Mike Tyson, the legendary boxer known for his ferocious punches and larger-than-life personality, has stepped into the cannabis ring with his own brand, Tyson 2.0. Celebrity-backed cannabis brands are a dime a dozen these days, but Tyson 2.0 has generated quite a buzz, thanks in part to the man himself and some…unique product offerings.
Tyson 2.0 aims to deliver high-quality cannabis products at accessible prices. They offer a range of flower strains, pre-rolls, edibles, and concentrates.
Let's delve into a detailed review of some of their offerings, including flower strains and the intriguing Mike Bites.
Tyson Flower Strains: A Knockout?
I managed to snag a few different strains: Orange Sherb (OS), Jealousy, and West Coast Gelato (WGC). Here's my take on each:
Read also: Mike Tyson vs. Brock Lesnar?
Orange Sherb (OS)
This "Tyson strain" delivered a potent and flavorful experience reminiscent of a classic sherbet. First impression? The OS tasted like a classic sherbert and packed a decent punch. The Orange Sherb, in particular, had me feeling great.
Jealousy
The Jealousy "Mike Tyson weed strain" lived up to its name with its pungent aroma and effects. Jealousy had that distinct Jealousy aroma.
West Coast Gelato (WGC)
While the trim was a bit rough, this "Tyson strain" had a bouncy, sativa-like quality that I enjoyed. WGC, while having a slightly sketchy trim, was bouncy and sativa-like.
How Marijuana Changed Mike Tyson’s Life for the Better
The Mike Tyson strain is the champion of the weed world. Named after the prolific boxer himself, Mike Tyson is a purebred indica strain that delivers a potent punch! This undisputed heavyweight champion packs 31-33% THC in each of its buds and is sure to knock you out before you even know what hit you.
Read also: Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul
Mike Tyson’s leaves are olive green with deep red pistils interspersed throughout. Like the fists of the boxer this strain shares names with, Mike Tyson’s buds are large and in charge. Chunky and solid in structure, these nugs are dense with a tight core. Secondly, we’ll move on to the aroma.
Open up the bag and your nose will experience notes of dank and earthy soil followed up by hints of hash and spice. Mike Tyson, like many other indica strains, has a rich and fragrant scent. On the exhale, Mike Tyson more of the same but with a delightful and aromatic smoke that’s harsh on the lungs. But, don’t be misled, the harshness gives way to sweeter notes of pungent skunk.
The Mike Tyson strain has been making its rounds around the world since its creation in early 2011 by the seed masters over at Canna Clinic.
After 10 to 15 minutes after smoking up, the effects will hit hard and fast. Like many athletes, Mike Tyson needs a few minutes to warm up before getting into action. The body stone rises steadily until it comes to a crescendo to knock you down. You’ll feel relaxed and easy but not too sedated. Next, slight sensory perception follows along with some time distortion. As these feelings elevate, the body high continues to escalate. Relaxation turns into sedation as waves of tiredness wash over you.
You’ll feel as if you fought 10 rounds in the ring with Mike Tyson himself! With such heavy-hitting physical effects, this strain is perfect for medical marijuana patients. This heavy indica can relieve stress, dull pain, ease anxiety and cause even the heaviest insomnia sufferers to pass out.
Read also: The Legend of Iron Mike
Mike Bites: A Knockout or a Foul?
Mike Bites, the diamond-shaped edibles from former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson's cannabis brand Tyson 2.0, are available at select legal weed shops, like Leaf Haus in Somerset and Union Chill in Hunterdon. Distributed in New Jersey by Verano, these gummies can be found at select legal weed shops such as Leaf Haus and Union Chill.
The name and design was inspired by Tyson’s infamous 1996 fight with Evander Holyfield, when Tyson bit a piece off Holyfield’s ear bitten durng their battle for the heavyweight belt. In other states where the bites are sold (like Vermont, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts and California) they are in the shape of an ear. Fun fact: Tyson Bites can't be sold in Colorado because a law prohibits edibles shaped like human body parts.
In the Garden State, the packaging and diamond-shape of the Mike Bites is unique. Here they come 10 per jar ($40-$55), with just over 10 mg of THC per piece.
However, the taste? Let's just say they weren't my favorite. They had an odd, almost "feet-like" flavor with a hint of raspberry. Definitely the worst-tasting gummy I've ever had. It seems they used unrefined coconut oil, which gave it a strong coconutty taste that overwhelmed everything else.
Understanding the Effects
While this level of potency is not uncommon in the state, these edibles hit different. Some weed connoisseurs believe all edibles of the same potency level are the same. After trying several different brands and levels available in our legal market, I have found that to be untrue. Anecdotally, I can say there are small differences in how each edible tastes, timeframe and intensity of the onset of effects and the length of time those effects last.
