Former boxing champion Mike Tyson is taking his crusade to legalize cannabis in Pennsylvania to the state Capitol, pushing for safe and regulated recreational use of the substance. The boxer, known as "the baddest man on the planet," has built a brand around his advocacy for cannabis, with Tyson 2.0 becoming one of the most recognizable names in the industry.
Tyson's visit to Harrisburg comes as Governor Josh Shapiro has repeatedly called for legislation to legalize and tax recreational cannabis, citing potential revenue of over $500 million. However, lawmakers have been divided on the issue, with some proposing a state store model that would give the Liquor Control Board control over sales.
Instead, Senator Dan Laughlin's bill aims to establish a state Cannabis Control Board, which would regulate the industry and create uniform safety standards for untested products like Delta 8. Tyson's company has already begun selling these products, with Ryan Burke stating that they prioritize responsible production and sale.
The boxing legend himself credits cannabis with changing his life, helping him kick his cocaine and alcohol addiction after serving time for rape in 1992. "I'm looking at me as if I'm the product of cannabis," Tyson said, highlighting the substance's potential to transform lives.
Tyson's message of accountability and legitimacy resonated with lawmakers, who met with the boxer during his visit. However, it remains to be seen how this push will play out in the state legislature. As Laughlin noted, "This bill is not about legalizing adult-use cannabis โ it's about cleaning up the system we already have in place." The future of cannabis in Pennsylvania hangs in the balance, with Tyson 2.0 poised to play a significant role in shaping the industry's safety and regulatory standards.
Tyson's visit to Harrisburg comes as Governor Josh Shapiro has repeatedly called for legislation to legalize and tax recreational cannabis, citing potential revenue of over $500 million. However, lawmakers have been divided on the issue, with some proposing a state store model that would give the Liquor Control Board control over sales.
Instead, Senator Dan Laughlin's bill aims to establish a state Cannabis Control Board, which would regulate the industry and create uniform safety standards for untested products like Delta 8. Tyson's company has already begun selling these products, with Ryan Burke stating that they prioritize responsible production and sale.
The boxing legend himself credits cannabis with changing his life, helping him kick his cocaine and alcohol addiction after serving time for rape in 1992. "I'm looking at me as if I'm the product of cannabis," Tyson said, highlighting the substance's potential to transform lives.
Tyson's message of accountability and legitimacy resonated with lawmakers, who met with the boxer during his visit. However, it remains to be seen how this push will play out in the state legislature. As Laughlin noted, "This bill is not about legalizing adult-use cannabis โ it's about cleaning up the system we already have in place." The future of cannabis in Pennsylvania hangs in the balance, with Tyson 2.0 poised to play a significant role in shaping the industry's safety and regulatory standards.