5 NBA players who own marijuana brands feat. Chris Webber's $175 million venture
The perception of cannabis in sports and society has shifted dramatically over the years. Once seen as a drug that could lead to suspensions, it has now become a widely-accepted and openly-discussed recreational substance among athletes, including in the NBA.
In the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement with the National Basketball Players Association, cannabis has been removed from the list of banned substances, allowing players to use it freely.
Since the 2019-20 season, NBA players have not been subjected to random drug tests for cannabis use.
In addition to using cannabis, some players have ventured into the business side of the industry by launching their own cannabis brands. Here are some of them.
5 NBA players with marijuana businesses
#1. Carmelo Anthony
On “4/20” this year, Carmelo Anthony introduced his cannabis brand and agency called "StayMe70."
In an interview with Forbes, Anthony shared that he has long been interested in cannabis.
“I was always into the benefits and the science and education of cannabis,” Anthony said.. “Over the years, I was studying it, paying attention to the industry, seeing where it was going, the trajectory, taking in the feedback.”
“Given all the research, why not do it? Talk about the benefits of cannabis, what to consume, how to consume.”
#2. Chris Webber
In 2021, Chris Webber co-founded a premium cannabis brand, “Players Only,” partnering with hip-hop artists like Quavo and Royce Da 5’9. He named his former teammate, Matt Barnes, as chief collaborations officer.
As of 2023, the $175 million marijuana development project was still incomplete, with the prices of marijuana dropping significantly.
#3. Al Harrington
Al Harrington owns Viola, a cannabis company that operates in California, Oregon, Michigan and Colorado.
In 2021, NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson joined forces with Viola, leading to the launch of the “Iverson Collection” of cannabis products.
In total, Viola raised $34 million and was valued at over $100 million according to Forbes in 2022.
#4. Gary Payton
Gary Payton launched CannaSports in 2019, a cannabis brand inspired by the idea of helping his mother feel better with medical marijuana. A weed strain developed by Powerzzzup Genetics was later named after him, and most recently, he partnered with Green Label Rx to bring the cannabis-infused wellness brand, Greater Purpose, to the market.
#5. Ben Wallace
Detroit Pistons legend Ben Wallace introduced Undrafted, his cannabis product line, on April 1, 2022.
The brand, a tribute to Wallace being the only undrafted player inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame, is a collaboration with Rair, a cannabis company based in Jackson, Michigan.