Legendary former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has once again shared intimate details about his lifelong relationship with cannabis, revealing how it fundamentally shapes his personality and family life. In a candid conversation on the debut episode of the 'Confidence of Champions' podcast, Tyson discussed the profound impact of a brief hiatus from marijuana, a break that alarmed his own household.
The Five-Day Break That Scared Tyson's Family
Tyson recounted a short, five-day period where he stopped smoking cannabis. The result was unexpected. His wife and children reportedly became scared of his intense demeanor without the substance. "My wife and my kids would get scared," Tyson admitted during the podcast. He shared that his family's plea was direct: "'Please smoke, Daddy.'"
He clarified that his non-intoxicated state didn't involve any violent actions, but his raw intensity was overwhelming. "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," Tyson explained. This stark contrast highlighted the central role cannabis plays in moderating his mood for his family.
A Lifelong Habit and a Staggering Monthly Spend
Mike Tyson's connection to marijuana is not a recent development. The retired boxer has been open about starting his consumption at the remarkably young age of ten. This habit continued heavily throughout his adult life and career.
The scale of his usage is monumental. Tyson reportedly spends as much as $40,000 every month on cannabis. For him, this expenditure is not merely for recreation. He frames it as essential for personal management, crucial for smoothing out his moods and maintaining a calm, approachable demeanor amidst the pressures of fame.
Cannabis vs. Alcohol: The Peace Pipe
Tyson drew a sharp distinction between the effects of alcohol and cannabis on his behavior. He associated drinking with chaos and potential aggression. "When I'm drunk, I'm f**king making a fool of myself," he stated bluntly.
He used a powerful analogy to illustrate the calming effect of weed: "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." Tyson linked this to historical use, calling it "the peace pipe, that's why the Native Americans used it."
Marijuana as a Tool for Daily Balance and Performance
Beyond family dynamics, Tyson elaborated on how cannabis is integral to his daily functioning and self-perception. "If I didn't smoke, I would have a bad day. I'm a real moody guy without it," he confessed. He described its transformative effect: "It smooths me out, like I'm a whole different person. It makes me on top of my game."
Most tellingly, Tyson stated, "I like who I am when I smoke. Without weed, I don't like who I am sometimes." These reflections offer a rare, unfiltered look into how a controversial substance has become a cornerstone of stability and self-acceptance for one of sports' most formidable figures.
Tyson's admissions contribute to the growing, complex dialogue about substance use, particularly cannabis, among elite athletes and celebrities. His narrative frames it not as a vice, but as a chosen mechanism for productive energy channeling and maintaining crucial connections with himself and his loved ones.
Disclaimer: This article reports on the personal experiences and statements of Mike Tyson. It does not promote or encourage the use of cannabis or any other substances. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and adhere strictly to local laws and health guidelines.
