Source: Courtesy of STAYME7O

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[PRESS RELEASE] – NEW YORK, April 14, 2025 — Carmelo Anthony, the 10-time NBA All-Star and recently selected first-ballot Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, announced today the highly anticipated launch of his cannabis brand, STAYME7O (pronounced “Stay Melo”), and cannabis-focused agency, Grand National, in New York. The rollout to select retailers across the state will begin in April 2025.

Anthony, whose storied basketball career includes seven memorable seasons with the New York Knicks, is now channeling his passion and entrepreneurial spirit into the cannabis industry, following the launch of his wine and multimedia companies. STAYME7O Cannabis, developed in partnership with renowned cannabis entrepreneur Jesce Horton and award-winning creative director Brandon Drew Jordan Pierce (“Beedy”), aims to elevate the cannabis experience through meticulously crafted products and a commitment to social equity.

“I’m excited to be launching the debut of STAYME7O in New York,” said Anthony. “New York is home, and bringing this project to life here feels incredibly personal and full circle. This isn’t just about cannabis—it’s about empowering our communities, uplifting underserved entrepreneurs, and creating meaningful opportunities that support and celebrate our culture.”

“Launching STAYME7O in New York alongside Carmelo exemplifies the type of projects Grand National is committed to—we build brands that authentically represent the culture and bring value and excitement to the market,” said Jesce Horton, co-founder of Grand National and co-founder of the Minority Cannabis Business Association.

Grand National, the agency behind STAYME7O, was co-founded by Anthony, Horton, and Pierce to strategically support cannabis brands and operators navigating today’s rapidly evolving industry. Leveraging deep expertise in engineering, plant science, elite marketing, film production, and global visibility, Grand National bridges the gap between innovation and execution. 

Anthony and his partners have prioritized collaboration with minority-owned businesses and dispensaries, underscoring their commitment to social justice and economic empowerment. STAYME7O will debut in New York following a successful rollout in Oregon last year.

A portion of STAYME7O’s proceeds will support NuProject, a nonprofit providing funding, financial coaching and network connections to help diverse entrepreneurs build generational wealth through the legal cannabis industry, and the Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit dedicated to cannabis criminal justice reform. Anthony emphasized, “It’s essential we open doors and create meaningful opportunities for these communities.”

With the New York launch, Anthony and his partners at Grand National and STAYME7O are poised to build upon their West Coast debut and redefine the cannabis landscape, combining premium products, powerful execution and a steadfast commitment to social equity.

About STAYME7O Cannabis

Founded by NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, STAYME7O Cannabis embodies a mindset of positivity, mindfulness, and community empowerment. Inspired by Anthony’s personal philosophy of staying grounded and present, STAYME7O offers carefully curated cannabis cultivars featuring unique genetics and responsibly grown flower by LOWD. Launched by Grand National—a cannabis-focused agency co-founded by Anthony, visionary cannabis leader Jesce Horton, and award-winning marketer Brandon Drew Jordan Pierce (Beedy)—STAYME7O is committed to reshaping the cannabis landscape through innovation, diversity, and inclusion. In partnership with NuProject, a nonprofit led by Jeanette Ward dedicated to supporting communities disproportionately harmed by cannabis criminalization, STAYME7O directs a portion of proceeds to uplift minority entrepreneurs and build generational wealth. The brand name, pronounced “Stay Melo,” playfully references Anthony’s iconic NBA jersey number and his enduring legacy of calm, focused leadership.

For more information please visit: https://www.stayme7ocannabis.com

About Grand National
Grand National is a one-of-a-kind agency committed to supporting the national growth of the most exciting brands in the cannabis industry led by visionary leader Jesce Horton, award-winning marketer Brandon Drew Jordan Pierce (p.k.a. Beedy), and NBA legend/entrepreneur Carmelo Anthony. Grand National represents the trio’s shared vision of empowerment and innovation, and aims to reshape the cannabis landscape while championing diversity and inclusion to propel community and culture forward.

For more information please visit: https://www.grandnationalagency.com