Muha Meds Grows Into $180 Million Cannabis Powerhouse Led by Iraqi-American Brothers

Ali and Muha Garawi, two first-generation Iraqi-American brothers from Los Angeles, have transformed their $15,000 startup into Muha Meds, a cannabis brand now valued at $180 million, according to High Times. Operating without outside investors, the brothers built one of the most recognized cannabis companies in the U.S., boasting over 1,000 retail locations and a workforce of 650 employees. Their journey began with a strong family work ethic, where high achievement was the standard, not the exception. "What was considered over the top, exemplary and brilliant to our peers—for us was the expectation," said Ali Garawi

From the outset, the Garawi brothers faced both the challenges and advantages of running a family business. Early friction over overlapping responsibilities led them to define clear roles: Ali focused on finance, manufacturing, and backend operations, while Muha took charge of sales, marketing, and brand direction. This division allowed Muha Meds to scale rapidly without sacrificing the authenticity that set them apart. "Once we clearly defined our roles and took a divide and conquer approach, everything began flowing and growing much smoother," Muha explained

Muha Meds has skillfully adapted to the evolving cannabis market, particularly as Gen Z consumers prioritize convenience and experience. The brand embraced product trends like vapes and pre-rolls but remained committed to quality and originality. "Chasing trends can make brands lose authenticity," said Muha. "Gen Z consumers value convenience and experience, which is why pre-rolls and vapes have taken a larger share. As a brand, we focus on meeting that demand while staying rooted in quality and originality."

Community engagement has been a cornerstone of Muha Meds’ strategy, with the brand deeply embedded in Los Angeles' music, art, and sports scenes. Their presence extends to Michigan, where they support local events and fundraisers, reinforcing their commitment to authenticity over celebrity-driven marketing. The brothers credit their success to showing up in real life and building genuine connections. "Culture moves fast, but authenticity moves slower and lasts longer," Muha noted, highlighting the importance of supporting artists and creatives they genuinely respect

The company's recent expansion into wellness products, including cold plunges, saunas, and herbal superfoods under the Dialed Labs and Dialed Moods brands, reflects a broader philosophy. For Ali, these offerings are about nervous system regulation and overall well-being, not just product diversification. "Cannabis opened the door, but the deeper mission has always been about helping people regulate their nervous systems, feel present and perform better in their lives," Ali said. Both brothers see cannabis as a tool for personal optimization, not an escape

From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, Muha Meds' story exemplifies how immigrant-rooted values, strategic adaptation, and a commitment to authenticity can fuel rapid growth in a competitive market. Their decision to retain full ownership and stay true to their cultural roots gives them a unique position in the cannabis industry. As the market matures and consumer preferences shift, Muha Meds’ approach to blending community, wellness, and quality will be closely watched by both competitors and industry observers