From the courts of Red Hook to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, Carmelo Anthony has been a symbol of focus, grace under pressure, and self-assurance—a steady presence through a career worth of chaotic games.
Now, the Hall of Fame forward is channeling that same presence into the cannabis arena. With the launch of STAYME7O in New York and the Grand National agency alongside partners Jesce Horton and Brandon “Beedy” Pierce, Anthony is helping reshape the industry. According to Anthony, STAYME7O is a philosophy in flower form, built on balance, authenticity, and community uplift. From cultivar selection to social equity partnerships, Melo’s vision is deeply rooted in purpose.
And for a man who made his name by staying calm and hitting his shot, it’s only fitting that his next chapter is about helping others stay mellow—and build something louder than hype.
Cannabis & Tech Today: “Stay Melo” has long been your personal mantra. How did that mindset shape the ethos of STAYME7O Cannabis?
Carmelo Anthony: Stay Melo is a mindset, my philosophy. It’s how I stay true to myself no matter the noise. That’s the heart of STAYME7O. It’s about finding balance and positivity through cannabis. We crafted this brand to deliver that vibe, while also making premium products that help you stay grounded and uplift our communities.
C&T Today: From Madison Square Garden to Oregon to New York dispensaries—what does it mean to bring this brand to life in the same state where you made NBA history?
CA: New York is home. It was where I was born and I spent years of my career here, now with STAYME7O I wanted to give something new to this city. Bringing this brand here feels full circle – honoring the culture that raised me.
C&T Today: You’ve entered wine, media, and now cannabis—what drew you specifically to the cannabis space, and why now?
CA: Cannabis was a natural space for me to step into. I’ve seen firsthand the benefits it can offer from sleep, recovering, healing, and overall wellness. The stigma’s fading, and New York’s market is opening up, so timing couldn’t be better. I wanted to do my part in shaping this industry the right way, focusing on quality, culture, and equity. It’s the perfect time to make a real impact.
C&T Today: You’ve partnered with Jesce Horton and Brandon Pierce to launch Grand National. What strengths do each of you bring to the table, and how does that shape the agency’s impact?
CA: I teamed up with Jesce and Brandon to create the Grand National agency because we all bring our individualized expertise. Jesce brings his experience as a cannabis entrepreneur. He has great knowledge of the plant and this industry. Brandon is a creative genius—his work as a creative director shapes how we tell our story and connect with the culture. I bring my own entrepreneurial expertise, the platform, and vision.
C&T Today: STAYME7O is also a vehicle for social equity. Why was it essential for you to include partnerships with organizations like NuProject and the Last Prisoner Project?
CA: As an Afro-Latino with my platform, I know the doors I hold open when it comes to social equity in this industry. Cannabis laws impacted our Black and Brown communities for years. By partnering with NuProject and Last Prisons Projects, it’s more than business. We are creating real opportunities and making sure our communities have a seat at the table.
C&T Today: The flower is cultivated by LOWD in Oregon and Flowerhouse in New York. How involved were you in curating the genetics and selecting the cultivars?
CA: I’m deep in the process. I wanted to be boots on the ground for every step. I was hands-on with LOWD and Flowerhouse, testing and picking genetics that hit right. In New York, I chose Pressure Pack, Hall of Flame, and Garden Grape because they deliver specific results—energy, balance, calm. I wanted every cultivar to feel like it had my personal touch.
C&T Today: Grand National promises to “authentically represent the culture.” What does that look like in practical terms for marketing, partnerships, and product development?
CA: I didn’t just want to stamp my name onto a product. We wanted to create something of substance. With Jesce and Beedy, we’re building an agency that empowers cannabis brands with authenticity, quality, and equity at the core. My role is driving the vision and creating opportunities for communities left out of this industry. With Grand National, we’re aiming to be the go-to for brands that want to tell bold stories and create elevated content that actually means something, both in marketing and product development.
C&T Today: What’s one lesson from your NBA career that you’ve carried into your work as a cannabis entrepreneur and brand founder?
CA: Discipline. The NBA taught me you don’t win without putting in the work every day. I bring that to STAYME7O—whether it’s curating strains or pushing for equity, I’m all in. You have to stay focused and keep grinding to build something that lasts.
C&T Today: Looking ahead, how do you envision STAYME7O and Grand National reshaping the cannabis industry—both culturally and commercially—in the next five years?
CA: I see STAYME7O setting the standard for premium, purpose-driven cannabis, products that stand out, and a brand that uplifts. Grand National will keep building brands that put culture and equity first. We’ll continue to make the industry more inclusive, more authentic, and a true reflection of the people it serves.
