Berner Is First Person Of Color To Get Medical Marijuana License In Florida

Rapper Gilbert Anthony Milan Jr., or "Berner" has become the first person of color to get a medical marijuana license in Florida and is bringing his business to the Sunshine State, according to the Miami Herald on Tuesday (September 22).

Berner is of Mexican descent is the founder of COOKIES, his California-based cannabis business. COOKIES secured one of Florida's 22 medical marijuana treatment center licenses.

The Miami Herald said the eight-year-old business plans to open its doors in 2021.

"The license was purchased from Port Richey license holder Tree King-Tree Farm Inc., which has not dispensed any medical marijuana since it acquired its license in May 2019," according to the website.

The transfer was finalized Friday (September 18), according to the state’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use.

Berner has been involved in the cannabis industry since he was 18, working at a medical marijuana dispensary in San Francisco. He founded COOKIES in 2012 with partner Jai Change, a Bay Area grower.

The rapper said his flagship stores make $100,000 to $200,000 a day in a recent Forbes interview. The brand is know for its high demand, creative interiors and celebrity partnerships.

"COOKIES, which boasts strains with names like 'Cereal Milk,' 'Collins Ave' and 'Sticky Buns' has had success partnering with celebrities like rapper Rick Ross and hip-hop duo Run The Jewels. The brand also sells streetwear, accessories and a curated selection of smoking paraphernalia," according to Miami Herald.

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