NBA legend Carmelo Anthony is set to make a significant impact in the cannabis industry with the launch of his new brand, STAYME7O, in New York. The highly anticipated event will take place at Strain Stars, Long Island’s first licensed recreational dispensary, on April 19, 2025, just a day before the national cannabis holiday known as 4/20.
Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star and recently inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, expressed his excitement about the launch. "New York is home, and bringing this project to life here feels incredibly personal and full circle," he said. The former New York Knicks star emphasized that this venture is not just about cannabis but also about empowering communities and uplifting underserved entrepreneurs.
STAYME7O (pronounced "Stay Melo") is a premium cannabis brand that offers curated flower featuring unique genetics, cultivated responsibly by Oregon-based grower LOWD. The brand’s name pays homage to Anthony’s iconic jersey number and his reputation for calm, poised leadership both on and off the court.
The launch of STAYME7O marks a significant milestone for Anthony, who has previously dabbled in entrepreneurship with ventures in wine and multimedia. The rollout of STAYME7O products to select retailers across New York is expected to begin in April 2025, following a successful debut in Oregon last year.
In addition to offering high-quality cannabis products, STAYME7O is committed to social equity. A portion of the proceeds will benefit NuProject, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting diverse entrepreneurs through funding, financial coaching, and networking resources. Furthermore, the brand will contribute to the Last Prisoner Project, which advocates for cannabis criminal justice reform.
Anthony stated, "It's essential we open doors and create meaningful opportunities for these communities." His commitment to social justice and economic empowerment is reflected in the partnerships he and his team are forming with minority-owned dispensaries and retailers during the New York rollout.
Jesce Horton, co-founder of Grand National and the Minority Cannabis Business Association, noted, "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." Grand National, the agency behind STAYME7O, was co-founded by Anthony, Horton, and Brandon Drew Jordan Pierce, also known as Beedy, to strategically support cannabis brands navigating the rapidly evolving industry.
The Farmingdale event on April 19 is free to attend for those aged 21 and older, allowing fans to meet Anthony and learn more about the STAYME7O brand. Strain Stars, located at 1815 Broadhollow Road, opened its doors in July 2023 and has quickly become a go-to destination for recreational cannabis on Long Island.
As the cannabis landscape continues to evolve, Anthony's entry into the market is seen as a significant step forward, not only for his career but also for the broader community. "This is just the beginning," he said, emphasizing the importance of starting in New York, where his journey began.
In addition to the upcoming launch event, Anthony recently visited Syracuse, New York, on April 14, 2025, to promote STAYME7O at the FlynnStoned Cannabis Company. He spent time engaging with fans and sharing his vision for the brand. Anthony is also set to return to Syracuse on May 11, 2025, to deliver the commencement address for the Syracuse University class of 2025, where his son, Kiyan Anthony, will be joining the men’s basketball team as part of the 2025 recruiting class.
With STAYME7O, Anthony aims to redefine the cannabis experience by merging premium products with a mission-driven approach. He and his partners at Grand National are committed to building a brand that not only delivers quality cannabis but also fosters a sense of community and empowerment. As the launch date approaches, excitement is building among fans and cannabis enthusiasts alike, eager to see how Anthony’s vision will unfold in the New York market.
