THE COOKIES STORY
Cookies traces its origins back to two forward-thinking creators: Jai, a cultivation expert, and Berner, a savvy entrepreneur. One of their greatest triumphs was the development of the iconic Girl Scout Cookies (GSC), a highly coveted cannabis strain celebrated worldwide. The journey began humbly in a San Francisco garage, but today, the brand has achieved global recognition.
Throughout this remarkable growth, their core mission has remained unwavering: to embody authenticity and revolutionize genetics. Setting themselves apart from the rest, Cookies takes complete control of the entire process, from the very inception to the final sale, encompassing everything from seed to product. They proudly cultivate their own cannabis in-house, featuring diverse global varieties and an extensive selection of strain-specific offerings.
More than just a brand, Cookies represents a lifestyle—a community that thrives on shared values. As they continue to expand their influence, they invite others to join in this exciting journey that spans the globe.
OUR FOUNDERS
Berner
Berner, originally Gilbert Anthony Milam Jr. (born on October 27, 1983), stands as a forward-thinking entrepreneur and influential figure in the business world. His impact spans across documentary filmmaking, rap music that has topped the Billboard charts, and groundbreaking contributions to both the fashion and cannabis sectors, all of which have garnered him a dedicated global fan base.
As the Co-Founder and CEO of Cookies, a leading cannabis brand boasting over 70 retail outlets across six countries, Berner has solidified his position at the forefront of the industry. Notably, in 2021, Cookies made history by being recognized as one of America’s Hottest Brands by AdAge, marking a significant milestone for the cannabis sector. Furthermore, Berner’s appearance on the cover of Forbes magazine in 2022 as the first cannabis executive further underlines his exceptional achievements.
Beyond cannabis, Berner is also the driving force behind Cookies SF, a renowned streetwear and accessories brand with retail hubs in key locations such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, and Vienna, Austria. His diverse business ventures include 12/12 Ventures, Hemp2o Water, Lemonnade, Santa Cruz Shredders, Social Club, and Vibes, showcasing his multifaceted approach to entrepreneurship.
In the realm of music, Berner founded the Bern One Entertainment Music Label, receiving both RIAA Gold® and RIAA Platinum® awards for separate albums. Notably, he is set to launch his 50th album as an independent artist in December 2023, a testament to his enduring influence and creativity in the music industry.
Looking ahead, Berner’s entrepreneurial journey continues to evolve as he works on developing a TV series with FX inspired by his remarkable life and career trajectory.
jai
Jai, the mastermind behind iconic cannabis strains like Girl Scout Cookies, Cherry Pie, Sunset Sherbet, Gelato, and Biscotti, remains somewhat of an enigma despite his pivotal role in shaping the modern cannabis industry. Originating from San Francisco, California, Jai is revered as the cannabis whisperer, with a profound understanding of genetics that has propelled him to legendary status.
Growing up surrounded by cannabis plants, Jai immersed himself in the cultivation process from a young age, learning from seasoned experts and quickly establishing himself in the thriving cannabis community of the Bay Area. His journey led him to become a key figure in the creation of an empire, notably as a founding member of the renowned Cookies family.
From humble beginnings cultivating plants in garage setups in San Francisco’s urban landscape, Jai’s expertise expanded to encompass outdoor operations in the famed Emerald Triangle and cutting-edge indoor facilities throughout California. At each stage of his career, Jai’s botanical ingenuity has resulted in groundbreaking crosses, unrivaled phenotype hunts, and the production of some of the most exceptional cannabis strains ever cultivated.
Jai’s legacy is not only defined by his legendary status within the cannabis industry but also by the lasting impact of his innovative breeding techniques and unparalleled contributions to the evolution of cannabis cultivation.