🍪 Cookies Just Won $22.7 Million—But What Does That Mean for NM Stores?

🍪 Cookies Just Won $22.7 Million—But What Does That Mean for NM Stores?

 Big news in the cannabis world: Cookies (yeah, that Cookies) just walked away from a legal battle with a $22.7 million win. It's one of the biggest cannabis lawsuits we've seen in a minute, and people are buzzing. But if you're here in New Mexico and wondering what this means for our Cookies stores, here's the bottom line: they’re not part of it.

Let’s break it down.

💼 So... What Was the Lawsuit About?

Cookies took one of its former business partners—Cookies Retail Enterprises (CRE)—to arbitration. These were the folks who were supposed to open Cookies-branded stores across multiple states, pay royalties, and use the branding properly.

According to the arbitrator, CRE stopped holding up their end of the deal. No royalties, unauthorized fundraising using the Cookies name, and branding being used in ways that weren’t approved. Cookies said enough is enough—and they won.

In June 2025, an arbitrator ruled in their favor: $22.7 million awarded—$17.8 million for missed royalties and $4.8 million in legal costs.

⚖️ What’s Arbitration and Why Should You Care?

Think of arbitration like a private court. It’s legally binding but happens outside the public courtroom. In cannabis—where legal gray areas still exist thanks to federal laws—arbitration is how a lot of disputes get settled.

Cookies didn’t just win money. They proved they take brand integrity seriously. That matters.

🌄 What About New Mexico?

This is where it gets relevant for us locally.

The Cookies stores in New Mexico are not operated by CRE.

  • The Albuquerque Cookies store (on Broadway) is run by local licensees like Blue Whale Enterprises and Mad Cow Genetics.

  • The Sunland Park location? Same thing—local operators under their own separate licensing agreements.

So if you're worried about your favorite strain disappearing or the shop suddenly closing—don’t be. NM Cookies stores weren’t involved in this dispute and aren’t part of the fallout.

🧠 Why This Matters for the Industry

If you're in cannabis—whether you’re a consumer, operator, or just a brand nerd—there are a few big takeaways here:

  • Licensing isn’t just branding. You’re entering a real business relationship, and you’ve got to follow through.

  • Brands are watching. As the industry matures, big names like Cookies are less willing to let people play fast and loose with their IP.

  • Local matters. Just because two stores have the same logo doesn’t mean they’re managed the same—or even connected.

If nothing else, it’s a reminder to know who you're doing business with, whether you're a buyer or a budtender.

🗣 Final Thoughts

This lawsuit was about accountability, plain and simple. Cookies did what big brands have to do sometimes—protect what they built. But here in New Mexico, our local Cookies locations are still up and running, completely separate from CRE.

So whether you're shopping for Gary Payton or just dropping in to check out the latest drops, you can feel confident knowing your local shop isn't caught up in the mess.

Location: Hobbs NM 88240, USA

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