DETROIT (WWJ) - A cannabis company with roots in the San Francisco Bay area is now open in Detroit.
Hundreds of eager patients lined up outside Cookies medical marijuana dispensary on 8 Mile Road, between Mt. Elliott and Mound on the east side, for the grand opening Friday morning. Many even camped out all night in anticipation of the opening.
Donovan McLain, of Ferndale, wasn't surprised at the large turnout.
"Because this is an exclusive brand, it's an exclusive opportunity. We're getting to be the first to witness history here in Michigan, getting a taste of California brought to us," he said.
Sean Whitehead, who got his place in line at 6 p.m. Thursday, already had his favorite strains picked out.
"Probably that London Cello or the Grenadine," he said. "The Grenadine is the flavor, that's like the top, like the wine connoisseur, the real deal top shelf wine -- top shelf bud right there."
Darnell Cox made the trip from Toledo, Ohio and got in line around 2 a.m. He was also looking to get his hands on some Grenadine.
"It's some of the best grown weed in the world," said Cox. "It takes everything away, the pain, the anger, everything."
The 8 Mile dispensary is Cookies first location outside of California, where the company operates six dispensaries. The Michigan store is operating under an exclusive partnership with Gage Cannabis Co.
Founded by 36-year-old rapper Berner, Cookies is one of the top-selling cannabis brands in the U.S. The company offers more than 50 cannabis varieties and product lines including indoor, outdoor and sun grown flower, pre-rolls, gel caps and vapes.