Mike Tyson is starting the New Year with green on his mind, because he's leading the charge on a cannabis resort that aims at not only producing high quality strains of THC and CBD, but also implementing cutting-edge technology to advance the research on the health benefits of marijuana.

On December 20, the former Heavyweight Champ broke ground on a 40-acre plot of land in California City, a remote desert about 60 miles southwest of Death Valley National Park. He was joined by business partners Robert Hickman, Jay Strommen and also city mayor Jennifer Wood.

Hickman tells The Blast that the "Undeveloped lands are primed to be cultivated" and Tyson Ranch will be an oasis in the desert.

California City is expecting a big boom in cannabis production and development as the "Green Rush" hits California now that marijuana is officially legal as of midnight.

We're told Tyson Ranch will be dedicating 20 acres of their land for cultivation facilities that "will allow master growers to have maximum control of their environment." There will also be a Tyson Cultivation School to teach growers the latest and greatest ways to perfect their own strains.

Along with growing high-grade cannabis, Tyson Ranch will feature:

Hydro-feed plant and supply store

Extraction facility

Edible factory

Premium "glamping" campgrounds and cabins

Amphitheater



The Blast

Tyson has been a longtime believer in the healing properties of marijuana, and his ranch will work to improve the medical research and treatment of the plant. CBD -- a cannabis compound with no psychoactive properties -- has been proven as an anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant and antipsychotic agent. It has been used to treat PTSD, as well.

We're told the company that operates the ranch, Tyson Holistic, is comprised mainly of veterans, and says taking care of men and women who have served in the armed forces is a top priority. The ranch is located near Edwards Air Force Base and aims at creating lots of jobs, as well as connect with and give back to the community. The mayor describes the business venture as a "rebirth" for the entire city.

Tyson has already started locking up branding for his new venture, "Iron Mike Genetics" was just trademarked for use on the ranch as well.

We will keep you updated as an official grand opening for Tyson Ranch is set -- something tells us this project will be a big, big hit.



The Blast