While it can take up to two hours for this onset, some edibles can be felt within the first 15-45 minutes. Various brands have started including the phrase “fast-acting” on the packaging to distinguish between products that can be felt quickly and those that take longer to feel. Tyson 2.0, the maker of the Mike Bites, has no such information on the jar. The dosage information is the only indication that this product will smack you a little harder than a 2.5 mg or 5 mg lozenge.
It’s best to give at least five hours to let the first piece hit your system before you even consider taking another, especially with these Mike Bites. Hour 5 is when you are rapidly confronted with the other 7.5 mg. Much like a punch in the face, this moment can leave beginners floating and long-time consumers feeling satisfied.
The beginning of the onset is gentle - I personally start to feel it about an hour after I eat one - with a light buzz, comparable to taking a 2.5 mg edible, is noticeable within that two-hour window. At this point, some consumers might assume that this is all this gummy has to offer, and decide to double down and take another piece. I would advise against that.
Edibles’ effects can last three to 12 hours. For higher potency products (5 mg-10 mg of THC per piece), the likelihood that you will be feeling its effects on the later end of that range of time.
A good choice for a long night of chill activities like streaming movies at home or making music with friends in the home studio, this flavor made me feel relaxed, creative and social. The green apple flavor (they also come in black raspberry) gives a robust and juicy apple-candy flavor, with a very slight aftertaste that fades quickly.
Pricing and Value
Price-wise, it's hard to justify at full price. I got my eighths on sale for $55 each, which felt somewhat reasonable. But at the highest price point in NY? Not worth it for me to try it again.
Tyson 2.0: More Than Just Cannabis
Tyson Ranch is owned by Mike Tyson and despite the many reasonable objections for not wanting to support him, it is important, regardless, to buy black. Anti-blackness is woven into every aspect of our society and it can only be undone with cooperative and concerted group effort.
Buying from Tyson Ranch supports black entrepreneurship in the cannabis space and helps to level the disparate risk/reward benefit of partaking in the plant. According to The Last Prisoner Project, cannabis use is roughly equal among white and black folks, but black people are almost four times as likely to be arrested for possession. However, when legalized markets present an opportunity for wealth, only 4% of cannabis businesses are owned by black folks, with 81% chaired by whites.
In addition to the importance of buying black Tyson Ranch also partner’s with Tyson’s myyellowshirt.com to donate a portion of its proceeds to people dealing with homelessness and substance abuse. Spend your money where it means something.
Other Products
Introducing the Tyson 2.0 x Futurola Terpene Infused Tobacco-Free Blunt Wraps, a harmonious collaboration between the legendary Mike Tyson and Futurola, the pioneers of exceptional rolling solutions.
Made in the Dominican Republic, these premium tobacco wraps are the culmination of years of expertise and tradition. Indulge in the essence of premium Dominican tobacco and elevate your smoking ritual with Tyson 2.0 Undisputed Tobacco Leaf Wraps 10/5.
Our products vary in weight and size, and the shipping cost depends on your location. *** When purchasing pallets of Pre-Rolled Cones, Knockboxes or Shredder Machines, we will follow up with you after placing an order to confirm any additional freight or shipping costs that may be necessary to fulfill the order.
The Toad: A Potent Offering
The Toad crosses Chemdawg OG x Girl Scout Cookies. A 1, 2 punch is often called “GMO Cookies”. The Ranch instead names The Toad in tribute to the extreme psychedelic effects of some amphibians’ venom. (Yeah, that’s actually real- you can lick a toad and get like Lisa Simpson when she drinks the water at Itchy & Scratchy Land.)
Over 35% THC and nearly 40% Cannabinoids make the potential to trip feasible. The Toad is dosed for pros or people who want to stretch their 3.5 grams as far as they can go. For low or moderate tolerances this is not a smoke-all-night potency- but a direct and to-the-point knockout before bed.
Here is a summary of the Tyson 2.0 product review:
| Product Type | Product Name | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flower | Orange Sherb (OS) | Potent and flavorful, reminiscent of sherbet. | Enjoyable, classic sherbert flavor |
| Flower | Jealousy | Pungent aroma and effects. | Distinct Jealousy aroma |
| Flower | West Coast Gelato (WGC) | Sativa-like quality. | Sketchy trim, bouncy |
| Edible | Mike Bites | Diamond-shaped edibles, 10mg THC per piece. | Unique shape, effects can be strong; taste is not the best. |
| Other | Tyson 2.0 x Futurola Blunt Wraps | Terpene-infused, tobacco-free blunt wraps. | Premium tobacco wraps, Dominican origin |
| Concentrate | The Toad | Cross of Chemdawg OG x Girl Scout Cookies | High THC content, very potent |
The Final Verdict
Overall, Tyson 2.0 is an interesting brand with some decent products. The novelty of the Tyson Bites is fun, even if the taste leaves something to be desired. The flower I tried was enjoyable, proving that it's not just a celebrity name slapped on a label. And hey, I'm always down to try new cannabis products, celebrity-backed or not. One thing I've learned in this journey is the importance of good trimmers. The same strain can look completely different depending on who trimmed it.