“Ain’t nothing better than going into business with your family,” says Darell Reed, co-owner of Dodi. “Marshawn and I went from being kids running around together to adults running our own business.”

Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch, the five-time Pro Bowl running back and one-time Super Bowl champion, launched Dodi in Oakland in 2021 with Dodi Blunts, premium cannabis blunts smothered with THCa diamonds. From the start, Lynch had a clear idea of Dodi’s purpose.

“The cannabis industry has the ability to raise up Black and Brown communities—and I intend to lift up those who I can,” he said. “Plus, Dodi allows me to share with the world.” (Lynch famously lit a blunt in front of the Al Davis Memorial Torch in Oakland.)

To say that Dodi is a family-run business would be an understatement. Three of Lynch’s cousins work at the company. “Family is a big part of why I’m involved in this industry,” Lynch says.

AUTHENTIC, ORIGINAL, TOP SHELF

While Dodi began as a Bay Area brand, it quickly gained a reputation for its top-shelf flower. Lynch wanted to expand to Los Angeles. After meeting all the players in town, he knew Originals was the brand to do a licensing/collab deal with. “Originals are respected for being the best at what they do... and that means a lot to me,” he said. “Originals are like family, too.”

Makes sense—and the feeling is mutual: Founded in 2016, Originals is also a family business. Known for their consistency and strong cannabis, Originals has attracted a large, cult-like following. They are also known for cool collaborations—from Mike Tyson to Xzibit to Nipsey Hussle and Chris Brown.

“Marshawn is a special person,” says Joshua Shelton, Brand Director for Originals. “There’s no doubt he is an original! His family values and appreciation for building for the community align with our core values and mission—so when the opportunity to work together arose, we didn’t hesitate.”

While Originals has been selective about who they collab with, working with Dodi felt authentic from the beginning.

“Marshawn has incredible global reach and a level of influence that extends far beyond sports or cannabis,” Shelton says. “At the end of the day, this collaboration is really about culture, accessibility, and building a future where consumers feel more directly connected to the brands and products they love.”

THE DO-IT-ALL MAN

Reed was instrumental in spearheading the LA launch—his official job title is “Do-it-All.” He first tried cannabis when he was seven. “I’m the sixth out of seven boys, so that should tell you something... it’s been part of my environment for a long time.”

These days, Reed’s cannabis routine is simple: wake up, light one, get to work, handle his responsibilities, go home, partake, and chill.

And what is it like partaking with Beast Mode?

“It’s all about the vibe: chill mode, cracking jokes, laughing, easing your mind,” he says. “Just family energy, good times, and staying connected. We named it Dodi because when we were all kids we had our own slang for weed—‘pass the dodi.’”

BEAST ROUND

Although Lynch is known for being reluctant to talk to the media—he was fined $50,000 by the NFL for refusing to talk to the press throughout the 2013 season—and often answers questions with a simple, “yeah,” he agreed to a lightning round of questions with Hiii.

Hiii: When was the first time you tried cannabis?

Marshawn Lynch: The first time I blew some dope I was 15. That shit made me feel sleepy and relaxed. Cannabis has been a part of my life ever since. It gives me peace of mind.

Hiii: How has cannabis helped you as an athlete?

ML: I would say as an athlete it helped me with recovery and to release my mind. I never blew dope before the games, but definitely the night before—and after the game.

Hiii: How many NFL players used cannabis when you were playing?

ML: Back then, I think 100%! And cannabis helps athletes after they retire, continuing to give them a peace of mind and helping them with recovery.

Hiii: Who are some of the players you liked partaking with?

ML: Ricky Williams and Josh Gordon. Great times.

Hiii: Finally, what is your go-to munchie?

ML: Bojangles biscuits!