These former NBA players are meeting up once more, but this time it’s bigger than just hoops!

Larry Hughes and Al Harrington will work together to continue to expand Harrington’s cannabis business in St. Louis.

Previously Harrington announced that the two will work together on his Viola brand when he opens a cultivation and processing center along with two cannabis dispensaries early next year, according to Black Enterprise.

The new venture is a partnership with Harrington and his cannabis company, Village Brands, and will be called Viola Missouri (VMO).

“I am honored to bring VMO to life in St. Louis. Over the course of my career in the NBA, and since my retirement, I have focused my energy and resources on being a positive influence in this community,” said Hughes in a written statement. “I have championed efforts to break the stigma around mental health and spent a great deal of time helping to develop this city’s young leaders. VMO will serve the medical needs of our community, particularly those suffering with physically and mentally debilitating conditions, including PTSD. I see this next journey as a continuation of the work that we have already done and believe VMO will soon be a model business in our community.”

Missouri currently serves almost 100,000 patients across the state through their recently developed, well-regulated, and patient-oriented medical program.

“As the largest Black-led and owned multi-state cannabis operator in the United States, Viola has experienced great success leading with purpose every step of the way,” Harrington said. “ I have experienced firsthand the benefits of cannabis on improving the lives of many suffering from a multitude of ailments beginning with my grandmother, Viola. VMO is an exciting new opportunity that will allow us to serve a community that just recently was granted access to medical cannabis and one of which is still actively working to combat the stigma associated with cannabis use.”

VMO’s flagship dispensary will be located directly across the street from the forthcoming Major League Soccer stadium at 2001 Olive Street. The second dispensary is set to be located at 3420 Iowa Street.

Both dispensaries are scheduled to be up and ready April of 2021.

Larry Hughes

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