ST. LOUIS - There was celebration and appreciation in downtown St. Louis Friday as former NBA star Al Harrington marked the two-year anniversary of Viola Cannabis Dispensary. Harrington celebrated the success of the black-owned business that’s making waves in the booming cannabis industry. The dispensary first opened its doors in 2023. Viola was founded by Harrington with St. Louis’ own former NBA player Larry Hughes as a key investor. Since then, the company has grown to become a major player in the cannabis market, now operating in eight states. Harrington says Viola’s mission is personal. “Well, honestly, it was my grandmother, whose name is Viola. I had her try cannabis to treat her glaucoma pain...checked on her an hour and a half later. She was crying reading her Bible. So it really inspired me to learn more about the cannabis industry,” Harrington said. Viola is now one of the largest black-owned cannabis companies in the U.S., as the industry is projected to reach $400 billion by 2030. Harrington spent the afternoon meeting fans and customers before heading to a special dinner to continue the celebration, committed to breaking barriers and educating communities.