Carmelo Anthony is making a big splash in the cannabis industry, adding to his growing list of off-court ventures. Following his success in the wine business, the NBA star is now turning heads as a major player in the cannabis world.

This year, Anthony has been named the headline speaker for MJBizCon 2024, one of the largest business-to-business cannabis conferences, scheduled for December 4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Known for his leadership and business acumen, Anthony will share his insights and experiences from his cannabis ventures.

One of Anthony‘s key projects is Grand National, a cannabis-focused agency he co-founded with industry experts such as Jesse Horton, CEO of Lowd Cannabis and Brandon Drew Jordan Pierce.

What is Grand National?

Grand National is dedicated to supporting cannabis companies that emphasize culture, community, and quality cultivation. Anthony‘s agency is also the launching platform for his personal cannabis brand, STAYME7O Canna-s, marking his official entry into the $42.98 billion industry.

Before stepping into the cannabis space, Anthony took a thoughtful approach, studying the industry in-depth to ensure he was well-prepared.

Dedication to making a meaningful impact

His commitment to understanding the business has paid off, with STAYME7O Canna-s not only gaining traction but also giving back to the community. In partnership with NuProject, half of the brand’s profits will go to nonprofit organizations, demonstrating Anthony‘s dedication to making a meaningful impact.

“Over the years, I was studying it, paying attention to the industry, seeing where it was going, the trajectory, taking in the feedback,” he said.

“Given all the research, why not do it? Talk about the benefits of cannabis, what to consume, how to consume.”

This isn’t Anthony‘s first business venture. In 2022, he launched The Seventh Estate, a wine brand, after realizing his personal spending on wine had become substantial.