MLB Hall of Famer Launches Cannabis Brand

Major League Baseball (MLB) Hall of Famer and Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz is launching a cannabis line which is expected to be available in Massachusetts dispensaries this month, Boston.com reports. Ortiz, who was known during his career as Big Papi, is the first MLB Hall of Famer to launch a cannabis brand. 

The venture is called Papi Cannabis and is a partnership with Rev Brands. 

In a statement, Ortiz said he began using cannabis following his professional baseball career to help manage the pain from the years of playing and to help balance the stress of his schedule. 

“Once I embraced the flow of the flower everything changed. Cannabis has helped me relax, sleep better, manage stress and heal physically after a lifetime of playing ball, and I look forward to sharing Papi Cannabis and my personal journey to help people understand its benefits.” — Ortiz, in a statement, via Boston.com 

Sweet Sluggers, pre-rolled blunts, will be the first product in the Papi Cannabis line. They feature “Ortiz’s choice” cannabis strains like Black Mamba #7, Lava Cake #7, Motorbreath #15, and Bootylicious #4, according to the release. The blunts are wrapped in traditional, non-tobacco wrappers. Ortiz indicated he worked with his daughter on the packaging design.  

“I personally prefer pre-rolled blunts, and these ones are special to me because I was able to work with my daughter Alexandra on the colorful artwork for the packaging,” he said in the statement. 

The company plans next to launch vape cartridges, a salve, and an infused chocolate made from fair trade chocolate sourced from the Dominican Republic, where Ortiz was born.