The neatly stacked one gram packets of fake Tyson 2.0 South Africa Kush Mint (pictured above) are available at R100, the guy with the frizzy hair behind the counter in a cannabis outlet in a small Limpopo town tells me. ‘They love them out there because it’s different ” he says “They’re our best-sellers at the moment”.
The product is obviously counterfeit as there is no mechanism in South Africa for high THC flower to be brought in for recreational use, let alone be licensed. But this is South Africa. All cannabis retail sales are illegal to start with, so I suppose there isn’t necessarily a contradiction in selling fake product as well. In for a penny, in for a pound.
From a sampling perspective, the Kush Mint packs a punch, even for an old hand like me. A look at the official Tyson catalogue shows that Kush Mint is a 50/50 hybrid of sativa and indica with a feisty 28% THC content. Problem is there’s no way of knowing actually what I was consuming. Given that it’s a counterfeit product in an illegal store, who’s to say what was in that one gram packet.
All I can say is that whatever it is, it packs quite a punch. And although the official site says it’s a perfect daytime smoke because of its balanced profile, I would not advise consumption before one’s work obligations are over for the day.
The point is that South African cannabis users are spoilt for choice in the quality and variety of cannabis available. The fake Mike Tyson brand will sell, because it’s a novelty, and will continue doing so until such time as South African law allows the licensing of cannabis brands and comes up with a protocol for retail sales and consumer protection.
The Mike Tyson brand is actually a perfect fit for South Africa. For a short-lived time he was appointed Cannabis Ambassador for Malawi, but the brand alignment didn’t really work. Thinking about it, South Africa could be a different story – we could do with a guy like that in Washington, where lord knows we need a heavyweight to help us fix our diplomatic mess in the US. What do you think, Dirco (Dept of International Relations and Co-operation). As we all know, Trump respects a strong guy.
The Mike Tyson cannabis journey is intriguing. This report from CEO Magazine published in the US in March 2025.
Inside Mike Tyson’s $50 Million Cannabis Empire: How ‘Tyson 2.0’ Took Over the Weed Industry
Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight champion of the world, has traded knockout punches for knockout business deals. In 2021, Tyson entered the booming cannabis industry with his brand Tyson 2.0, a premium cannabis company that quickly grew into a multimillion-dollar empire. What started as a passion project has become one of the fastest-growing brands in the cannabis space, with Tyson’s net worth now significantly boosted by this green gold rush.
How It Started: Tyson’s Entry into the Cannabis Industry
Tyson’s journey into the cannabis business wasn’t random. After his retirement from boxing, Tyson openly discussed how cannabis helped him manage pain and calm his mind. Realizing the therapeutic benefits of marijuana, Tyson decided to create a brand that aligned with his personal experience.
Tyson 2.0 was officially launched in October 2021, with headquarters in Los Angeles, California. Tyson’s goal was to offer high-quality cannabis products that embodied the same intensity and authenticity that he brought to the ring.
Tyson 2.0 isn’t your typical cannabis brand. The company offers a variety of premium cannabis products, including:
- Flower Strains: Named after Tyson’s iconic moments, like Knockout OG and Toad, a strain known for its high THC content.
- Edibles: Including the wildly popular Mike Bites, ear-shaped gummies that pay homage to Tyson’s infamous 1997 fight with Evander Holyfield.
- Concentrates and Vapes: For experienced cannabis users looking for high-potency options.
Rapid Growth and National Expansion
Tyson 2.0 has seen explosive growth since its launch. Within the first year, the brand expanded to over 20 states across the U.S., with plans to enter international markets, including Canada and Europe.
By 2024, Tyson 2.0 reported annual revenue exceeding $50 million, with projections to hit $75 million by 2025. The company’s rapid success can be attributed to Tyson’s massive global following and the brand’s clever marketing, including playful nods to Tyson’s legendary boxing career.
Tyson Ranch: Where It All Happens
Tyson 2.0 operates out of Tyson Ranch, a 420-acre cannabis resort located in Desert Hot Springs, California. The ranch isn’t just a cultivation facility—it’s a cannabis oasis that includes:
- A luxury hotel
- High-end cannabis lounges
- Music festival grounds
- Educational centers on cannabis cultivation
Tyson Ranch has become a hub for cannabis enthusiasts and industry leaders alike, adding another revenue stream to Tyson’s growing empire.
Celebrity Partnerships and Licensing Deals
One of the secrets behind Tyson 2.0’s rapid success is its partnerships and licensing agreements. Tyson has teamed up with multiple dispensaries and cannabis brands, ensuring Tyson 2.0 products are available in hundreds of retail locations.
In 2023, Tyson 2.0 struck a deal with Verano Holdings, a leading multi-state cannabis operator, to distribute its products across the United States. This partnership propelled Tyson’s brand into new markets and significantly increased its revenue.
The Iconic ‘Mike Bites’: Turning a Knockout Moment into Profit
Tyson 2.0’s most talked-about product remains Mike Bites, ear-shaped gummies that hilariously reference the 1997 incident where Tyson bit Evander Holyfield’s ear during their infamous bout. The gummies became a viral sensation, selling out in multiple states upon release and adding millions to Tyson’s bottom line.
Tyson’s Reflection: A New Kind of Champion
Mike Tyson’s journey from bankruptcy in 2003 to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the cannabis industry is nothing short of remarkable. With Tyson 2.0, the former champ has redefined himself as a business mogul and cannabis advocate.
“Cannabis saved my life, and now it’s helping me build a legacy beyond the ring,” Tyson said during a 2024 interview.
What’s Next for Tyson?
Tyson 2.0 has no plans of slowing down. With expansion into global markets and new product lines on the horizon, Tyson’s cannabis empire is poised to dominate the industry.
From the boxing ring to the boardroom, Mike Tyson’s knockout success story continues to inspire millions. And with Tyson 2.0 leading the charge, it’s clear that the champ is still winning—just in a different arena.
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