Mike Tyson reveals magic mushrooms 'saved my life' – The Independent

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Former heavyweight champion calls psilocybin an ‘amazing medicine’
Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile
Mike Tyson says that magic mushrooms “saved my life” and now hopes psychedelics can change the world.
The former heavyweight champion of the world says that his personal and professional comeback is the result of taking mind-altering substances containing psilocybin as well as spiritual development.
“Everyone thought I was crazy, I bit this guy’s ear off,” Tyson told Reuters, referring to his 1997 fight against Evander Holyfield.
The Brooklyn-born fighter, who now is also a cannabis entrepreneur, says he has never felt better.
“It’s scary to even say that,” he said,
“To think where I was – almost suicidal – to this now. Isn’t life a trip, man? It’s amazing medicine, and people don’t look at it from that perspective.”
Tyson, who has partnered with life science company Wesana, founded by former NHL player Daniel Carcillo, says he believes in the positive benefits of psilocybin.
“I believe this is good for the world,” added Tyson.
“If you put 10 people in a room that don’t like each other and give them some psychedelics, they’ll be taking pictures with each other.
“Put 10 people in a room who don’t like each other and give them some liquor, and they’ll be shooting everybody. That’s real talk.
“(Wesana) was on the same level of thinking that I was. They wanted to share this with the world. This is very limited, us doing this in these small ceremonies.
“It needs to be open to the world.”
Medical experts studying psilocybin have warned against self-medicating or using them outside an approved medical framework, according to Reuters.
Wesana hopes to get psilocybin approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the treatment of traumatic brain injuries.
Tyson fought Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition fight in November, that ended in a draw, and is set to take on Lennox Lewis in September.
Reuters contributed to this report
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Mike Tyson exits the ring after receiving a split draw against Roy Jones Jr. during Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr. presented by Triller at Staples Center on November 28, 2020 in Los Angeles, California.
Getty Images for Triller
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Log in
New to The Independent?
Or if you would prefer:
Want an ad-free experience?

source