If you’re wondering how old is Berner, you’re probably looking at a guy who seems to have lived three lifetimes in the span of one. It’s a fair question. One minute he’s on stage with Wiz Khalifa, and the next he’s on the cover of Forbes as the CEO of a billion-dollar cannabis empire.
So, let's get the numbers out of the way. Berner is 42 years old. He was born Gilbert Anthony Milam Jr. on October 27, 1983. As we sit here in early 2026, he’s cruising through his early forties, which is honestly wild when you consider how much ground he’s covered. Most people are still trying to figure out their "five-year plan" at forty. Berner? He’s already built a global lifestyle brand that basically defined modern weed culture.
The Early Days in San Francisco
Berner didn't just wake up one day and decide to be a mogul. He’s a Sunset District kid through and through. Born in San Francisco, his roots are a mix of Mexican and Italian heritage. You can see that work ethic in everything he does. His dad owned a restaurant, and his mom was a headhunter.
Basically, he grew up watching people hustle.
When he was about 13, his family moved to Arizona. It didn't stick. He eventually made his way back to the Bay Area, and that’s where the story really starts. By the time he was 18 or 19, he was already deep in the medical marijuana scene, working as a budtender and eventually a manager at the Hemp Center in San Francisco.
Think about that for a second. While most 19-year-olds were playing video games in their parents' basement, Berner was learning the logistics of a supply chain that most of the world still thought was illegal. He was studying the customers. He was learning which strains people actually liked.
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How Old Is Berner Compared to His Career Milestones?
Age is just a number, but in hip-hop, it’s often a ticking clock. Berner ignored that clock. He started battle rapping in the mid-2000s and dropped his first mixtape, Dirty Sneakers, in 2007 when he was 24.
He wasn't an overnight sensation. He was a "grind-for-ten-years" sensation.
- Age 24: Released his debut mixtape and started building a local buzz.
- Age 29: Signed with Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang Records in 2012. This was the turning point.
- Age 38: Became the first cannabis executive to grace the cover of Forbes (2022).
- Age 42: Currently ranked as one of the top five wealthiest rappers in the world (2026).
It’s crazy to think that his net worth is now estimated around $410 million. He’s sitting on a list with Dr. Dre and Kanye West, and he did it without ever having a massive Billboard Top 10 hit. That’s the power of ownership.
The Cookies Revolution
You can't talk about Berner's age without talking about Cookies. He co-founded the brand with Jai, a legendary underground grower. They took a strain—Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)—and turned it into a global phenomenon.
Honestly, it’s not even just about the plant anymore. It’s the blue hoodies. It’s the smell-proof bags. It’s the lifestyle. Berner understood that people don't just buy products; they buy into a vibe. He used his music to market the brand before "influencer marketing" was even a term people used.
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Facing the Hard Hits
Life hasn't been all private jets and platinum records. In late 2021, right around his 38th birthday, Berner shared some heavy news: he was diagnosed with colon cancer.
It was a reality check for his fans and the industry. You see this guy who seems invincible, and suddenly he’s talking about chemotherapy. He went through the ringer, stayed transparent about his health, and eventually announced he was cancer-free.
That kind of experience changes a person. If you look at his moves lately, there’s a sense of urgency. He isn't just trying to make money; he’s trying to leave a legacy. Whether it’s expanding into international markets like Thailand or diversifying into genetics, he’s playing the long game.
The Business of Being 42
As of 2026, the cannabis industry is in a weird spot. There’s a lot of talk about "insolvency" and legal hurdles for big brands. Some people are skeptical about the billion-dollar valuations of years past.
But Berner has always been a bit of a shark. He’s seen the "green rush" come and go. Because he owns his music and a massive chunk of his business—around 30% of Cookies, plus equity in dozens of other ventures—he has a level of stability most artists can only dream of.
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He’s not just a rapper. He’s a developer. A curator. A survivor.
What’s Next for Gilbert Milam Jr.?
So, now that we’ve settled the question of how old is Berner, what do we do with that info? It’s a reminder that the "mid-life" years can actually be your most productive. He’s proof that you can bridge the gap between the streets and the boardroom without losing your soul.
If you’re looking to follow in those footsteps, here’s the blueprint he’s left behind:
- Vertical Integration: Don't just sell the product; own the brand, the distribution, and the culture around it.
- Health is Wealth: No amount of money matters if you aren't around to spend it. Get your screenings, especially as you hit your 40s.
- Patience Over Hype: It took him 15 years to become an "overnight" success.
The Cookies empire isn't slowing down, and neither is the man behind it. Whether he’s 42 or 62, Berner’s impact on how we view the intersection of music and business is already etched in stone. Keep an eye on his next moves—he usually sees the trends about two years before anyone else does.