitted.
“‘Please smoke, Daddy.’ Not that I did anything, [I was just] too intense not high. People walking by me, just looking, ‘Wow.’ It’s just a whole different person.” He contrasted the effects of alcohol and cannabis, emphasizing that while drinking often led to chaos and aggression, marijuana brought peace.
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“When I’m drunk, I’m f**king making a fool of myself,” he said. “Listen, you get a bunch of gang members, right? You get a bunch of liquor, they’re going to kill each other. You get some weed, they start taking selfies. … That was the peace pipe, that’s why the Native Americans used it.”
How cannabis shapes Mike Tyson’s daily life
Tyson elaborated on how marijuana influences his mood and performance. “If I didn’t smoke, I would have a bad day. I’m a real moody guy without it,” he said. “It smooths me out, like I’m a whole different person. It makes me on top of my game. … I like who I am when I smoke. Without weed, I don't like who I am sometimes.”
His candid reflections offer a rare glimpse into how the substance has helped him maintain balance, even amid the pressures of fame and public scrutiny.
Beyond personal anecdotes, Tyson’s admissions highlight the ongoing dialogue about cannabis use among elite athletes and public figures. For Tyson, it is not simply a habit but a mechanism to channel his energy productively while remaining connected to his family and himself.
Recently, Mike Tyson has stepped into the policy arena with a strong show of support for the Muhammad Ali All-American Boxing Revival Act. His letter to Congress arrives as the sport braces for major changes, including the launch of Zuffa Boxing in 2026 under TKO Group Holdings. Tyson argues that many fighters never gain the leverage he once had, making updated protections vital for athletes who struggle to earn a stable living.
In his letter, Tyson highlights how the act would introduce fairer standards for fighters. He stresses the value of a per-round pay minimum and mandatory health insurance, noting that many boxers face tough choices about medical care. Tyson also frames the act as a chance to bring balance back to the sport through Unified Boxing Organizations, which would allow promoters to run rankings and titles similar to the UFC model. He says these changes honor Muhammad Ali’s legacy by closing gaps in the current system. Support for the bill remains split across the combat sports world. Some former UFC athletes warn that UFC-style promotion could harm boxers, while regulators like California’s Andy Foster say the act would strengthen athlete protections. Tyson stands firmly in favor, calling Ali his hero and saying the bill opens new paths for boxers without taking away current opportunities. His backing adds major weight to the debate, especially after his recent high-viewership bout with Jake Paul, which drew more than 100 million viewers on Netflix.
Tyson has officially confirmed the date and location for his highly anticipated superfight with Floyd Mayweather, promising an unforgettable event. The bout is scheduled for March 2026 and will take place in Africa, according to Tyson, who called it “one of the biggest events in the history of the sport.” After stepping back from competition following his fights with Roy Jones Jr. and Jake Paul, Tyson’s return has generated massive buzz among boxing fans worldwide.
Disclaimer: This article does not promote or encourage the use of cannabis or any other substances. The content reflects Mike Tyson’s personal experiences and statements, and readers should exercise their own discretion and adhere to local laws and health guidelines regarding substance use.Also Read:
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Read MoreLachit Roy is a sports writer at The Times of India, where he covers the NBA, WWE, and other major international sporting events. With over five years of experience across different media houses, he has developed expertise in reporting, analysis, and storytelling. His sharp insights are complemented by a clear and engaging writing style. He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Tezpur University. Beyond sports, Lachit is passionate about movies and enjoys gardening in his free time.
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