Mike Tyson wants state cannabis legalization up off the mat
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Mike Tyson in Harrisburg. Photo: Courtesy of ResponsiblePA
Pennsylvania's fight for cannabis legalization just got one of its strongest — literally — allies: former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson.
The intrigue: Tyson visited Harrisburg last week and met with political leaders to advocate for legalizing recreational cannabis in the state.
Flashback: Lawmakers have been attempting to fully legalize cannabis since the state created its medical program in 2018, but efforts have stalled as Republican leadership has bristled, citing moral opposition and disagreements with Democrats over policy.
State of play: Tyson met with Gov. Josh Shapiro, state Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) and others during his visit on Oct. 29.
- He told lawmakers that cannabis should be regulated, safe and tested for consumers, which is best achieved through comprehensive legalization legislation, according to legalization advocates ResponsiblePA.
Context: Tyson started his own cannabis brand, Tyson 2.0, in 2021.
- He has said that cannabis has helped him address his addiction issues and avoid cocaine and alcohol use.
What they're saying: Tyson told reporters last week that Pennsylvania is losing out on revenue to other states that have legalized recreational cannabis already, according to PennLive.
Between the lines: Celebrities advocating for the cause can help continue to "normalize" the issue with voters, Patrick Nightingale of advocacy group Pittsburgh NORML told Axios.
- Nightingale is hopeful lobbying from high-profile individuals like Tyson can sway conservative leaders.
- "Voices like Tyson can resonate with conservative members," he said. "We have already won over our allies; we need our former opponents like Republican senators and hopefully some Republican House members."
The other side: The Pennsylvania Family Council, a conservative advocacy group, criticized Tyson's visit and opposes marijuana legalization. "Recreational use of marijuana leads to more children in emergency rooms, higher rates of drugged driving and traffic fatalities, and a spike in mental health problems," the group posted last week on X.