Former NBA player Al Harrington wants to get in on the marijuana industry. And it all started, surprisingly, with his grandma.
“She suffered from glaucoma and diabetes...I was reading about all the medicinal benefits of cannabis, and I said that she should try it,” Harrington told Cheddar.
Initially his grandmother resisted, but after her very first try she was already feeling a lot better. “She inspired me to invest in a company to get into the cannabis space.”
Later this year, Harrington will release his own line of marijuana products aimed at pain relief for athletes, one he created by drawing on his own experiences. He had 14 surgeries throughout his career and told Cheddar that he suffered from chronic pain.
In the next three to five years, the NBA may even remove marijuana from its list of banned substances for players, starting with CBD products, says Harrington.
“Players should have access to...an alternative way of medicating themselves.”
“I’m a firm believer that if I had known this information that I know now, I probably could have played another three years in the NBA,” says Harrington.
Harrington spent 16 years in the league, most recently with the Washington Wizards, before retiring from the Sydney Kings in 2015.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/how-former-nba-star-al-harrington-is-capitalizing-on-cannabis).
In stories sure to move markets next week, investors will be served another full plate of earnings, the July jobs report comes out, and the Summer Olympics continue in Tokyo.
Cleveland’s Major League Baseball team finally has a new moniker, the Guardians. Formerly known as the Indians, the organization made a change to the team name after years of public scrutiny and claims of appropriation of Native American culture. Cheddar’s Hena Doba and Baker Machado provide some additional details into the name change.
Here are your Need2Know stories for Tuesday June 7, 2022:
Today, voters head to the polls for primary elections in California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota.
Senator Joe Manchin said he would support raising age requirements for gun purchases to 21. Manchin told CNN he also "wouldn't have a problem looking at" a ban on AR-15 assault rifles.
Meanwhile, five players on the Tampa Bay Rays roster opted not to wear a patch added to its uniforms intended to celebrate pride month.
Shaheen Holloway, fresh off leading Saint Peter's on an improbable Elite Eight run, says on Closing Bell that he is looking to take his alma mater Seton Hall to new heights this coming season as head coach. Holloway also provides his insight on the NIL era in college athletics - while he's happy for the players, he also considers the current system 'scary' because more rules and regulations need to be in place.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is partnering with eye-drop brand Pataday to help those struggling with allergies — such as himself. The Super Bowl LVI MVPjoined Cheddar News to discuss his own struggle with seasonal allergies. “It's right when football's starting back up, I feel like I get so excited to finally be back playing the game, and then, you know, spring comes around and completely knocks me out," he said.
