Mike Tyson Tours DEA Lab Wearing DEA Jacket to Promote Cannabis Brand’s Commitment to Safety and Learn About Fentanyl Dangers in Illicit Drug Market

Mike Tyson, the former world heavyweight boxing champion turned cannabis entrepreneur, took an unusual step this week by touring a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratory in New York City. Accompanied by Alina Habba, the acting U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, Tyson donned a DEA jacket and was given a firsthand look at the federal agency’s operations, including a presentation of various confiscated substances ranging from marijuana and psilocybin to fentanyl. The visit highlighted the growing concern within federal agencies about the rise of fentanyl contamination in the illicit drug market—a crisis that Tyson, as a cannabis business owner, says he is eager to help address through his commitment to product safety.

During his tour, Tyson expressed a stark realization about the lethality of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for thousands of overdose deaths nationwide. “I just found out that a pin of fentanyl can kill somebody,” Tyson told The New York Post. “I was never educated on fentanyl and this is new to me. I’m just here to be educated on the laws.” His words underscored a broader need for public education around fentanyl and the dangers it poses, particularly in illegal drug supplies that often lack proper regulation and quality control.

Tyson Connects the Dangers of Fentanyl to His Cannabis Business Mission to Provide Safe, Quality-Controlled Products Amidst Ongoing Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Stalemate

Tyson’s cannabis company, Tyson 2.0, is positioned at the intersection of business and advocacy, especially as the federal government’s efforts to reschedule marijuana remain stalled. The Biden administration initiated a review of marijuana’s classification under the Controlled Substances Act, but meaningful action has yet to materialize. Tyson’s visit to the DEA lab can be seen as part of a broader effort to engage with federal authorities on cannabis safety, legality, and policy.

“We’re trying to make the whole cannabis universe safe,” Tyson explained, linking the fentanyl crisis back to his company’s mission. “I want people who choose to use cannabis to have a safe option—products that are manufactured with robust quality control standards.” Tyson’s business approach reflects a growing trend in the cannabis industry emphasizing transparency, compliance, and consumer safety, especially against the backdrop of the dangerous and unregulated black market.

His openness about past struggles with substances like cocaine and alcohol also lends credibility to his current mission. Tyson has been sober from those substances for years and views cannabis as a safer alternative. “Without weed, I don’t like who I am sometimes. That’s just real,” he said in a 2019 interview with Joe Rogan, revealing the personal motivations behind his public advocacy.

Federal Prosecutor Alina Habba Highlights the Urgency of Tackling Toxic Illicit Drug Supply While Praising Tyson’s Commitment to Cannabis Safety and Compliance

Alina Habba, the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey who accompanied Tyson on the DEA lab tour, underscored the severity of the fentanyl problem and the need for safer drug use options. “There is a real toxic problem [in the illicit drug supply], and that’s the truth of it,” Habba said. She praised Tyson and his family’s efforts to promote “safe use” of cannabis, particularly through products that are free of contaminants like pesticides or synthetic additives often sourced from overseas.

Habba’s previous experience in the Trump White House and with Trump’s Super PAC adds a layer of political intrigue to the visit, considering that cannabis policy remains a contentious issue within conservative circles. Her support for Tyson’s compliance-focused approach signals that even some federal officials are becoming more receptive to cannabis reforms centered on safety and regulation.

Tyson Questions Cannabis Scheduling Compared to Fentanyl’s Classification in Social Media Post Following DEA Lab Visit

Just a day after touring the DEA lab, Tyson took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice a pointed question about federal drug policy: “How is cannabis a schedule I but fentanyl that kills millions is schedule II? Something is broken and needs fixing.” This tweet succinctly encapsulates a major point of contention in U.S. drug policy—the disproportionate scheduling of marijuana as highly dangerous and without medical use, versus fentanyl’s somewhat lower Schedule II classification despite its catastrophic public health impact.

Tyson’s public questioning mirrors arguments made by many cannabis advocates who argue that marijuana’s classification hinders research, patient access, and industry growth, while doing little to stem the tide of opioid overdoses. His position adds star power and media attention to ongoing debates about drug scheduling reform.

Mike Tyson’s Meeting with Donald Trump at UFC Event Sparks Speculation About Potential Cannabis Policy Discussions Amid Trump’s Silence on Marijuana Since Taking Office

Just one day before his DEA visit, Tyson shared photos on social media showing a meetup with former President Donald Trump at a UFC event. Tyson 2.0 described the meeting as “powerful,” though it remains unclear whether drug policy or cannabis issues were discussed.

Trump, who endorsed cannabis rescheduling, industry banking reform, and even a Florida adult-use legalization ballot initiative during his 2024 campaign, has since been mostly silent on marijuana policy. His cabinet appointments have featured a mix of officials with varying views on cannabis, leaving many to wonder about his current stance.

The public nature of Tyson’s meeting with Trump, combined with the DEA lab visit, suggests a possible alignment between some cannabis industry leaders and former political figures on reform. Still, the specifics of any policy dialogue remain private.

Tyson 2.0 Emphasizes Consumer Safety and Compliance in Cannabis Market to Combat Risks of Unregulated Products Amid Growing Public Awareness

Tyson’s company has been vocal about the importance of purchasing cannabis only from compliant dispensaries where products undergo rigorous testing. “If you aren’t buying from a compliant dispensary where products are tested then you could be putting your health at risk,” Tyson 2.0 posted on X.

This message resonates amid reports of contaminated cannabis products entering illegal markets, sometimes laced with fentanyl or other harmful substances. By advocating for industry-wide safety standards and regulatory compliance, Tyson 2.0 hopes to build consumer trust and distinguish itself from the illicit market.

Tyson’s Candid Remarks About Cannabis Use Reflect Changing Attitudes and Personal Journey From Substance Struggles to Cannabis Advocacy

Tyson’s openness about his cannabis use and its impact on his well-being has made him a relatable figure for many advocates and consumers. During a 2019 Joe Rogan Experience interview, Tyson described how cannabis positively affected his mental state, saying, “I like who I am when I smoke.” He credited marijuana with helping him avoid more harmful substances and navigate his personal challenges.

This candor helps humanize a public figure often known for his boxing prowess and tumultuous past, while reinforcing his credibility as an advocate for cannabis reform and safety.

Tyson’s Engagement with Federal Agencies Highlights Growing Industry Push for Reform and Safer Cannabis Amid Continued DEA Rescheduling Delays

As the federal government continues to delay concrete action on marijuana rescheduling and reform, Tyson’s high-profile engagement with the DEA and outspoken stance on drug policy issues highlight the growing pressure on policymakers to modernize outdated laws. His dual role as a business owner and former athlete gives him a unique platform to educate the public and officials alike about the realities of drug use and the importance of safe cannabis access.

Whether this visit signals a broader shift within federal agencies or simply adds to the ongoing discourse remains to be seen. For now, Tyson’s message is clear: marijuana should be regulated responsibly and separated from more dangerous substances like fentanyl, which continues to devastate communities across the country.