Teamsters Expand Union Presence in Cannabis Industry

PharmaCann Facility Expands Union’s Footprint in Cannabis Supply Chain

Press Contact: Matt McQuaid Phone: (202) 624-6877 Email: mmcquaid@teamster.org

(DWIGHT, Ill.) – Cannabis workers at the PharmaCann cultivation facility in Dwight, Illinois, have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 777.

“We already represent over 100 PharmaCann Teamsters throughout Illinois,” said Jim Glimco, President of Local 777. “We look forward to getting these workers a great union contract, just like we’ve already done for PharmaCann retail workers throughout the state.”

Last year the Teamsters Union expanded its presence in the California and Illinois cannabis industries while also organizing operations inMarylandandNewJerseyfor the first time. Teamsters are planning on expanding cannabis membership in even more states in 2025.

“Teamsters representation brings professional workplace standards to the cannabis industry by ensuring workers are treated with the respect they need to make this craft into a career. Our contracts provide stability for cannabis workers in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division. “We’re on a roll and we’re not stopping.”

“I voted to join for improved job security and wages,” said Elizabeth Leithliter, a post-harvest technician. “My husband is in a union, and we have three kids together. We know all the good this can for our family.”

“I love this place and all of its potential, but companies don’t give workers anything out of the goodness of their hearts,” said Juliet Thompson, a cultivation technician. “We have to go get it for ourselves.”

Founded in 1937, Teamsters Local 777 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout the Chicago area. For more information, go to.

In recent years, the cannabis industry has experienced rapid growth, with the legal market generating nearly 500,000 full-time jobs in the U.S. alone. As the industry continues to expand, so does the need for fair labor practices and worker protections. The Teamsters Union, with its long history of advocating for workers' rights, has taken a significant step in addressing this need by expanding its presence in the cannabis industry.

The Teamsters' approach to workplace standards and stability contributes to the growth of the cannabis industry in several ways. By ensuring fair wages and benefits, providing job security and stability, promoting professional workplace standards, and encouraging fair labor practices, the Teamsters help to attract and retain talented workers, foster a more committed and productive workforce, and create a positive image for the industry.

One of the key benefits of unionization for cannabis workers is improved job security and wages. By negotiating collective bargaining agreements, workers can secure better working conditions, fairer wages, and improved benefits. This not only helps workers to plan their lives and careers but also fosters a more stable workforce for employers.

Another important aspect of the Teamsters' approach is promoting professional workplace standards. By treating workers with respect and ensuring they have the support they need to make a career in the field, the Teamsters help to attract and retain talented workers. This contributes to the industry's growth and success by creating a more skilled and committed workforce.

In addition to these benefits, the Teamsters' presence in the cannabis industry helps to promote fair labor practices. By organizing workers and advocating for their rights, the Teamsters help to ensure that workers are treated equitably and have a voice in their workplace. This contributes to a more positive image for the industry and helps to attract socially conscious consumers and investors.

As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, the need for robust worker protections and fair labor practices will only increase. The Teamsters' expansion into the cannabis industry is a significant step in addressing this need and ensuring that the benefits of the industry's growth are shared equitably among those who contribute to its success.

Insert chart showing the growth of cannabis jobs in the U.S. from 2017 to 2025, with projections for future growth.

In conclusion, the Teamsters' expansion into the cannabis industry offers numerous strategic benefits, including growing membership, diversifying representation, improving wages and working conditions, establishing professional workplace standards, expanding into new markets, and strengthening the labor movement. By organizing cannabis workers and advocating for their rights, the Teamsters help to ensure that the cannabis industry grows in a sustainable and equitable manner, benefiting both workers and employers alike.