New Jersey’s Cannabis Industry Sees Expansion of Unionization Efforts
In a significant development, sales representatives from The Botanist New Jersey have voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 360, expanding the union’s presence in the state’s legal cannabis industry. This move marks a major milestone in the industry, as it extends worker representation beyond cultivation and retail to the professionals who connect cannabis producers with dispensaries throughout the state.
The Botanist’s sales reps play a crucial role in the industry, working with licensed dispensaries, educating retail staff, coordinating with buyers, and ensuring that cannabis products reach consumers. Despite their importance, these workers have faced challenges such as extreme market volatility, shifting commission structures, and a lack of job security.
By joining UFCW Local 360, the sales reps aim to secure stable wages, fair benefits, and a respectful work environment. Abbey Perl, a sales representative with The Botanist, stated, “Joining Local 360 means ensuring that more of the workers who build these brands secure stable wages, fair benefits, and workplaces that respect our contribution to the bottom line.”
The unionization effort reflects the continued growth of UFCW Local 360’s Cannabis Workers Rising initiative, which has given thousands of cannabis workers stronger workplace protections, fair wages, and a meaningful voice on the job. The union represents tens of thousands of cannabis workers across the United States and is the nation’s leading cannabis labor union.
Hugh Giordano, Director of Organizing for UFCW Local 360, stated, “These employees are ambassadors for New Jersey’s cannabis industry. They devote their time and energy to helping businesses succeed, supporting dispensary teams, and ensuring the hard work of cultivation and manufacturing employees reaches customers across the state.”
The union’s president, Sam Ferraino, Jr., added, “As New Jersey’s cannabis industry continues to mature, we’re seeing organizing spread into every corner of the business. Workers understand that a successful cannabis industry depends on a skilled, respected, and empowered workforce. That’s why Cannabis Workers Rising was created, and every organizing victory enhances the long-term stability, professionalism, and credibility of New Jersey’s regulated cannabis marketplace.”
