Berner: From Rapper to Cannabis Mogul Redefining an Industry

Few figures in hip-hop and cannabis have matched the extent of influence and innovation embodied by Gilbert Anthony Milam Jr., otherwise known as Berner. Coming out of San Francisco and standing at 40, Berner has constructed an amazing story that extends beyond his music to become one of the most important cannabis entrepreneurs. With 22 solo albums and 29 collaborative projects, Berner has gracefully transitioned from the studio to boardrooms, fashioning a billion-dollar ecosystem for his brainchild, Cookies.

Berner was born on October 27, 1983, in San Francisco's Sunset District. A childhood filled with music and a strong entrepreneurial spirit led Berner to form an enduring passion for business. His journey began in earnest after moving to Arizona during his teen years. Hip-hop music came first, with his debut mixtape, *Dirty Sneakers… Plenty Ways to Get It*, in 2006. Berner’s entrepreneurial spurring came early as he launched his self-founded record label, Bern One Entertainment, in 2007. In 2012, major breaks came after signing with Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang Records. Albums such as *Urban Farmer* and *Hempire* positioned him as a forerunner in both cannabis culture and the music world. In 2022, his album *From Seed to Sale* reached an impressive #20 on the Billboard 200, solidifying his impact in both industries.

However, Berner’s influence extends far beyond music. In 2015, he co-founded Cookies, a cannabis brand born out of a partnership with cultivator Jai Chang, who developed the now-iconic strain Girl Scout Cookies. This partnership revolutionized cannabis branding by connecting high-grade strains with street-smart marketing. Cookies became a lifestyle movement, with dispensaries and clothing stores evolving into cultural hubs. By 2024, Cookies had grown to 70 dispensaries across the United States, Canada, Israel, and Thailand, alongside a signature clothing line that continues to attract a global following.

Berner’s ability to predict trends and capitalize on them helped Cookies scale rapidly while maintaining its premium status. In 2021, the brand opened its first dispensary on the East Coast. In 2022, the Manhattan storefront became "Cookies University," a training facility for both growing cannabis and understanding the business. His vision has already paid off: as the first cannabis executive ever to grace the cover of *Forbes* magazine, Berner reached a milestone underscoring Cookies' estimated valuation of $150 million—a figure some industry insiders believe to be conservative.

Berner’s journey has not been without challenges. In 2021, he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer—an experience that was life-altering but ultimately pushed him forward. After undergoing chemotherapy, he emerged cancer-free and more resolute than ever to expand his empire. Personal dimensions were added to his legacy in 2023 with the birth of his two children, a daughter and a son.

From his San Francisco roots to his ascension as an industry leader, Berner’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and authenticity. His redefinition of the multi-hyphenate role through personal branding and cultural relevance has driven much of his success. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, Berner’s fingerprints will remain distinctly etched into its foundation. Whether in music, business, or advocacy, Berner is leaving indelible marks on the generations to come.