British tourists who descend upon the Caribbean twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda will soon have access to cannabis, thanks to global boxing champion Mike Tyson.  The 53-year-old, who claims that he consumes USD$38,000 worth of the green stuff on a monthly basis, already owns a 420-style ranch in California. 

As the owner of Tyson Holistic Holdings – a company founded in 2016 that specializes in cannabis strains, edibles and related merchandise – the boxer is no stranger to dabbling in cannabis deals. Now, according to a statement from Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Tyson has announced that he will launch a pot farm on the island nation, in addition to cannabis-themed accommodation, entertainment and leisure projects. 

“Their interest goes beyond [cannabis] products or hemp products. They are also looking at the whole area of entertainment and leisure and one of the most exciting projects that they will establish within the next nine months is the establishment of an annual [cannabis] conference here in Antigua,” Browne explained at a recent press conference. Tyson will also launch an annual cannabis conference that will commence in April of next year. 

“It will be like the Davos of cannabis; it will take place on an annual basis and will bring stakeholders from throughout the globe for that matter right here on Antigua to discuss various opportunities within the industry. So, we are very excited about that. They are also interested in establishing a hotel accommodation property and they will be looking at a number of sites to determine suitability,” Browne added.

Mike Tyson’s cannabis venture in Antigua and Barbuda: Twin island will become a force to be reckoned with

Tyson’s recent business trip to Antigua saw him accompanied by a colleague, who told reporters some information regarding his latest cannabis-related business endeavor. According to his colleague, the star of hit movie ‘The Hangover’ favors Antigua for its aesthetically pleasing environment, prime location, rich history and impeccable hospitality; something that entices millions of holidaymakers to the tropical region every year.

“I think that with your association with Tyson Ranch that it would be a far good conclusion that we accomplish that and make this a powerhouse. It will be good for the country and will bring in much-needed funds to help your economy,” Tyson explained to local reporters with confidence. He believes that, once everything has been set-up and is ready to go, Antigua and Barbuda could rival other places on the world map that have introduced cannabis tourism.

Mike Tyson’s cannabis venture in Antigua and Barbuda will help support island nation’s economy

The Caribbean is still recovering after it suffered from two natural disasters that occurred in 2017; Hurricanes Irma and Maria obliterated much of the nation. After Maria, Irma cost the Caribbean more money in repairs and restoration than any other Caribbean hurricane on record. 

Tyson hopes to contribute much-needed funds to Antigua and Barbuda, which endured US$136.1 million in physical asset damages as a result of both hurricanes. Once the former professional boxer has pondered over the prospective ways in which his cannabis expertise can aid the twin-island nation, he will establish a solid plan alongside the Caribbean government.

“We have a lot of tourists coming from Europe, especially the United Kingdom market and we think that is a wonderful idea which will help bring in more and more visitors to our island who will want to explore the cannabis farms,” said a tourism official in St John’s – the island’s capital – during a discussion with reporters. “Our tourism numbers are falling and anything we can do to promote and help bring in the tourists should be welcomed. We depend heavily on tourism which helps create employment for our people. We are grateful to Mike Tyson for coming to the rescue.”