Mike Tyson is rebuilding his presence in the world of commercial cannabis.
The former world heavyweight champion first joined the industry in 2017, launching Tyson Ranch. That was a line of weed products released with the intent of branching into a cannabis-centric resort. The business never got off the ground.
With a new line of weed products called Tyson 2.0, Iron Mike is ready to hit Colorado and other regions.
CEO of Tyson 2.0 Adam Wilks explains, “Tyson Ranch failed due to bad management and just lack of cannabis knowledge. Unfortunately, management was not what it should have been. Which is why for Tyson 2.0, I’m here, and I’m excited to launch Mike’s cannabis brand for real this time.”
Tyson released a statement about 2.0, saying, “Cannabis has always played an important role in my life. Cannabis has changed me for the good both mentally and physically, and I want to share that gift with others who are also seeking relief.”
The former fighter has always been vocal with his personal opinion about cannabis. Before an exhibition, Tyson used it to calm his nerves. He also swapped out cannabis for opiate painkillers.
Tyson 2.0 will launch with three flowers: a low potency sun-grown flower and greenhouse, an indoor flower with a higher potency, and “Toad,” a high-quality strain inspired by Tyson’s experiments with psychedelic toad licking. In specific markets, there will also be “Heavy Bags,” a one-ounce bag retailing for less than $100. (The name is a reference to Tyson using punching bags customized to be heavier than the typical instrument. At 13, the fighter was punching 300 pounds where the average is around 70.)
Tyson prefers extremely potent strains but agrees having lower tolerances opens his market. Tyson 2.0 will also offer edibles, drinks, pre-rolled joints, and marijuana concentrates.
There are plans to promote the launch in every state carrying the line. The promotions include signed Tyson gear and a chance to join Tyson on one of his podcasts. It’s a full tour with Tyson making appearances in each state.
As each state uses specific cultivation and manufacturing facilities, retail outlets, and distribution hubs, cultivations of 2.0 will be unique to each region while the strains and genetics will be similar across the country.
The launch has a 16-state licensing plan. The first three states on the agenda are California, Colorado, and Nevada.
Tyson is excited about the venture. “Cannabis has always played an important role in my life. Cannabis has changed me for the good both mentally and physically, and I want to share that gift with others who are also seeking relief.”
The new company has Tyson 2.0 partnering with Columbia Care Inc. Headquartered in New York, Columbia Care has over two dozen dispensaries in Colorado and facilities for both cultivation and product manufacturing. Columbia Care will sell Tyson products by the end of 2021, taking full advantage of its national dispensary network and retail partners.
