Summary of "Why Mike Tyson Is FIGHTING for Legal Weed"

Episode: July 8, 2025 | The Chris Cuomo Project

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Chris Cuomo Project, host Chris Cuomo sits down with former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson and cannabis advocate Brady Cobb to delve into the transformative power of cannabis. The discussion explores Tyson's personal journey with marijuana, the broader movement for cannabis legalization, and the challenges faced in reconciling state and federal laws.

Mike Tyson’s Personal Transformation Through Cannabis

Chris Cuomo begins by shifting focus from Tyson's legendary boxing career to his personal battle with substance abuse and how cannabis played a pivotal role in his redemption.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Tyson [01:58]: "Because you have to look at the laws. If we have one guy... he was doing, I think, 55 years for a nonviolent marijuana charge... we really want the president to give us clemency for nonviolent marijuana users."

• Mike Tyson [04:13]: "Hey, it saved my life. I was a cokehead, alcoholic. I threw my life away, and I started smoking weed. Eventually, I started working out. I lost 100 pounds. I felt good."

Tyson shares how cannabis helped him overcome alcoholism and cocaine addiction, leading to significant weight loss and a renewed sense of purpose. He credits marijuana with providing him the stability he needed to return to the ring and rebuild his life.

Brady Cobb’s Advocacy and Industry Insights

Brady Cobb, a stalwart in cannabis culture, discusses the systemic obstacles the industry faces, particularly the disconnect between state-level legalization and federal prohibition. He emphasizes the dire need for safe banking solutions and unified regulations to legitimize and sustain the cannabis market.

Notable Quotes:

• Brady Cobb [02:34]: "We can't bank. And you have over 400,000 people in the United States that are employees in the cannabis industry. Most can't qualify for mortgages because they have a W2 from a legal state."

• Brady Cobb [06:10]: "We have to change the scheduling. President Biden, to his credit, started it. We got to finish it."

Cobb outlines the economic benefits of the cannabis industry, including job creation and potential boosts to the economy. He also highlights the importance of rescheduling cannabis to alleviate the banking restrictions that hinder business operations and growth.

Navigating Federal vs. State Laws

The guests delve into the complexities arising from the divergence between state legalization and federal prohibition. They discuss how federal restrictions impact everything from banking to law enforcement, creating a precarious environment for legal businesses and consumers alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Tyson [15:22]: "I hate the word. When they use drug, that's the stigma they have. It's not a drug. It's medicine."

This segment underscores the necessity for federal reform to align with the evolving public and state-level support for cannabis, advocating for its recognition as a legitimate medicinal substance rather than a controlled drug.

Dispelling Myths and Addressing Stigmas

Cuomo and his guests tackle prevalent misconceptions about cannabis, notably the "gateway drug" theory. They argue that alcohol poses more significant risks and societal harm compared to marijuana, challenging long-held stigmas that hinder legalization efforts.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Tyson [12:51]: "I believe that's just, that's fable stuff, man. Nothing's the gateway drug but alcohol."

Tyson passionately dismisses the gateway drug narrative, pointing out that alcohol often serves as the entry point to more severe substance abuse issues, thereby flipping the conventional argument on its head.

Social Media’s Role in Public Perception

Transitioning from cannabis advocacy, the conversation shifts to the impact of social media on public discourse and personal interactions. The guests discuss how online platforms can amplify negativity and contribute to a more hostile societal environment.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Tyson [28:34]: "The people that invented this were smart. They made the people safe. They're talking crap from a distance, so they gave them courage."

This discussion highlights the challenges of maintaining respectful and constructive dialogue in an age where social media often fosters toxicity and polarization.

Conclusion and Call to Action

As the episode draws to a close, Chris Cuomo reiterates his support for cannabis legalization and encourages listeners to join the movement. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming societal judgments and focusing on tangible issues that can lead to meaningful change.

Notable Quotes:

• Chris Cuomo [30:37]: "I believe in this. I think it's silly that hemp is a carve out and marijuana is not."

Cuomo offers his assistance to Tyson and Cobb, emphasizing collective effort in combating stigma and advocating for federal reform to support the cannabis industry's growth and legitimacy.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Chris Cuomo Project provides an insightful exploration into the personal and political dimensions of cannabis legalization. Through the candid narratives of Mike Tyson and Brady Cobb, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs within the movement to destigmatize and regulate marijuana effectively.