Staff Reports
In recent discussions about federal cannabis policies, former boxing champion Mike Tyson, alongside a group of star athletes, has taken center stage in urging President Trump to consider rescheduling cannabis from a dangerous drug to a more controlled substance. Currently, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug, the same category as heroin, leading Tyson and others to argue that this classification is not only absurd but entirely outdated. To them, cannabis is not a drug in the traditional sense, but rather a medicine that has been underutilized due to restrictive federal laws.
Tyson’s plea has sparked a lively dialogue around cannabis and its perceived risks. He insists that those who have experienced cannabis firsthand recognize there is no valid comparison to heroin. This point of contention—whether cannabis should be viewed as a legitimate therapeutic option or whether it still carries significant risks—has ignited debates among various commentators. Critics, such as author Alex Brains, argue that cannabis in its smoked form is not a safe medication. They point out that while it may not be as dangerous as heroin, it still poses risks to public health that warrant careful consideration.
Adding to the complexity, Brains contends that legalizing cannabis does not seem to have eradicated the illegal drug market. He highlights that states have experienced significant challenges, including violence associated with cannabis growth and sales. He questions the outcomes of cannabis legalization over the past 15 years, indicating that the supposed benefits are not living up to expectations. Despite popular opinion that cannabis is harmless, growing evidence suggests it may be linked to serious health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, and mental illnesses like schizophrenia.
Tyson also called for clemency for those imprisoned for nonviolent cannabis offenses, claiming individuals are serving lengthy sentences while living in states where cannabis has been legalized. However, Brains refutes this claim, stating that the reality is starkly different. He notes that serious incarceration for nonviolent cannabis offenses is almost nonexistent in states that have legalized cannabis and underscores that real problems still stem from large-scale trafficking.
The topic is certainly divisive. On one hand, advocates see cannabis legalization as a means of personal freedom, similar to the rights surrounding alcohol consumption, whereas opponents underscore the potential public health issues and safety concerns, particularly about driving under the influence. As Tyson and his peers continue to push their agenda, state-level experiences and data would suggest that the conversation is far from over. With opinions as varied as the athletes advocating for change, it seems this saga of cannabis legalization will remain a hot topic for some time to come.
