[PRESS RELEASE] NEW YORK, NY (February 27, 2025) — NBA star Iman Shumpert signs a multimillion-dollar deal with New York medical cannabis expert Dr. Sha-Ron Pierre-Kovler. “This collaboration is important for many reasons,” states Shumpert. “We hope to provide a beacon for others like us¾less than two percent of people of color have an ownership stake in this multibillion dollar business.”
Photo courtesy TSA Approved
Glenmere Farms, an innovative cannabis and wellness enterprise founded by molecular biologist Dr. Sha-Ron Pierre-Kovler, launches today with a mission to revolutionize cannabis as medicine through scientific precision and innovative formulations.
The company debuts its wellness-focused brand, TSA APPROVED, in partnership with cultural innovator Iman Shumpert. It creates a new paradigm for cannabis consumption, focused on mindful discovery and informed wellness. Distinguishing itself, Glenmere Farms represents the intersection of agricultural innovation and pharmaceutical-grade standards. Dr. Pierre-Kovler states, “This scientific approach allows us to optimize not just the potency but the entire spectrum of beneficial compounds that make cannabis such a remarkable plant.”
The launch features TSA APPROVED, a groundbreaking brand that marries Shumpert's authentic voice with Glenmere Farms' scientific expertise. TSA APPROVED advances the destigmatization of cannabis by creating what Shumpert and Dr. Pierre-Kovler call a "safe landing"—a space where consumers can confidently explore cannabis benefits without judgment or uncertainty while empowering them to see themselves as both conscious consumers and informed investors in the rapidly evolving cannabis landscape.
“TSA APPROVED is more than just premium products—it's turning trials into triumph," said Shumpert. “The name was inspired by my own experience with cannabis at an airport. Instead of letting that moment define me negatively, we're transforming it into a movement that acknowledges and celebrates the role of cannabis in our daily lives. We're building a brand that speaks the language of the people while delivering the quality and reliability of an evidence-based approach. It's about permitting people to land safely in their cannabis journey, whether they're an athlete in recovery or someone exploring wellness options. We're here to normalize cannabis as part of your story while providing safe and dependable options to consumers in New York State and beyond."
Dr. Pierre-Kovler speaks to the significance of partnering with Shumpert: “Iman's story perfectly embodies what we stand for at Glenmere Farms: the ability to transform challenges into opportunities for change. His experience with the TSA became a catalyst for merging lived experience with laboratory precision, as Iman typically uses cannabis to help with relaxation and muscle pain management. Shumpert affirms: “This partnership isn't just about pushing another celeb brand; it's about changing narratives and creating positive impact through our collective that hones in on transforming individual power into a cultural revolution.”
The brand's approach reflects Shumpert's boldness and cultural fluency while anchoring in Glenmere Farms' commitment to personalized medicine, an approach to healing utilizing cannabis¾taking each person’s individual symptoms and endocannabinoid system function, the system that regulates cannabis in our bodies, into consideration. As the first research scientist–led team to hold a legal license in New York State, Glenmere Farms is authorized to cultivate, process, manufacture, and distribute adult-use cannabis products. This unique combination creates a bridge between scientific authority and cultural authenticity, offering consumers confidence and community in their cannabis experience.
The partnership arrives at a pivotal moment in professional sports, particularly in the NBA, which recently removed cannabis from its drug testing program. According to an article from Forbes in 2023, ESPN stated that THC is now legal in 73.7% of states with NBA teams. "Glenmere Farms and TSA APPROVED are uniquely positioned to guide athletes through this new landscape," said Dr. Pierre-Kovler. "We're creating a blueprint for athletes to not only use cannabis therapeutically and responsibly but also to understand the business opportunities in this growing industry. This isn't just about consumption—it's about education, investment, and long-term wellness." Shumpert adds, “Investing in New York was an obvious decision. It has the infrastructure for experiences fueled by cannabis.”
“New York has been a home during my professional career; it feels right to invest in a state that took a stance to provide talented people like Dr. Sha-Ron the ability to partake in this growing business; she brings years of research experience to the cannabis space. It’s needed as we embark on novel ways to treat patients more safely and effectively.”
The New York cannabis market has reached over $1 billion in sales, underscoring the necessity of options that resonate with consumers. According to the New York State Cannabis Advisory Board, future spending by 2030 is projected to reach $7.5 billion, with cannabis production needs increasing by tenfold.
Glenmere Farm’s personalized medicine enterprise will expand through Wellness Centers and Therapeutic Retreats under a joint venture with Shumpert, sports injury advocate Bianca Stewart, and Dr. Pierre-Kovler. Ms. Stewart states, “It was shocking to learn the endocannabinoid system is largely not taught in medical school, leaving clinicians to figure out on their own how to treat patients. We aim to provide clinicians tools to bridge the gap as The Vet Evolution initiative pioneers a transformative approach to athletic wellness, focusing on mental health and holistic recovery.” As the sports world evolves its stance on cannabis and player well-being, the Vet Evolution Program will act as a wellness destination to premium experiences for current and retired athletes, creating a new standard for sports recovery and post-career prosperity, centered on the belief that true wellness encompasses both mind and body.
For more information about Glenmere Farms and TSA APPROVED, visit www.tsapproved.co.
About Glenmere Farms
Founded by pioneering scientist Dr. Sha-Ron Pierre-Kovler, Glenmere Farms is a vertically integrated endeavor, combining scientific precision with sustainable practices. Dr. Pierre-Kovler's innovative approach brings pharmaceutical-grade standards to controlled environment agriculture, establishing new benchmarks for quality and efficacy in the industry.
About TSA APPROVED
TSA APPROVED is a premium cannabis lifestyle brand that provides consumers with a "safe landing" in their cannabis journey. Created in partnership with NBA champion Iman Shumpert, the brand combines his authentic voice as a trusted cultural figure and podcast host with Glenmere Farms' scientific expertise to deliver premium products that celebrate and elevate the cannabis experience.
About Vet Evolution Inc.
Vet Evolution Inc. is a joint venture between NBA champion Iman Shumpert, sports injury advocate Bianca Stewart, and research scientist Dr. Sha-Ron Pierre-Kovler. The Vet Evolution Program, a forthcoming initiative that will provide transitioning athletes with holistic wellness solutions through therapeutic retreats and wellness centers. Combining scientific research with personalized care protocols, the program will offer natural alternatives for recovery and mental health support, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for athlete-centered wellness during and post-career.
