35 Nov 21st-Nov 27th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES GREEN WEDNESDAY | CANNABIS | Blunt Force Mike Tyson’s weed brand returns to Arizona. BY MORGAN FISCHER A fter a 20-year hiatus from the sport, 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson returned to the ring last week. And ahead of his much-anticipated fight against Jake Paul, the shelves of Arizona dispensaries were again stocked with his cannabis brand, Tyson 2.0. Tyson’s brand initially was introduced to Arizona in 2021 through a different part- nership that ended in early 2023. Now, through a deal with Arizona-based weed manufacturer and retailer Desert Fairways, Tyson 2.0 returned to the state on Oct. 25. According to Adam Wilks, the CEO of Tyson 2.0 parent company Carma HoldCo, the brand’s name is an ode to Tyson’s changing image. Tyson was a dominating figure in boxing in the 1980s and 1990s, but his career was marred by drug and alcohol addiction, a rape conviction that landed him in prison for three years and his infa- mous fight against Evander Holyfield, who lost a chunk of his ear when Tyson bit it off. Since appearing in the 2009 comedy “The Hangover,” Tyson has crafted a gentler image, penning an autobiog- raphy and starring in a one-man show about his life. “This is Mike’s 2.0 story,” Wilks said. “He’s been up and down throughout his career. Mike’s back on top.” Last week at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Tyson returned to boxing in a match against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Before the fight, Wilks encouraged Arizona smokers and boxing fanatics to enjoy Tyson 2.0, which will give them a taste of “Mike’s personal palate.” Throughout the Valley, Tyson’s brand of flower, edibles, prerolls and more are avail- able in dispensaries such as Hana Dispensaries, Health for Life, The Good Dispensary, GreenPharms and Best Dispensary. “What we’re bringing to the market is product that Mike would sit in his back- yard and smoke himself or consume himself,” Wilks said. Tyson’s favorite boxing-themed strains include Haymaker Haze, JawBreaker, Round 12 and Knockout OG. Strains unre- lated to boxing include Arizona exclusive The Desert Toad and Tyson’s top strain, The Sour D. Most flower options go for approxi- mately $50 for 7 grams or $35 for 3.5 grams. However, unique options are avail- able, such as the 45% THC Desert Toad Diamond Infused preroll for $15 at The Good Dispensary in Mesa. While he probably didn’t write the boxing-themed names, Tyson is “extremely involved in the decision-making” with his brand, Wilks said. In addition to pushing for new locations in which to sell the Tyson 2.0 line, Tyson also receives samples of the products. “I’ve worked with so many other talent that will slap their name on the product and be happy with it, where Mike wants to know what’s happening in detail,” Wilks said. “Every deal we do is Tyson-approved.” Products from Mike Tyson’s cannabis brand were available in Arizona ahead of his Nov. 15 fight against Jake Paul. (Courtesy of Tyson 2.0)
