Capital Gains: Cookies DC Dispensary Opens Its Doors on U Street

Washington, D.C. is rolling up something special this summer. On Friday, July 11 at 11:00 AM, the internationally celebrated cannabis and lifestyle brand Cookies officially opens its flagship D.C. dispensary at 1115 U Street NW—a bold new chapter in the city’s cannabis culture.

Founded by rapper and entrepreneur Berner, Cookies is globally known for its premium genetics, sleek design, and streetwise style. The arrival of Cookies DC—a licensed medical dispensary—marks the brand’s first retail footprint in the nation’s capital and brings with it an energy that reflects both D.C.’s legacy and its rapidly maturing cannabis economy.

The grand opening is set to ignite “Black Broadway” as the U street corridor is affectionately known-  featuring a ribbon cutting ceremony, live musical performances featuring DC local talent contest winners, Refreshing bites from Dolcezza gelato, exclusive Cookies swag bags, and a headline performance from D.C.’s own Noochie, live from Cookies on U. The event is free to attend for adults 21+ with valid ID. While the recently required medical registration is not required to attend the concert, free registration for both locals and non-DC residents is available on site to gain access to the dispensary. Guests can register easily ahead of time by visiting DC Medical Registration. 

Local industry veteran James Kahn, co-founder of long standing DC cannabis fixture Takoma Wellness Center, has teamed up with craft cultivation powerhouse Alternative Solutions (AltSol) to bring Cookies to life in D.C. The dispensary will be the first on the East Coast to debut Cookies’ new 2.0 Flower Tub packaging, a sleek and collectible update that matches the brand’s stylish sensibilities.

“This is more than a store opening—it’s a landmark moment for D.C. cannabis,” says Kahn. “Cookies being grown and sold by locals signals the strength of our city’s cannabis culture and its future as a national destination.” Khan’s overall intention for the Cookies DC dispensary is to elevate and amplify homegrown talent in the D.C community, highlighting truly craft quality flower and edibles, celebrating their team of talented budtenders and even turning the volume up on local musical artists. 

As part of the brand’s integration into the community, Cookies DC launched a citywide talent contest to spotlight emerging musical artists in the District. The top three performers—selected by a panel of well-known D.C. cultural figures including Noochie, DJ Farrah Flosscett, and Poet Taylor—will join the celebration with performances on opening night, beginning at 4:00 PM. 

Reflecting on the spirit of the moment, Kahn notes, “Cannabis has always brought people together. This contest is our way of celebrating the creative heartbeat of D.C. It’s about uplifting not just the plant, but the talent and voices that make this city thrive.”

With Noochie headlining and local contest winners set to share the stage, this grand opening becomes more than a launch—it’s a showcase of homegrown artistry, elevated by the culture that cannabis helps foster.

Cookies DC will carry the brand’s full line of strains grown by AltSol, exclusive Cookies merchandise, and educational resources for new and returning patients alike.

The launch of Cookies DC is more than a retail debut—it’s a celebration of cannabis culture at a time when the District is navigating a major shift. With the convergence of legacy and regulated markets, the opening signals a win for the community and a pivotal step forward for the city’s evolving cannabis identity.