Posts Categorized: Cannabis

On Feb. 26, workers at the Potomac Holistics cannabis dispensary in Rockville, Md., voted unanimously to ratify their first-ever union contract with UFCW Local 400. These workers joined our union family in January of last year.

The new contract guarantees regular wage increases that are not tied to performance evaluations. The contract also improves paid time off and increases anti-discrimination protections, including a comprehensive policy against gender-based harassment and discrimination, and protection from unfair discipline.

To celebrate the union agreement, Potomac Holistics is offering any union member a 10 percent discount and $1 pre-roll, becoming the independently owned shop of choice for union members throughout the state.

“This victory couldn’t have happened without the support and trust of my co-workers, including those who are no longer part of the Potomac Holistics team, and our amazing customers and patients,” said Mia Rubin, a Potomac Holistics worker who was part of the organizing and bargaining process. “This is a testament to the fact that as workers, our voices matter and deserve to be heard. We hope to continue to see adult wages for adult employees throughout the cannabis industry.”

Members of UFCW Local 27 who work at the Zen Leaf Dispensary in Towson, Md., recently ratified their first union contract. The dispensary is owned by Verano Holdings Corp., which is a leading, multi-state cannabis operator in the U.S.

These workers joined our union family last year because they wanted better wages and benefits and a voice in the workplace. Their first union contract addresses those issues.

The three-year contract, which covers all cannabis advisors and agents in charge, includes wage increases of 4 percent each year, lead pay, and guaranteed holiday pay. The contract also includes a company-sponsored 401(k) and protects benefits by not increasing health insurance costs for the term of the agreement. The contract also includes workplace safety language and improved paid time off.

“We’re very happy to welcome these new members to our union family,” said UFCW Local 27 President Jason Chorpenning. “Zen Leaf Dispensary workers stood strong throughout the negotiation process and they now have a say in their futures at Zen Leaf.”

“We are so proud of the hard work they put in to reach an agreement that sets a new standard for cannabis dispensary jobs in Maryland,” said Executive Assistant to the President Nelson Hill.