In the dynamic world of athletics, cannabis is emerging as a significant player in the realm of health and wellness. Carmelo Anthony, a renowned NBA star, has embarked on a groundbreaking business endeavour, capitalizing on the intersection of sports, cannabis, and community empowerment launching Stay Me7o.
With an illustrious career spanning 19 seasons, including stints with the LA Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and Trail Blazers, the 10-time NBA All-Star now plants his flag in the cannabis landscape, starting with the shelves in Oregon.
The launch of StayMe7o Cannabis, pronounced Stay Melo, is a testament to the collaborative effort of Grand National, a pioneering cannabis-centric agency. This venture is a result of the partnership between Lowd Cannabis’ CEO and Founder Jesce Horton, Chief Creative Director Brandon Drew Jordan Pierce, known as ‘Beedy,’ and Anthony. Grand National is set to revolutionize brand development, expansion, strategy, and marketing endeavours within the cannabis realm.
For the basketball phenom and philanthropist, cannabis isn’t just a business venture; it’s a personal journey rooted in recovery and wellness.
“I was always into the benefits and the science and education of cannabis” -C Anthony, Forbes
Reflecting on his athletic career, Anthony recounts turning to cannabis-derived remedies like tinctures, CBD, and topicals in pursuit of the ideal solution for healing, underscoring the pivotal role of cannabis in sports recovery and performance optimization.
“As I started getting out of the NBA, I started studying and realized how important it is to understand all of the cannabinoids in the plant, as well. What is the cannabinoid, how does it affect the body? I dove into ways we could create this flower, let’s create seeds that are really effective. We can test these seeds out as well. Starting in Portland, we can talk directly to the consumer to the community, they respect us.” -C Anthony, Forbes
Behind Anthony’s venture lies genuine top-shelf quality weed, courtesy of Horton, a prominent figure in the cannabis industry. Based in Portland, Oregon, Horton is not only a cultivator but also a vocal advocate for black entrepreneurs, spearheading the Minority Cannabis Business Association. Anthony’s cannabis brand, StayMe7o, is set to debut at two Native-owned and Black-owned dispensaries in Oregon: Natural Wonders and Green Muse. This strategic move underscores Anthony and Horton’s commitment to elevating minority-owned cannabis businesses nationwide, addressing the industry’s disproportionate ownership landscape.
Moreover, StayMe7o has partnered with NuProject, a nonprofit organization founded by Jeanette Ward, dedicated to supporting communities affected by the War on Drugs. A portion of StayMe7o’s proceeds will contribute to NuProject’s initiatives, aligning with Anthony’s fervent belief in uplifting black entrepreneurs in the cannabis space.
Anthony’s passion extends beyond business; he envisions a shift in attitudes within the NBA and the sports world towards cannabis and cannabinoids as essential tools for recovery. His advocacy aims to dismantle the stigma and pave the way for athletes to embrace its potential benefits openly. With Anthony’s venture leading the charge, the journey toward normalizing cannabis and championing minority representation in the industry promises to be both enlightening and transformative.
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