Mike Tyson reveals plans to set up cannabis farm on Caribbean island to cater for pot-loving Brits

MIKE TYSON is taking his successful cannabis business to the Caribbean.

The boxing legend, 53, has landed a deal to help boost tourism in Antigua and Barbuda, where thousands of Brits go on holiday every year.

Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed Tyson wants to develop a cannabis farm alongside other projects including entertainment, leisure and accommodation.

The 53-year-old also plans to introduce a marijuana conference on the island – which is expected to take place in April 2020 and every year thereafter.

Speaking at a press conference, Browne said: “Their interest goes beyond marijuana 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 marijuana conference here in Antigua.

“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.”

One of Tyson’s colleagues who accompanied him on the long trip from The US said that Antigua was chosen as the spot for these endeavours because of it’s hospitality, beauty, location, and history.

In speaking about the benefits of instituting those projects on the twin-island, Tyson told local reporters that he believes that through this collaboration, Antigua and Barbuda would become a force to be reckoned with.

He declared: “Absolutely, 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.”

The boxer owns Tyson Holistic Holdings, which he created in 2016. It sells marijuana strains, edibles, and merchandise.

He broke into the marijuana trade when he opened his own cannabis ranch in California.

And the retired heavyweight has revealed he smokes around £33,000 of cannabis each month at his 40-acre complex.

After scouting out the possible opportunities in Antigua and Barbuda, a concrete plan will be established between Tyson and the government.

The country has still been feeling the devastation from Hurricanes Irma and Maria back in 2017, and has relied on money brought in from tourism to help rebuild the communities and support the citizens.

A tourism official in the island’s capital St John’s said: “We have a lot of tourist 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.”

“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.”