The first time Mike Tyson tried toad venom, he died, and now he’s revealed to fans that he’s taken the drug 53 times.
According to The New York Post, the 55-year-old former world champ discovered the drug four years ago at the recommendation of a friend. Now he’s loaded up on more than a few toads in a nursery at his Desert Hot Springs Ranch in Southern California.
Tyson told the newspaper about his experiences with the drug at Wonderland, a Miami conference about psychedelics, microdosing, and medicine.
Why Toad Venom, Iron Mike?
Well, at the time, Tyson was 100 pounds overweight, drinking, and drugging. The boxer said he was sluggish and unhappy.
Then, he took his first of 54 trips and can say death and life are both beautiful.
“The toad has taught me that I’m not going to be here forever,” Tyson said. “There’s an expiration date.”
Now, let’s get up to speed about Mike Tyson’s “toad venom.” The Bufo Bufo alvarius is a Mexico amphibian otherwise known as the Sonoran Desert Toad. When active during five months above ground, it can produce a short psychoactive trip when smoked.
Experts say this venom is a component of traditional healing rituals. The drug is growing in popularity in the recreational drug world while other popular drugs like LSD and ayahuasca are prominent with the rich and famous.
Tyson’s dare led to this drug, but he said it has worked for his personal life.
“Before I did the toad, I was a wreck,” Tyson said. “The toughest opponent I ever faced was myself. I had low self-esteem.”
Mike Tyson said those with big egos often have low self-esteem. “We use our ego to subsidize that. The toad strips the ego.”
He’s “tripped” sometimes three times in one day while losing 100 pounds and boxing again. The father and husband has also reconnected with his wife and children.
Mike Tyson A Big Psychedelics Believer
Tyson is high, so to speak, on these particular drugs, talking about them all over the country.
He’s even worked as a business entrepreneur in the field. He cites his past, going back to 1989, to tell how the drug has changed him for the better.
In addition to the toad venom, the boxer talked about making two types of cannabis with one called “Undefeated.” Interestingly, Mike Tyson’s “toad” product will not include actual psychedelic venom but will be “inspired” by his wild toad experiences.
The toad entrepreneur says he wants to sell in cities like Detroit, Denver, and Oakland when they open up legal mushroom sales.
He’s even expanded into the biotech field, putting money into Wesana Health. That company works to use psilocybin as a treatment for traumatic brain injuries and could be helpful for sports athletes in the future. Tyson thinks these drugs could be over-the-counter items at one point.
