Changing Games: Carmelo Anthony Talks Grand National, Working With Black Growers, StayMe7o & NY
Whenever Carmelo Anthony stepped into a new arena as a player, people paid attention.
With his hooping days behind him, the NBA icon is stepping into a new arena: the cannabis space. Teaming up with cannabis trailblazer Jesce Horton and his company Grand National, Melo has officially launched his brand, Stayme7o, in New York, a place that is near to his heart.
And just like his game, the rollout is smooth, intentional, and built to leave a legacy.
For those who have followed Carmelo Anthony’s career, his entry into the cannabis industry may come as a surprise. However, for Melo, it’s less of a pivot and more of a progression.
“Entering the cannabis space felt like a natural move for me,” he shared with CashColorCannabis. “I’ve always aimed to stay true to myself, and that’s what StayMe7o represents.” With his latest venture, he’s not just adding his name to a label—he’s building a brand rooted in intention, culture, and community impact.
“Inspiration came from wanting to build something that resonates with people, helps them find their balance, and uplifts communities that have been overlooked for way too long,” he said. Melo’s vision goes beyond the product—it’s about storytelling and legacy.
Strong partnerships back that vision. StayMe7o is launching in collaboration with Jesce Horton, creative director Brandon Drew Jordan Pierce (aka Beedy), and their agency, Grand National. Together, they’ve tapped into trusted names like LOWD, Flowerhouse, and Holiday to bring high-quality flower and carefully curated genetics to market. “We’re very intentional about StayMe7o’s quality,” said Melo. “These were all very thought-out ideas to make this a unique and memorable experience for our consumers.”
Launching StayMe7o in New York isn’t just a smart strategy—it’s symbolic. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Red Hook, Carmelo understands the pulse of New York. For him, this debut is personal. It’s a full-circle moment that ties his roots, platform, and purpose together in a way few athletes have ever done.
“This city will always be a huge part of my life. Bringing StayMe7o here is about creating opportunities, empowering communities, and celebrating what makes this city so special.”
And while the New York market is still finding its footing, Melo sees potential in its diversity and energy. “We’re seeing more people embrace cannabis as a part of their lifestyle,” he said. “We’ll work to do our part to make the market more diverse and inclusive.”
That commitment starts with who he chose to build with. StayMe7o is the first celebrity-backed brand launched through Grand National—a Black-owned cannabis agency designed to bridge the cultural gap in cannabis with intentionality. “I teamed up with Jesce Horton and Beedy because we all have the same vision of what we want out of this,” Carmelo said. “We’re collaborating with minority-owned businesses and dispensaries across New York to make sure this launch reflects exactly what we want it to. It’s all about trust and commitment to making a real and lasting impact.”
Even though he’s no longer in the NBA, shooting his shot in cannabis is a game-changer.
