Coalition Urges Federal Cannabis Overhaul
Mike Tyson, joined by a coalition of athletes, musicians, and other celebrities, has issued a direct appeal to Donald Trump urging him to adopt comprehensive cannabis reform if reelected. The letter, released under the banner of the “Coalition of Athletes and Entertainers Supporting President Trump’s Policy Objectives,” outlines three primary goals: rescheduling marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act, granting clemency to individuals imprisoned for nonviolent cannabis-related offenses, and ensuring financial institutions can serve state-legal cannabis businesses.
Signatories include NBA legends Kevin Durant and Allen Iverson, NFL players Dez Bryant, Antonio Brown, and Ricky Williams, and acclaimed musician Wyclef Jean. The group emphasizes the urgent need for federal policies to match the progress already made in numerous states that have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use.
Criticism of Biden’s Cannabis Record
The letter criticizes former President Joe Biden for what the group views as a lack of follow-through on cannabis reform promises made during his campaign. While Biden issued a mass pardon for certain federal marijuana possession offenses and directed a federal review of marijuana scheduling, the coalition contends these efforts have had limited practical impact. Many individuals remain incarcerated for nonviolent marijuana offenses, and cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I substance under federal law, equating it with heroin.
Calling these continued incarcerations “cruel” and “absurd,” the coalition frames Trump as someone with the authority and opportunity to correct these injustices and build a more rational drug policy.
Rescheduling and Economic Fairness Take Center Stage
A major component of the coalition’s appeal is the reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance. This change would formally acknowledge cannabis’s medical potential and significantly ease restrictions on research and business operations. The group points out that such a move would align federal policy with public sentiment and existing state laws.
Additionally, the coalition stresses the importance of financial fairness in the cannabis industry. Despite generating over $35 billion annually and employing hundreds of thousands of workers, legal cannabis businesses face severe limitations due to federal restrictions, including a lack of access to traditional banking services and punitive tax treatment. The coalition argues that addressing these challenges is critical to fostering equity and sustainability in the industry.
Personal Testimony and Political Opportunity
Mike Tyson, who has become a vocal advocate for cannabis following personal experiences with trauma and mental health struggles, highlighted the therapeutic benefits of marijuana in his public statements. He describes the plant as a form of medicine that has played a crucial role in his recovery and well-being.
The coalition believes that cannabis should be recognized for its legitimate medical uses and urges Trump to take the lead where others have fallen short. By advocating for reform, they suggest Trump could appeal to a broad coalition of voters who support legalization, criminal justice reform, and economic opportunity.
The letter positions federal cannabis reform as a bipartisan issue with wide-ranging support, framing it as both a moral imperative and a strategic political move.
