Monthly Archives: January 2025

On Jan. 8, about 60 workers at the High Profile cannabis dispensary in Buchanan, Mich., joined UFCW Local 951.

The workers, who are employed as sales associates, retail inventory leads, and shift leads, joined UFCW Local 951 because they were concerned about job security, safety issues, and wanted a voice in the workplace. They also wanted to help the industry grow alongside their counterparts in Buchanan at Zen Leaf and Pinnacle Emporium, who joined UFCW Local 951 last year, and are excited to help make Buchanan a cannabis union town.

This organizing campaign started as a referral from the other unionized cannabis shops in Buchanan. The workers were empowered to exercise their right to unionize by the other cannabis workers in their town, as well as workers from the High Profile dispensary in Missouri, who organized with UFCW Local 655 in 2023. The campaign was run alongside Cannabis Workers Rising, teaching the workers how to organize by talking to their fellow co-workers and educating them about the benefits of having a union in the workplace. UFCW Local 951 held weekly meetings in the months leading up to the election starting in September. In November, the workers marched on the boss for union recognition and filed for a union election.

“We formed our union to have more protections and to no longer be considered ‘at will’ employees,” said Kate Hartley, who works at the High Profile dispensary in Buchanan. “I know being in a union gives us the power to bargain with our employer for better wages and working conditions.”

“The workers at High Profile Buchanan made their voices heard with this vote for union representation, and we are thrilled to have them as members of UFCW Local 951,” said UFCW Local 951 President John Cakmakci. “We celebrate with the High Profile Buchanan workers and look forward to bargaining a contract that will give them the guarantees and protections in the workplace they deserve.”

On Jan. 8, about 120 members of UFCW Local 711 who work at three Ayr Wellness dispensaries and one delivery depot in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nev., ratified their first union contract.

Key features in the contract, which was ratified by an overwhelming margin, include the implementation of armed security at dispensaries, improved access to affordable health care, and better scheduling opportunities.

“Today, we stand victorious—not because it was easy, but because we refused to give up,” said Chase Payne, an Ayr Wellness budtender from the Las Vegas Eastern Ave. location. “This contract represents more than just words on paper; it’s a testament to our resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to the cannabis industry. We fought for fair wages, safe conditions, and respect—not just for ourselves, but for everyone who will come after us. This victory proves that when we stand together, we are unstoppable.”

“The UFCW was there for us in a time of need, and we wouldn’t be in this position without their support and guidance. But our work doesn’t stop here. We will continue to show the Las Vegas area and beyond what the UFCW is all about. Because together, we are not just workers—we are union employees!”

“For a well grown cannabis plant to flourish, there needs to be a well and firmly laid foundation in order for it to mature properly,” said Steve Shehata, an Ayr Wellness budtender from the Las Vegas Decatur Blvd. location. “That’s what I believe we’ve done by unionizing our shops in the valley. We’re laying the foundation for more growth and opportunity within our industry and ensuring that we have livable wages, affordable health care, and an all-around sound quality of life.”

“All credit goes to our dedicated AYR workers, committee members, and UFCW representatives who stood in solidarity for this to be possible. Thank you for all your hard work and support, and let’s continue to mature this into the industry it has the potential to become.”