Mushroom-Fueled Mike Tyson: A Boxing Legend's Experience

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has openly discussed his use of psychedelic mushrooms, sparking conversations about the taboo topic of psychedelic drugs in sports. Tyson has credited psychedelics with saving his life and turning it around, and has stated that he micro-doses mushrooms to prepare for fights, claiming that they help him control his aggression and rage in the ring. He also believes that taking mushrooms and cannabis during his boxing career could have made him a better fighter.

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Mike Tyson's use of psychedelics

Mike Tyson has openly discussed his use of psychedelic drugs, specifically mushrooms, and has said that they saved his life. He has also claimed that he micro-doses mushrooms to prepare for fights, and that they help him control his aggression and rage in the ring.

Tyson's use of psychedelics was brought to the fore when he appeared on Logan Paul's podcast, during which he revealed that he trains while on magic mushrooms. He also brought out a bag of spores, and when asked if he would be taking them that day, he responded, "I have to take them when I train. I always train on my mushrooms."

Tyson has also discussed his use of psychedelics on the Impaulsive podcast with co-host Mike Maljak, and on Muscle and Health magazine. He has credited psychedelics with helping him lose 100 pounds, giving up cocaine and alcohol, and improving his relationships with his wife and children. He also believes that if he had taken psychedelics during his boxing career, he would have been a better fighter.

Tyson's use of psychedelics has stirred discussion about the taboo topic of using psychedelic drugs in sports. While there is no evidence that mushrooms are a performance-enhancing drug, Matt Johnson, a senior researcher at the Center of Excellence for Psilocybin Research and Treatment, has said that he is open to the possibility based on Tyson's reported benefits. Johnson noted that most people would not be able to train on high doses of mushrooms, but Tyson has said that he will be on the "residue of mushrooms" before his fight with Jake Paul.

Magic mushrooms as performance-enhancing drugs

Psilocybin, the naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, has been used by cultures around the world for thousands of years. Aztecs used them in healing rituals and religious ceremonies, and ancient Hindu texts suggest their use in the ritualistic sacrament "soma". Magic mushrooms are considered entheogens due to their use in mystical and religious contexts.

In recent years, the controlled delivery of tiny amounts of psilocybin and psilocin (the psychotropic tryptamines found in magic mushrooms) in a practice known as "microdosing" has gained attention. Microdosing typically ranges from 100 mg to 500 mg of dried mushrooms, taken orally. Anecdotal reports claim that microdosing psilocybin has many benefits, including enhanced cognition and creativity. However, findings from research on this topic are mixed, and the long-term effects of psilocybin use remain understudied.

The use of magic mushrooms in sports has been a taboo topic, and there is ongoing debate about whether they can be considered performance-enhancing drugs. While some athletes, like Mike Tyson, have openly discussed using magic mushrooms during training and competition, there is currently no scientific evidence to support the claim that they enhance performance. Matt Johnson, a senior researcher at the Center of Excellence for Psilocybin Research and Treatment, acknowledges the possibility that magic mushrooms may have performance-enhancing effects, especially considering Tyson's endorsement. However, Johnson emphasizes that more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, some athletes and specialists are exploring the use of microdosing for non-addictive pain management and mental and physical acuity. The World Anti-Doping Agency's absence of magic mushrooms from its list of banned substances further fuels the discussion about their potential performance-enhancing capabilities. Nonetheless, it is important to note that magic mushrooms are categorized as a Schedule 1 substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal to manufacture, sell, buy, possess, or use them.

Microdosing and athletic performance

Microdosing is a concept that has been explored in the world of athletics, particularly in relation to sprint performance in field hockey players. The idea is to distribute sprint training volume in a way that improves performance while minimising fatigue. This approach has been found to enhance acceleration capacity and reduce fatigue when compared to traditional sprint training methods.

The concept of microdosing in athletic performance is not limited to physical training strategies but also extends to the use of substances, such as psychedelics, in small doses. While there is limited scientific research specifically on the impact of psychedelics on athletic performance, there is growing interest in the topic, partly due to figures like Mike Tyson speaking openly about his use of psychedelic mushrooms.

