Cookies bills itself as the world's first legal $1 billion cannabis brand. From proprietary strains to bespoke clothing lines and hip-hop music to athlete sponsorships, Cookies has been redefining what it means to be a vertically integrated cannabis operation. But even with the brand's immense success, Cookies cofounder and CEO Berner — the rapper formerly known as Gilbert Milam Jr. — said opening a dispensary in Tempe was one of his biggest achievements.
"You know, I grew up in Chandler, and Arizona has always been a big part of who I am," Berner told Phoenix New Times. "I am proud to be bringing Cookies to the Valley."
Cookies' expansion into Arizona was made possible by a partnership with Alicia Deals, who was awarded a social equity cannabis license in 2022. Deals was one of just 26 applicants — out of a pool of 1,301 — to be randomly selected for the licenses.
Arizona's social equity program was established under Proposition 207 in 2020. A provision in the ballot initiative sought to make a limited number of licenses available for individuals "from communities disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of previous marijuana laws."
To be eligible, an applicant must have come from a low-income neighborhood and have a minor marijuana arrest record or an immediate family member with such a record. Deals' father, Robert Deals, is currently serving an 18-year prison sentence for marijuana possession and other charges.
"Marijuana has taken a lot from my family, but having a license is how we are reclaiming what was lost," Deals said.
Cookies customers can get a close-up view of available flower and even take a whiff of the product through clear containers displayed in the dispensary.
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David Brown has been collecting Cookies' clothing and merchandise for years. When asked what was his favorite part of the brand, he replied, "Fuck, everything is fire!"
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Custom T-shirts with Robert Deals' name on them were worn by Cookies staff. They served as a reminder of the true meaning of the day: reparations for the unjust enforcement of previous marijuana laws.
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A giant powder blue-and-white balloon display was the backdrop for a step-and-repeat wall.
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It was a battle of the swaggiest as Cookies enthusiasts showed off their best brand merch.
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