There’s only a few things that make me want to ditch the comforts of the city life I’ve grown accustomed to for the harshness of the desert but cannabis and music are pretty much at the top of the list.
That’s why an email I received asking if I would like to attend the upcoming Kind music festival at Tyson Ranch in Desert Hot Springs seemed like the perfect opportunity to roll up some jazz cabbage, enjoy whatever music kids are listening these days, and hopefully get a chance to talk with the man behind it all, Mike Tyson.
Tyson Ranch is the future site of a 420-acre, entertainment complex, marijuana research facility, and campsite that looks to offer guests a luxury “glamp-ing” experience as well. To celebrate this milestone in Mr. Tyson’s already impressive resumé he decided to throw a one day, all-ages event where concert goers could smoke freely in a mini-festival environment.
So, with a bag of mary jane wafting from my backpack and the thirst for adventure in my heart I set off down the 91 freeway for what was sure to be a relaxing day of music and marijuana. The problem with plans is they usually change, and there’s little you can do about it. I’m not sure why I ended up at a checkpoint two miles from the actual festival but the police officers that made me get out of my Uber and walk the rest of the way obviously don’t read my articles. Because if they did they probably wouldn’t have been as mean when they informed me that the only vehicles allowed on that road were VIP. After chatting with them about the exact distance they were making me endure my ego kicked in and I realized that those turds didn’t know who they were messing with, I walk all the time. I thanked them and set off towards the ranch while they went back to protecting their precious road for rich people.
I arrived at the front gates and immediately got a stern lecture about the amount of herb I brought. Once I talked my way out of it and assured everyone that I wasn’t selling the cannabis it was just the normal amount I smoke I was ready to get my groove on. I watched a few of the opening acts from my seat in the chill zone: an area set up with dozens of specialty bean bags, and made friends with people using the universal language of “passing it to the left.”
After waiting what seemed like an eternity but in reality was only a couple hours I had a chance to sit down with Kid Dynamite himself, Mike Tyson for a quick talk about his plans for dominating the cannabis industry.
PotPlus: Hello Michael, I’d like to ask you first, what do you hope to achieve with this new venture?
Mike Tyson: To be the best cannabis company in the world. With all the problems going on right now with cannabis convictions and pharmaceutical companies giving everyone addicting drugs I think it’s really important to lead by example and show people that cannabis works.
When did you first use cannabis?
Well the first time was when I was a kid. My mother would give me it to make me go to sleep at night and I used it up until I was about 18 years old. I didn’t smoke from about ‘84 to 1997 and then after that I started using it again. I was going through a lot of things, I had psychological problems and I really didn’t know if I was going to make it. They gave me opioids that made me feel like a zombie and I gained weight. All of this lead me to become addicted to things like cocaine and alcohol which I eventually went to rehab in order to quit.
Since then I’ve become a vegan, I only use cannabis and CBD, my life has completely changed and I owe that to cannabis.
Do you hope to provide other states with legal cannabis under your brand?
Yes I do and we will! We are looking forward to being more involved in CBD and isolating all the healing properties that come with it. That’s the bulk of our funding right now and our main interest with our research facility.
What’s your favorite strain to smoke?
Sour Diesel. It’s the best sativa around and I love it.
After our allotted time was up and I was whisked away into a sea of people clamoring for a spot to see the man of the hour I realized something. Peering into Micheal’s eyes for those few minutes was the closest I’ve come to falling in love with a person I barely knew and I was sad to have to leave him so quickly. Long walks with no water, overzealous security, and ruining a pair of shoes aside, Michael knows how to throw a hell of a party. Next time you find yourself puffing on some Sour D, think about Iron Mike and I falling in love in the desert while Miguel sang in the background to a sold out crowd.
As for Tyson Ranch, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens when they unveil the finished product.
Jefferson Matthew VanBilliard is a leo that enjoys all things cannabis and is just trying his best. He let us know that although the desert will always be his home you can find him on Fourth St. in Santa Ana battle rapping teenagers or at the local high school where he coaches girls varsity volleyball without anyone’s permission.