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License Number: CAURD-2024-000135

Author: Jariah Russell

Carmelo Anthony & StayME7O: Black History Month with HURU

Written by Jariah Russell on . Posted in Cannabis Education, Community.

For the final week of our Black History Month spotlight, we proudly recognize the legendary Carmelo Anthony. For his elite, culture-shifting performance as a professional basketball player and his newfound role in the cannabis industry.

Anthony was born in Brooklyn, NY, moving to Baltimore, MD around age eight, where he began his phenomenal basketball journey. He attended Towson Catholic High School for his first three years before transferring to the renowned Oak Hill Academy. He dominated at the high school level, earning national attention and leading to his commitment to Syracuse University. He led the program to its first NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.

After one season at Syracuse, Anthony declared for the 2003 NBA Draft and was selected 3rd overall by the Denver Nuggets. He spent eight career defining seasons with Denver before being traded to the New York Knicks, where he played for another seven memorable seasons. He continued his career with several NBA teams before his heartfelt retirement in 2023.

Throughout his NBA career he became a 3-time Olympic gold medalist, 10-time NBA All-Star, the 2013 NBA scoring champion, and a 6-time All-NBA team member. In 2025, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying him as one of the game’s all-time greats. 

After retiring from the NBA, Anthony expanded his influence into the cannabis industry. He launched his brand STAYME7O™ more than cannabis; it’s a mindset. Rooted in Carmelo Anthony’s vision of balance, performance, and presence, STAYME7O™ celebrates the cultivars we love as tools for living better, moving with intention, and finding our flow. 

Originating in Oregon in April 2024, the brand branched to New York by April 2025. STAYME7O™ offers flower, vapes and pre-rolls, centered around its “TRIPLE THREAT OF EFFECTS” concept: a sativa to “rev,” a hybrid to “recover,” and an indica to “rest.”

Each product is personally curated by Carmelo Anthony himself, with the intention of sharing his unique smoking experience with consumers. Be sure to check out STAYME7O products as they are available for purchase at Hold Up Roll Up!

We honor Carmelo Anthony and his contributions to Black history, our history.

Shop STAYME7O at Hold Up Roll Up: https://holduprollup.com/menu/brands/stay-melo-510712

About Hold Up Roll Up

At Hold Up Roll Up, our commitment to holistic education drives our mission. We empower our community with knowledge, transforming the cannabis narrative and enabling responsible choices. Beyond being a dispensary, we provide a supportive space for community members to connect, uplift one another, and create a legacy of positive change.

Louis Armstrong: A Voice for Culture & Cannabis Reform

Written by Jariah Russell on . Posted in Cannabis Education, Community.

This week, for our Black History Month Highlight, we’re taking it back and recognizing the great Louis Armstrong – not only for his exceptional musical talent, but also for his outspoken support of legalizing marijuana and its many benefits. 

Louis Armstrong, also known as “Satchmo”, or “Pops”, was born August 1901 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He gained recognition in the 1920s through his outstanding trumpet playing and scat singing, which paired perfectly with his unmistakable raspy voice. His work was deemed revolutionary, as it helped transform American jazz music through the Civil Rights era and beyond. Two of his most notable songs are, “What a Wonderful World,” and “La Vie en Rose”. 

Armstrong was also nicknamed “King of the Vipers”- the term “viper” describing an individual who smoked marijuana. He was a strong advocate for the use of cannabis and educated on its stress-relieving properties. Armstrong began smoking marijuana in the late 1920’s, before it was criminalized in 1937. This came as a shock to many, as the plant was always viewed medicinally. 

Before it was criminalized, Armstrong would openly smoke marijuana during his studio sessions and shows. He gave ode to cannabis in pieces such “Muggles,” and “Song of the Vipers”.

After its criminalization, he often criticized lawmakers for their decision and constantly highlighted the plants’ benefits, including pain relief, muscle relaxation, stress and anxiety relief, and enhanced creativity. 

Today, we have Louis Armstrong and other artists and musicians of the early 1900’s such as Fats Waller, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Baise, to thank for their efforts to reform the public view of cannabis, leading us to reopen the doors of the cannabis industry that were once closed.  

About Hold Up Roll Up

At Hold Up Roll Up, our commitment to holistic education drives our mission. We empower our community with knowledge, transforming the cannabis narrative and enabling responsible choices. Beyond being a dispensary, we provide a supportive space for community members to connect, uplift one another, and create a legacy of positive change.

Black History Month: Celebrating Wallace Turner Law

Written by Jariah Russell on . Posted in Community.

This week, during our Black History Month spotlight, we are honored to recognize the outstanding women of Wallace Turner Law. 

Kimberley F. Wallace, Esq. and Raysheea T. Turner, Esq. founded Wallace Turner Law in February 2020. The firm specializes in real estate, business law, general counsel services, mergers and acquisitions, and personal injury, proudly serving New York’s Capital Region.

Turner and Wallace first met at the Renaissance Albany Hotel in 2019, where through conversation, they quickly discovered they shared more than a passion for law. Both were assistant public defenders and alumni of Russell Sage College in Troy and Albany, NY.

They learned they each had a broader vision than their current roles – a desire to serve the people of their community, while also becoming more accessible to those who need them. Thus, the idea of Wallace Turner Law was born, beginning their services in 2020.

Their firm recently moved into a new office located in Albany, which was the former home of Peter Pryor, a remarkable Black civil rights attorney who served Albany during the Civil Rights era.

