Mike Tyson's Quest for Cannabis Reform in Pennsylvania
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, known for his formidable boxing career and tumultuous personal life, has taken a significant step in promoting safe and legal cannabis use in Pennsylvania. During a visit to the state Capitol last week, Tyson met with lawmakers, including Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, to advocate for greater accountability and legitimacy in the cannabis industry.
Tyson's brand, Tyson 2.0, partners with other celebrities to promote cannabis products, and he has personally credited the substance with helping him overcome addiction. The company has also ventured into the market of Delta 8 products, which are often sold as THC but have little regulation due to a loophole in federal law.
Tyson's primary goal is to address the issue of untested and potentially harmful intoxicating hemp products, which have become widely available since the passage of the 2018 farm bill. These products, also known as Delta 8, contain chemical compounds similar to THC but are often sold without age controls or testing. Tyson's business partner, Ryan Burke, believes that these products need further regulation on both a state and federal level.
In Pennsylvania, recreational cannabis use is legal only for medical purposes, while other states have implemented adult-use laws. Governor Josh Shapiro has expressed support for legalization, estimating that it could generate over $500 million in new tax revenue in the first year.
Despite concerns from lawmakers, including Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, who met with Tyson but declined to provide specifics about their conversation, the former boxer remains committed to pushing for change. In an interview, Tyson stated that he was "looking at me as if I'm the product of cannabis," highlighting his personal journey and desire to see accountability and safety in the industry.
As the state legislature continues to grapple with the issue of cannabis reform, Tyson's efforts serve as a reminder of the need for greater regulation and transparency in the industry. With his experience and reputation, he may be just the heavyweight champion Pennsylvania needs to push for safe and legal cannabis use.
				
			Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, known for his formidable boxing career and tumultuous personal life, has taken a significant step in promoting safe and legal cannabis use in Pennsylvania. During a visit to the state Capitol last week, Tyson met with lawmakers, including Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, to advocate for greater accountability and legitimacy in the cannabis industry.
Tyson's brand, Tyson 2.0, partners with other celebrities to promote cannabis products, and he has personally credited the substance with helping him overcome addiction. The company has also ventured into the market of Delta 8 products, which are often sold as THC but have little regulation due to a loophole in federal law.
Tyson's primary goal is to address the issue of untested and potentially harmful intoxicating hemp products, which have become widely available since the passage of the 2018 farm bill. These products, also known as Delta 8, contain chemical compounds similar to THC but are often sold without age controls or testing. Tyson's business partner, Ryan Burke, believes that these products need further regulation on both a state and federal level.
In Pennsylvania, recreational cannabis use is legal only for medical purposes, while other states have implemented adult-use laws. Governor Josh Shapiro has expressed support for legalization, estimating that it could generate over $500 million in new tax revenue in the first year.
Despite concerns from lawmakers, including Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, who met with Tyson but declined to provide specifics about their conversation, the former boxer remains committed to pushing for change. In an interview, Tyson stated that he was "looking at me as if I'm the product of cannabis," highlighting his personal journey and desire to see accountability and safety in the industry.
As the state legislature continues to grapple with the issue of cannabis reform, Tyson's efforts serve as a reminder of the need for greater regulation and transparency in the industry. With his experience and reputation, he may be just the heavyweight champion Pennsylvania needs to push for safe and legal cannabis use.