Tyson, a former boxing champion, has credited psychedelics with turning his life around, and he reportedly used mushrooms while training for an exhibition fight in 2020. He has also launched a mushroom grow kit as part of his cannabis brand. Tyson's openness about his psychedelic use has sparked discussions about the potential performance-enhancing effects of these substances. However, it is important to note that the impact of psychedelics on athletic performance is still largely unexplored, and there is currently no conclusive evidence that mushrooms are performance-enhancing.

While the direct impact on athletic performance remains uncertain, there is growing scientific evidence that microdosing psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin can improve cognitive function, increase emotional empathy, and enhance overall well-being. Some individuals have shared their experiences with microdosing psychedelics, reporting improvements in their athletic performance, such as a quicker entry into a flow state and a greater sense of spaciousness while running.

In conclusion, while the direct impact of microdosing psychedelics on athletic performance requires further scientific investigation, there is evidence that it can enhance cognitive and emotional states, which may indirectly contribute to improved athletic performance. The distribution of training volume and intensity, such as through microdosing sprint training, has also been shown to be an effective strategy for improving performance and reducing fatigue. As the conversation around psychedelics evolves, it is essential to approach the topic with an open mind, considering both the potential benefits and risks associated with their use in athletics.

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Tyson's cannabis brand

Mike Tyson has been vocal about his use of psychedelic mushrooms and his belief in their therapeutic benefits. He has credited psychedelics with improving his mental health, personal relationships, and even aiding in his return to boxing. Tyson's openness about his mushroom use has sparked discussions about the taboo topic of psychedelic drug use in sports.

Amid this, Tyson launched an at-home mushroom grow kit in collaboration with his cannabis brand, TYSON 2.0 Global. TYSON 2.0 Global is a hemp company co-founded by the legendary boxer and entrepreneur. The brand's mission is to create innovative, high-quality hemp products that are pure, precise, and widely accessible.

TYSON 2.0 Global reflects Tyson's advocacy for the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and cannabis. The brand aims to deliver unrivaled experiences and products, be it cannabis or beyond. Tyson's support for psychedelics extends beyond personal testimony, as he hopes that their use can create a more empathetic and just society.

While the benefits of mushroom use are still debated, with researchers like Matt Johnson noting the lack of evidence for performance enhancement, Tyson's influence has brought attention to the potential therapeutic applications of psychedelics. Johnson acknowledges that Tyson's endorsement of the benefits is noteworthy, given his expertise as an athlete.

Psychedelics and society

Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight boxing champion, has openly discussed his use of psychedelic mushrooms and how they have helped him. Tyson has been very candid about his use of psychedelics, even detailing his use of "magic mushrooms" on a podcast with Logan Paul. He has also revealed that he smokes cannabis every day and micro-doses mushrooms to prepare for his matches.

Tyson's use of psychedelics has brought to light the taboo topic of psychedelic drug use in sports. He has credited psychedelics with turning his life around, helping him lose weight, and improving his relationships with his family. He also believes that psychedelics can create a more empathetic and just society, stating that they can bring people together and foster understanding.

While there is no conclusive evidence that mushrooms are a performance-enhancing drug, Tyson's claims have sparked interest and discussion about the potential benefits of psychedelics for athletes and society as a whole. Some researchers are open to the possibility that mushrooms may enhance performance, especially considering Tyson's success in his sport.

Tyson's influence has helped to destigmatize the use of psychedelics and bring attention to their potential therapeutic benefits. As stigmas slowly dissolve, psychedelics are beginning to be taken seriously as a form of psychiatric medicine. They have been explored for their effects on mystical experiences, personality changes, and the treatment of cancer distress and depression.

As a prominent figure, Tyson's advocacy for psychedelics has contributed to a larger conversation about their potential benefits and societal impact. His experience highlights the complex relationship between psychedelic drug use and society, challenging long-held taboos and sparking further exploration into the potential benefits of these substances.

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