Chris Webber launches new varieties with “Players Only”.

NBA Hall of Famer Chris Webber announced the launch of his Players Only cannabis brand with business partner Lavetta Willis – and he brings with him several familiar faces including Quavo, Raekwon, Royce da 5’9″, Matt Barnes and Jason Williams.

The new all-star brand was first announced on August 11th. Players Only will offer a range of strains, cannabis oil cartridges, pre-rolls, vapes, and recreational and performance sports products. Players Only will also launch branded clothing and footwear.

Last March, TerrAscend secured exclusive retail rights to Players Only products in Michigan through its acquisition of Gage Growth Corp, paving the way for the brand’s descent.

“Players Only is more than a cannabis brand — it’s a lifestyle brand,” Webber said. “We truly have a unique opportunity to change the cannabis narrative, empower emerging entrepreneurs and set a new standard in this growing industry. We are excited to bring our diverse offerings to market and begin the process of creating meaningful economic change in communities across Michigan. Call TerrAscend and Gage – our Michigan family. All the best Cookies and Berner, let’s go!”

In October of last year, Webber unveiled a cannabis facility in Detroit complete with a cultivation facility, dispensary and lounge for personal use. The 180,000 square foot gamblers-only facility was named the Webber Wellness Compound.

The first varieties to hit the market include C4, Time Out and GOAT’s Milk, as well as Non-Laters and Whipped Cherries. Later, the brand will launch more flavors within a few weeks, including Blueberry Hotcakes and Ray Jackson’s Black Sox. While C4 can exude a hashy Afghani appeal, GOAT’s Milk leans more toward sativa, according to reviewers, with a balanced amount of THC and CBD. Pounded cherries, on the other hand, taste just as you would expect.

“We have a long history of working with established producers and operators who are trying to establish their place in the regulated marketplace,” said Lavetta Willis, Co-Founder and President of Players Only. “The ability to bring heritage flavors and expertise into the Players Only platform and menu supports our goal of empowering Black entrepreneurs who have been building brands and intellectual property for decades.”

The brand also announced a partnership with Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon to launch Compliments of the Chef and its partnership with Citizen Grown. Another collaboration involves Hassim Robinson and Winner’s Circle Genetics to bring Quavo’s PB&J strain and BIRKINZ to the Michigan cannabis market. Detroit’s legacy brand “Lil Stupid” will also debut in the adult market, while Detroit’s own Royce da 5’9″ will launch its “Heaven” brand as part of an NFT. Webber’s former Sacramento Kings teammate Jason Williams will also unveil the White Chocolate strain.

Webber recently named Matt Barnes, former NBA star and teammate, as chief collaborations officer while launching The Smoke with partner and co-host Stephen Jackson. The offer’s name is a nod to Barnes and Jackson’s award-winning SHOWTIME series, All The Smoke.

The All the Smoke podcast “features the brazen and uncompromising NBA champions, delivering an authentic, unfiltered perspective on the most divisive issues in and around the game of basketball, including culture, social justice, politics, music and more.”

Episodes of “All the Smoke” appear every Thursday.

The brand’s launch begins with a limited edition brand collaboration with the Players Only x Packwoods 2.5g Blunt, which will be available in select stores. Find out more on the Players Only website.