Berner

Gilbert Anthony Milam Jr., known as Berner, was born on October 27, 1983, in San Francisco, California. A rapper, entrepreneur, and central figure in California’s cannabis culture, he is best known as the co-founder of Cookies, the world's most recognized cannabis brand.

From San Francisco Street to the Cookies Empire

Berner grew up in San Francisco’s Mission District, a historic neighborhood known for the city’s Latino community. From an early age, he developed a dual passion for rap and cannabis, which he began selling in his neighborhood before turning his attention to music. His first mixtapes circulated in the Bay Area in the mid-2000s, helping him build a solid local reputation.

It was his meeting with breeder Sherbinski that changed everything. Together, they developed Girl Scout Cookies, a hybrid strain with cookie and earthy aromas that quickly became one of the most influential strains in the history of modern cannabis. The strain’s success led Berner to found Cookies in 2012, initially as a streetwear brand before evolving into a full-fledged cannabis brand following legalization in California.

Cookies, the world's most recognizable cannabis brand

Cookies is quickly establishing itself as the “Supreme” of cannabis—a premium streetwear brand whose cookie-shaped logo is recognized around the world. The brand is opening dispensaries in about ten U.S. states and is then expanding internationally through partnerships in Europe, Canada, and Asia.

The Cookies brand is built on a combination of exclusive genetics, a strong visual identity, and a culture of exclusivity inspired by the worlds of sneakers and streetwear. Berner collaborates with dozens of breeders to develop exclusive strains distributed only through its dispensaries.

Forbes estimates the value of the Cookies empire at several hundred million dollars, making Berner one of the wealthiest cannabis entrepreneurs in the world.

A rapper who has stayed true to his roots

Despite his success as an entrepreneur, Berner continues to rap and release music
music on a regular basis. He collaborates with artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Too Short, and Ty Dolla Sign, and maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares both his life as an entrepreneur and his passion for cannabis. His credibility within hip-hop culture strengthens Cookies’ image among a young, international audience.