“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.
“The cannabis industry has the ability to raise up Black and Brown communities—and I intend to lift up those who I can."
- Marshawn Lynch
“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.”
“It’s all about the vibe: chill mode, cracking jokes, laughing, easing your mind."
- Darell Reed
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!
Read the Marshawn Lynch infographic
Marshawn in Popular Culture: A Timeline
- 2015: Four days before Super Bowl XLIX, Lynch appeared on a guest segment of Conan, playing the then-unreleased Mortal Kombat X against Rob Gronkowski. The video gathered about eight million views before the Super Bowl.
- 2017: Lynch appeared as himself in an episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
- 2019: The documentary film Marshawn Lynch: A History was released.
- 2022: Lynch appeared as himself alongside Will Arnett in an episode of Murderville, a comedic murder-mystery television series released by Netflix.
- 2023: Lynch played a high school teacher in the teen comedy Bottoms.
- 2024: Lynch appeared in Ian’s “Figure It Out” music video.
- 2025: Lynch began co-hosting the Politickin’ podcast alongside California governor Gavin Newsom and sports agent Doug Hendrickson.
- 2026: The original panel lists Lynch in season 3 of Euphoria.
The LA Strains
Beast Berry: A Gelato-based indica-leaning hybrid. Aroma: sweet berry, candy, citrus. THC: 20–25%. Effects listed: uplifting, balanced, calming. Suggested occasions in the panel: creative activity, socializing, unwinding.
Shelton says: “Beast Berry is really the perfect representation of what this collaboration between Originals and Dodi is all about—bold flavor, strong personality, and authentic California cannabis culture. We wanted something that immediately stood out on the shelf and delivered an experience people actually remember after the first hit.”
Charlie OG: A true sativa-dominant hybrid LA classic from Originals’ legendary vault. Aroma: earthy, gas, skunk, herbal. THC: 20%-plus. Effects listed: uplifting, heady, relaxing, mellow. Suggested occasion in the panel: chillin’ with your friends.
Shelton says: “Charlie OG is a strain that really represents the roots of what Originals is all about. What makes Charlie OG special is that it delivers that traditional OG experience people still chase—gassy, earthy—but it does it in a way that feels refined and approachable. We didn’t want every strain to feel overly sweet or trend-driven. We wanted a strain that reflected the foundation of West Coast cannabis culture and the kind of flavors Marshawn gravitates toward.”
Milk & Cookies: A heady indica-dominant hybrid. Aroma: fruity, sweet, butter, vanilla. THC: 20%. Effects listed: balanced, euphoria, calm, sedative. Suggested occasions in the panel: sleep, pain, relaxing.
Shelton says: “Milk & Cookies brought a completely different energy to the lineup. What stood out to us during the selection process was how memorable the flavor experience was. It has this dessert-like quality without feeling artificial or overdone. It also fits with Marshawn’s approach to the brand—approachable, flavorful, and authentic.”
Beast Mode by the Numbers
- 5 Pro Bowls.
- 85 total rushing touchdowns.
- 10,413 total rushing yards.
- 4.2 average yards per carry.
- 79-yard longest touchdown run.
- 12 years played in the NFL.
- 1 Super Bowl championship.
Did you know? The panel says Marshawn’s nickname, “Beast Mode,” came from a childhood coach who referred to Lynch as a “beast.” It also recounts his Politickin’ podcast comment that the nickname draws inspiration from a 2008 song of the same name by Boosie.
NFL photos: Rod Mar.
