Teaming up to win championships has become a common occurrence in the NBA. And that has extended to off-the-court partnerships as well. It’s not uncommon for NBA players to collaborate with each other outside of basketball. NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson is leading one such association. The Answer is as much a cultural icon as he is an NBA star. One of the topics he’s known to push for is plant medicine. That has led him to form a partnership with a company in this business, and the brand is also affiliated with another NBA pro.

AI was never on the same team as Al Harrington when they were both NBA players. But they share mutual interests which led them to partner in a business venture after hanging up their boots. They’re now about to expand their business with a new launch.

Allen Iverson to launch new line under Al Harrington’s company

Al Harrington, who played in the NBA from 1998 to 2014, is a longtime proponent of the medicinal benefits of cannabis. He founded a company, Viola, to push this purpose within a community of like-minded people. In 2021, Viola added a new asset to their growth plan. Allen Iverson also advocates on the same subject. Both claim to look for ways to destigmatize plant medicine.

Harrington invited AI for a collaboration and, in 2021, the 11x All-Star joined Viola as its talent partner. Iverson is involved in business operations and dropping new product lines. They hoped to bring his cultural influence into their brand-building, which has seen some degree of success.

After an ambitious launch in 2021, the duo dropped a new line in 2022 in limited locations. They’re now expanding Viola further in 2023 in Iverson’s former stomping grounds this fall. According to Phillyvoice, Viola’s Iverson line will be sold in Pennsylvania, the place that turned ‘The Answer‘ into an NBA star.

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Launching his new business venture in Pennsylvania holds significance for Iverson. Even the names are a nod to his career. His first strain with Viola was named the Iverson ’96 to commemorate the year the Sixers drafted him first overall. Iverson ’01 commemorates his MVP title in 2001.

The Answer became an icon in Philly

The Philadelphia 76ers selected Iverson in the 1996 draft and he played his first ten seasons with them. While with the Sixers, he was named MVP and made his most All-Star selections. The franchise also retired his No. 3 jersey.

The new Iverson ’01 strain will launch on September 2 in Pennsylvania dispensaries. Customers can purchase it with legal medical cannabis cards. To make the launch extra special, Iverson and Harrington will host a meet-and-greet at Kensington’s RISE location.

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