Location: 1115 U Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Grand Opening Date: Friday, July 11, 2025 at 4 PM
The nation’s capital is about to experience a new high in cannabis culture. On July 11, global cannabis and lifestyle brand Cookies will officially open its first D.C. dispensary—Cookies DC—in the heart of the U Street corridor. The launch event promises to be more than just a ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring live music, food trucks, giveaways, and a headline performance by local hip-hop artist Noochie.
A Milestone for DC’s Cannabis Industry
The opening of Cookies DC marks a significant turning point for the District’s cannabis landscape. The store is the result of a collaboration between James Kahn, owner and CEO of Cookies DC, and Alternative Solutions (AtlSol), one of the East Coast’s top craft cannabis cultivators. Kahn is no stranger to the cannabis industry—he’s also a founding member of Takoma Wellness Center, D.C.’s longest-running medical cannabis dispensary.
“D.C.’s cannabis industry is in an exciting period of transition,” says Kahn. “The legacy and regulated markets have merged, and the City has never been more supportive. Having a nationally recognized brand like Cookies, grown by local talent, confirms D.C. as a major destination for cannabis culture, business, and tourism.”
What to Expect on Opening Day
The grand opening celebration at 1115 U Street NW will begin at 4 PM and offer more than just cannabis products. Attendees can look forward to:
Live performances from D.C.-based artists
Headline set by Noochie, performing Live from Cookies on U
Food trucks and Dolcezza Gelato
Swag from Weedmaps
Limited edition product drops
Opportunities to learn about D.C.’s regulated cannabis program
Guests must be 21 years or older and present a valid ID to attend. No medical card or doctor’s visit is required, making the event accessible to a broader audience.
Community-Driven Talent Showcase
In true Cookies fashion, the brand is tapping into D.C.’s rich creative energy by launching a citywide talent contest. The goal? To find three emerging local artists who will earn a spot to perform during the grand opening celebration.
Submissions will be accepted between June 18 and June 26, and winners will be selected by a panel of local influencers, including:
Noochie
Weensy (Backyard Band)
Poet Taylor (WPGC 95.5)
DJ Farrah Flosscett
Beau Young Prince
Kelsye Adams (Free DC Project, DC Vote)
Berner, Co-founder and CEO of Cookies
The final performance lineup will be revealed one week before the event.
Innovation Meets Culture
Cookies DC will also introduce the “Cookies 2.0” Flower Tub packaging—a stylish, collectible upgrade that enhances product freshness while staying true to the brand’s premium image. This marks the first time the new packaging will appear on the East Coast, setting the tone for the brand’s continued innovation in both cannabis and design.
“Opening our first Cookies store in our nation’s capital is a dream come true and hopefully, one more step towards legalizing cannabis nationwide,” says Berner, Co-founder and CEO of Cookies. “Our D.C.-based partners are dialed in to the community and incredibly well respected.”
Why U Street?
As one of the highest cannabis-consuming cities per capita in the U.S., Washington D.C. has been eagerly awaiting more diversity in its cannabis offerings. U Street—known for its cultural significance, nightlife, and artistic spirit—feels like a natural home for the Cookies brand.
“When I think of the Cookies brand, I think of the face of cannabis culture,” says Noochie. “It’s the one name everybody knows—from the streets to the storefronts. The Cookies brand is music, fashion, art, and the kind of quality that’s built a whole lifestyle around the product. It just makes sense on U Street.”
To learn more about the opening event, talent contest registration, and how to participate in D.C.’s regulated cannabis program, visit dc.cookies.co or ABCA.DC.GOV.
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