Mike Tyson Urges President Biden To 'End Cannabis Prohibition Once And For All'

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson made a powerful plea to President Joe Biden, urging him to grant clemency to nonviolent cannabis offenders still in federal prisons. He emphasized the need to address the injustices of the failed war on drugs and fully legalize cannabis nationwide.

A Heavy Blow Calling For Justice

Speaking to The Guardian, Tyson said “President Biden has the power to effect real change – he can right these wrongs and grant clemency to those who are sitting in prison for cannabis offenses,” reflecting the growing frustration with the slow pace of policy change. "It's time our country moves forward and end cannabis prohibition once and for all."

Incarceration Amid Growing Legalization

With legal cannabis sales in the U.S. potentially reaching $40 billion annually, the continued incarceration of individuals for cannabis-related offenses stands as a stark injustice. Tyson’s advocacy comes at a time when 24 states have fully legalized recreational cannabis, yet thousands of people remain in federal jails for actions that are no longer criminalized in these jurisdictions. 

Despite Biden’s campaign promises to decriminalize cannabis, the reality remains complex. The distinction between federal and state jurisdictions complicates the process, leaving many incarcerated for charges beyond simple possession.

In this context, Tyson urges Biden not only to use his presidential power for federal clemency but also to influence state governments to release individuals imprisoned for cannabis offenses. Furthermore, the DEA’s continued classification of cannabis as a Schedule I drug faces increasing criticism, not only from activists and the public but also from within the US government. 

Celebrities Rally For Rational Policies

Tyson, a cannabis advocate and entrepreneur, has taken a personal interest in the cause, drafting a letter to the White House demanding the urgent need for reform. In the letter, he argues that it is time to end the War on Drugs, particularly emphasizing the disproportionate impact on the poor and communities of color.

His effort is part of a larger movement that includes prominent celebrities challenging the longstanding federal stance on cannabis, criticized for its disconnect from contemporary views and scientific evidence supporting the benefits of the plant and its derivatives.

As the national debate over drug policy reform continues amid growing support for legalization, Tyson’s voice adds significant weight to the call for change.

Photo: Benzinga edit of images by Kindel Media by Pixabay, Quintin Gellar by Pexels and Wikimedia Commons.