Clients and community members consistently recognize the team’s professionalism, efficiency, passion, and positive attitude. We at Hold Up Roll Up would like to thank Wallace Turner Law for all they have done- and continue to do for the Capital Region. 

Learn more about Wallace Turner Law here: https://www.wallaceturnerlaw.com/

About Hold Up Roll Up

At Hold Up Roll Up, our commitment to holistic education drives our mission. We empower our community with knowledge, transforming the cannabis narrative and enabling responsible choices. Beyond being a dispensary, we provide a supportive space for community members to connect, uplift one another, and create a legacy of positive change.

Rooted in Albany: Celebrating BHM with Mayor Dorcey Applyrs

Written by Jariah Russell on . Posted in Community.

This Black History Month, Hold Up Roll Up would like to take the time to recognize an influential Black figure of Albany, NY each week. This week we would like to highlight Albany’s first black mayor, Dorcey Applyrs.

Applyrs earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Delaware State University before moving to Albany, NY, where she went on to earn both her Master and Doctor of Public Health from the University at Albany. It was during this time that her interest in public service took shape through her involvement with the Center for Women in Government at UAlbany, helping her recognize her potential impact in the political arena.

Her political career began with her election to Albany’s Common Council, representing the City’s First Ward, in 2013. Re-elected in 2017, she later served as Chair of the Public Safety Committee, where she championed key legislation, including making Albany’s city parks tobacco-free.

In 2020, she was appointed Albany’s City Auditor. She went on to make history with a landslide victory in the November 4, 2025 mayoral election, earning 86% of the vote and becoming Albany’s first Black mayor.

Applyrs is deeply committed to improving Albany’s public health and safety, ensuring city funds are used efficiently and equitably, and advancing economic inclusion to meet the needs of all Albany residents. She consistently highlights the city’s diversity, vibrancy, strong sense of community, deep-rooted history, and the limitless potential of what Albany can become.

Hold Up Roll Up congratulates Mayor Dorcey Applyrs for all her outstanding achievements and looks forward to her leadership in building a brighter, stronger Albany! 

Visit the website of the Mayor’s office here: https://www.albanyny.gov/214/Mayors-Office

About Hold Up Roll Up

At Hold Up Roll Up, our commitment to holistic education drives our mission. We empower our community with knowledge, transforming the cannabis narrative and enabling responsible choices. Beyond being a dispensary, we provide a supportive space for community members to connect, uplift one another, and create a legacy of positive change.

Elevating Wellness at Hold Up Roll Up’s December Yoga Pop-Up

Written by Jariah Russell on . Posted in Community, Holistic Wellness.

On Friday, December 19, Hold Up Roll Up hosted its second Yoga Pop-Up class held inside the dispensary from 8:00–9:00 a.m. We partnered with The Hot Yoga Spot of Albany, NY, and instructor Kendra, who led the class with poise and grace. She thoughtfully guided participants through each movement, using intentional language to ground both body and mind. Throughout the session, Kendra remained highly attentive, moving through the room to assist with stretches and reminding participants to thank their bodies for all they do.

The event was sponsored by Papa & Barkley, based in California, and Eaton Botanicals of Eaton, NY. Both brands utilize THC and minor cannabinoids such as CBD, CBC, and CBG to promote relaxation and overall wellness. Papa & Barkley specializes in topicals and balms applied directly to targeted areas, while Eaton Botanicals offers a selection of edible and pre-rolled products. Their effect-based gummies also feature a blend of adaptogenic mushrooms, supplements, and herbs.

At the conclusion of the event, participants received a take-home gift featuring products from both brands, all of which are available for purchase at Hold Up Roll Up!

Catering was provided by Bare Blend, featuring their Ginger Zing and Ocean Breeze fresh-pressed juices, alongside their OG Mini Waffles. Following the class, participants were invited to enjoy a massage in our VIP room from the incredible Cordelia Jones of Albany, NY, using Papa & Barkley balms.

Collectively, the experience created a soothing, mind-freeing environment that allowed participants to fully de-stress, connect, and recover. Thank you to our partners, participants, and staff who came together to make this event a success.

Hold Up Roll Up’s 2nd Annual Turkey Drive

Written by Jariah Russell on . Posted in Community.

On Sunday, November 23rd, 2025, Hold Up Roll Up had the pleasure of hosting our 2nd Annual Turkey Drive. Over 100 turkeys, along with the non-perishable items and canned goods donated by our customers and staff during our November food drive were given out to the community outside of the dispensary between 12pm-3pm. We welcomed nearly 100 community members, each receiving a frozen turkey and a selection of non-perishables to bring home to their loved ones this holiday season.

At the time of the drive, Channel 13 News arrived, recognizing Hold Up Roll Up’s community efforts. We were featured on their, “The Greater Good” segment that aired at 6:30pm that evening. When reporters asked about our reason for giving back, our team members shared that following the recent government shutdown and SNAP closures – as a company deeply rooted and supported by the residents of Albany, NY – we must do our part and give to those of the city in need this Thanksgiving.

It is important that we uphold our mission statement, “Rooted in Community, Built on Legacy,” and sow into those who help our business run and operate every day. The impact of the recent SNAP closures was evident as the participants of the drive were heavily moved, and thankful of Hold Up Roll Up’s efforts to reach those looking at an unplentiful Thanksgiving.

We would like to thank everyone who assisted in spreading the word to make this year’s Turkey drive a success. Compared to last year’s drive, we distributed the same number of turkeys in a significantly less time. We’re committed to continuing events like this to show our appreciation for Albany and its residents, and to give back to the community that Hold Up Roll Up proudly calls home.