Mike Tyson Talks Cannabis, Psilocybin, and Healing: Exclusive Interview on Tyson 2.0, Plant Medicine & Personal Transformation
“Iron Mike.” “Kid Dynamite.” “The Baddest Man on the Planet.” He may be a man of many nicknames, but for Mike Tyson the latest and truest persona is that of Ganja God. The former heavyweight boxing champion, known for his explosive talent in the ring and his larger-than-life personality, has embarked on an extraordinary journey that transcends the boundaries of athletics. Today, with his juggernaut brand Tyson 2.0, the icon stands at the forefront of the cannabis and plant medicine movement, pioneering a new narrative around healing and wellness.
Yes, Tyson made global headlines again for his recent fight with Jake Paul. The event marked the most streamed global sporting event ever. The final victory went to the former YouTuber, but the determination of everyone’s favorite 58-year-old champion continued to win hearts.
Tyson’s newfound sense of serenity about himself speaks to the power of his personal transformation since learning to heal with cannabis and psilocybin mushrooms. Over the past few years, the world has seen the athlete’s life and training regimen do a complete 180 thanks to these natural remedies. On the business side, Tyson 2.0 has become a global phenomenon, committed to bringing medicine to people across the globe. Now in 19 countries and continuing to expand, the brand offers innovative products such as the virally popular ear-shaped gummy line Mike Bites.
In this exclusive interview with Honeysuckle, Tyson opens up about his evolving relationship with plant medicine, candidly reflecting on his early days of consumption, the profound mental challenges faced in the boxing ring, and his excitement about upcoming ventures. With the support of his wife, Lakhia Spicer; best friend and business partner Adam Wilks; and his Tyson 2.0 team, he shares heartwarming stories that emphasize the healing potential of cannabis - a reminder that nature packs the ultimate punch, for good.
Join Honeysuckle for this exclusive interview with a living legend. From the streets of Brownsville in Brooklyn to ownership of first-of-their-kind consumption cafes in Europe, Mike Tyson’s journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the belief that healing can be a universal experience, paving the way for a more compassionate world.
HONEYSUCKLE: When did you first realize you were turning to the plant for healing purposes? Did that feel different from the ways you had been consuming before?
MIKE TYSON: It's always been a healing purpose for me. Of course, in my earlier years of consumption, it was more about the high feeling but as I have grown so has my experience with the plant. I noticed it healed with pain relief on a mental and physical level and it is also a spiritual experience for me too. I get some of my best ideas after I smoke.
HS: Boxing is a very mental sport. Can you describe a moment when you had to overcome a mental obstacle in the ring?
MT: I can't describe a moment that I had to overcome a mental obstacle in the ring because every moment you are in the ring and there is an opponent trying to cause you harm it can be a mental obstacle if you don't learn how to stay relaxed. The best thing a fighter can do is learn how to stay relaxed. If you can't master that part then you are in the wrong profession. We are doing something that most people spend their whole lives avoiding (a fight). So it takes a special kind of mindset and mental fortitude to be a boxer.
HS: What were your thoughts about the fight with Jake Paul?
It [was] the biggest fight ever, viewed by more people than any fight in history. [I thought] ‘This is going to be historic, and so why wouldn’t I be a part of this historic moment.’ I started Jake’s career off when he fought on my undercard exhibition fight against Roy Jones. So it’s only [made] sense that I [fought to] end his career myself.
HS: What is your personal definition of success, and how has it changed from your early days in boxing to now?
Success to me is being a good father, a good husband, a good man. Simple things are success to me now. Having the time to be with my birds and fly them. Having a peaceful life is success to me now at this stage of my life. I use to be so addicted to chaos. There was never enough, money, women or fame. But now, I'm happier than I have ever been and that is success.
HS: This has been a huge year for Tyson 2.0’s expansion! Which markets and projects are you most excited about now?
It’s all exciting! We’re expanding everywhere, bringing the plant medicine to people all over. We’ve made a lot of growth – expanding in the states and in 16 other countries worldwide. And we still got more to do, with new locations and products coming up. But what really excites me is the impact we’re having. It’s all about peoples’ stories, man, and it’s been great hearing how our plant has helped people heal, helped them find themselves like I did.
HS: What is your favorite thing about working in the plant medicine space.
The healing is the greatest part. Seeing people transform, seeing how the plant changes lives, that’s what I love. I love being in the ring, but working with plant medicine helps me give back in a whole new way. This is my new fight, and it’s beautiful.
HS: Most people don’t realize how much of a leadership role your wife takes in the business - she even came up with the idea for Mike Bites! How is it working so closely with her in the cannabis space?
My wife and I are partners in every sense of the word. We collaborate well and it's just a blessing to. We enjoy working together.
HS: Growing up in Brownsville, could you ever have imagined owning consumption cafes in Europe?
Never in my wildest dreams. Coming from where I did, the idea of owning anything, let alone cafes in Europe is unreal. But life’s funny like that. You never know where the journey’s gonna take you. I’m just grateful and very humbled by how far I’ve come.
HS: How do cultural attitudes toward cannabis in Europe compare to those in the U.S., and how has that impacted your approach to branding and marketing your products?
Europe’s got a unique vibe—some parts are more open, others are still holding onto that stigma. It’s similar to the U.S. in that way. We’ve had to respect the culture but also challenge the boundaries, like we’re doing everywhere. It’s about educating people, showing them how this plant can heal, and slowly shifting those perceptions.
HS: What are your long-term goals for Tyson2.0 on a global scale? Are there specific regions or markets you're particularly interested in exploring next?"
Tyson 2.0 is going universal, no doubt. We’re looking to bring healing worldwide—Asia, Africa, South America, we’re open to all of it. Wherever there’s a need for wellness and growth, that’s where we’re headed. This is bigger than just one region; it’s universal.
HS: Do you have a personal favorite product or strain from Tyson2.0? What makes it stand out for you?
My favorite is still og kush but it's hard to pick a favorite because everything in our line, I have sampled and give my approval on. Quality is most important to me as I am a very picky smoker and can't smoke just anything so I want to bring the best experience to others through my products. I wouldn't put out anything that I wouldn't personally like to use.
HS: How does it feel giving people the ability to grow their own psilocybin mushrooms?
It’s next-level. Giving people that control over their own healing, their own journey — it’s empowering. It’s like giving them the keys to unlock their mind, explore their potential. That’s freedom, and that’s powerful.
HS: How do you think consumer perceptions of mushrooms are evolving, and what role do you see your products playing in that shift??
People are starting to get it — mushrooms aren’t just about getting high; they’re about healing, transformation. Our products are part of that change, leading the way. We’re helping people see the real potential here, opening doors for new ways to grow and heal.
HS: What partnerships do you have and are forming? We see exciting activations with Futurola and Stundenglass. What do you love about these partnerships and are there any others we can look forward to.
Futurola, Stündenglass — those are innovators, like us. We’re creating awesome products together, pushing the envelope on what’s possible. And there’s more to come. We’ve got some exciting stuff in the works, so stay tuned—it’s only getting bigger.
HS: Any special shout outs for our New York readers! Honeysuckle is based in New York.
New Yorker's know New York is always my home no matter where I am. I am proud to be from Brownsville and New York is still the best city in the world.
See the full feature with Mike Tyson in our current print edition. Find Here.
Tyson2.0; Mike Tyson; https://www.tyson20global.com; https://miketyson.com
