Each year, more cannabis dispensaries open on Long Island due to the lessening stigma inherently attached to its product.
Modern society has traveled a far cry from the days of “Reefer Madness.” But impacted business proprietors within this niche industry say there are still plenty more hearts and minds to change.
Enter: Carmelo Anthony.
The former New York Knicks star and recent Hall of Fame inductee is the ultimate celebrity spokesperson vouching for the medicinal value of regulated marijuana use.
So much so, Strain Stars of Farmingdale–which first opened in 2023, making it Long Island’s inaugural dispensary post-cannabis legalization–is proud to welcome the perennial All-Star on Saturday, April 19th just ahead of his former team's playoff run.
He will be on-hand for 1-3 p.m. “meet and greets” at the location to promote his aptly-named brand and mantra,“STAYME70.”
“Melo” launched his cannabis line in collaboration with an Oregon-based cannabis grower. Now, he has traveled back to the complete opposite side of the country to satiate the indica or sativa-charged needs of a built-in customer base; and also illuminate the still-reluctant sector of his East Coast fan base who are asking: why this, and why now?
In a statement, Anthony said he is “excited to be launching the debut of STAYME7O in New York,” having also held a launch party on Monday at the Dazed Dispensary in Syracuse, a city that has the Orange alum to thank for supplying them their only college title.
"New York is home, and bringing this project to life here feels incredibly personal and full circle.”
A portion of the proceeds brought in by STAYME70 will benefit: (1) the Oregon-based “NuProfit,” which provides funding and coaching for diverse entrepreneurs pursuing legal cannabis commerce; and (2) the “Last Prisoner Project”—a Colorado-based non-profit devoted to criminal justice reform.
Professional athletes such as NFL wide receiver Josh Gordon never reached their full potential due to repeat suspensions for marijuana use, and the scarlet letter of insubordination this unduly invited his way.
Meanwhile, first-ballot HOFer Calvin “Megatron” Johnson–who played just eight seasons before retiring due to injury concerns—later confirmed THC use throughout his career as a means to treat concussion symptoms and additional injuries.
Just a few short years later, athletes are now empowered to openly educate and inform the masses without the gear that they will be any less of a role model for young athletes who look to pillars like them to set the tone.
In the age of “The Players Tribune,” the Derek Jeter-formed platform that removes the middle-men in player-fan relations by encouraging the former to pen personal letters to the latter, mental health awareness in a historically masculine arena has skyrocketed.
The consequence: this “4/20,” millennials or Gen-Zers who grew up watching power forces like Melo hoop won’t have to hide their affinity for a mightily decriminalized entity.
They don’t have to, because to know someone of his talent relies on a relaxing agent and sings its praises (so long as it is properly used and not abused), is to recognize they are not alone.
On the local front, said cannabis lovers will have the opportunity to thank Carmelo Anthony Saturday afternoon—a most happy, perhaps even too Happy Easter happenstance indeed.
“This isn't just about cannabis,” Anthony added. “It's about empowering our communities, uplifting underserved entrepreneurs, and creating meaningful opportunities that support and celebrate our culture."