EXCLUSIVE - Mike Tyson: '2Pac Got Me Into Smoking Weed Again'

Picture this: Mike Tyson, a titan in the ring, navigating the highs and lows of fame, finds his way back to cannabis, a journey inadvertently charted by none other than hip-hop legend, 2Pac - Tupac Amaru Shakur. It's the kind of story that feels too rich, too raw to be anything but real life, peppered with the kind of details that stick with you.

'2Pac Tried To Get Me To Smoke With Him So Much'

In an exclusive conversation, while discussing the launch of his cannabis brand, Tyson 2.0, in Thailand, Tyson takes a detour to share an anecdote that's as much about the bonds that define us as it is about personal transformation. He reminisces about the years he spent on probation, a time when indulging in cannabis was off-limits, despite 2Pac's persistent invitations. "2Pac tried to get me to smoke with him so much, but I was on probation all those years and I couldn't do that," Tyson says, painting a picture of a friendship based on mutual respect and unspoken understandings.

Fast forward to 1996, a year etched in the annals of hip-hop history for its tragic loss, and for Tyson, a moment of profound personal significance. In the wake of 2Pac's funeral, Tyson finds himself in a reflective state, leading to a decision that would pivot his relationship with cannabis for years to come.

"That's the moment I grabbed a joint and said, 'If he [2Pac] wanted to smoke with me, I'm gonna smoke right now' and I've never stopped since... So, 2Pac got me into smoking weed again," he confesses. This isn't just about picking up a joint, it's a tribute, a way to keep the spirit of a fallen brother alive, a testament to Tyson's journey towards embracing cannabis, not as a vice but as a vessel for healing and connection.

This narrative thread Tyson shares isn't merely filler, it's foundational as it offers a glimpse into the evolution of a man who's been as much a spectator in his life as he's been a gladiator. The launch of Tyson 2.0 in Thailand is more than a business move, it's a chapter in a larger story of redemption, of finding peace in the green embrace of cannabis after years of battling in and out of the ring.

Tyson's homage to 2Pac through his reintroduction to cannabis underscores a broader cultural shift, from viewing cannabis through a lens of suspicion to recognizing its potential for healing potential and bridging divides. Tyson 2.0's entry into Thailand isn't just about market expansion, it's about extending an invitation to explore cannabis's multifaceted role in our lives, much like Tyson himself has.

As Tyson steps into the role of a cannabis entrepreneur, he carries with him the legacy of 2Pac, a reminder of the paths we walk and the people who guide us along the way. This venture is imbued with the spirit of exploration, of pushing boundaries, not just geographically but personally and culturally, weaving together the threads of friendship, legacy and healing into a narrative that resonates on a universal level.

In sharing his story, Tyson offers us a peek behind the curtain. He invites us into a conversation about growth, about the unexpected places our journeys can take us when we're open to the lessons of those who've touched our lives. Through Tyson 2.0, he's not just selling cannabis, he's sharing a piece of his journey, a nod to the past and a beacon for the future, all rolled into one.

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Photo of Tyson courtesy of Carma HoldCo; photo of 2Pac via WikiMedia Commons. Edit by Javier Hasse.

This article was produced with the assistance of AI.