<h2>Columbia Care Workers Achieve Historic Union Contract in New Jersey</h2>
<p>In a landmark development for the cannabis industry, workers at Columbia Care's cultivation facility in Vineland, New Jersey, have successfully ratified their first union contract. Announced by UFCW Local 152, the contract was officially secured on June 23, 2025, following a lengthy journey initiated in November 2022. Overcoming numerous hurdles, these workers now have a contract that not only safeguards their interests but also lays the foundation for future advancements.</p>
<p>Daniel Ross, Jr., President of UFCW Local 152, expressed immense pride in assisting these workers through what he described as a challenging process. The newly ratified contract includes retroactive wage increases and employer-paid ancillary benefits, such as legal services, vision care, and life insurance, provided through the union’s Health & Welfare Fund. The contract received overwhelming support from the members, marking a significant achievement in the cannabis labor movement.</p>
<h2>Navigating the Legal Landscape: NLRB and Legislative Efforts</h2>
<p>Back in 2023, Columbia Care employees organized under UFCW to address contentious issues around their status as agricultural workers with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Despite efforts to obstruct unionization, the NLRB ultimately determined they lacked jurisdiction, prompting the New Jersey State Board of Mediation to certify the bargaining unit. This pivotal decision energized UFCW to sponsor legislative advancements for cannabis workers’ rights.</p>
<p>Bill A4182, which focuses on the employment conditions of cannabis workers, successfully passed in the New Jersey Assembly on June 30, 2025. This legislative measure ensures that cannabis employees receive the same rights and protections as other workers concerning representation and collective bargaining. Meanwhile, its Senate counterpart, S3139, awaits approval from the Senate Judiciary Committee.</p>
<h2>New Jersey: A Hub of Cannabis Union Activity</h2>
<p>Alongside Columbia Care, other significant union developments have emerged in New Jersey's burgeoning cannabis sector. In May 2025, Teamsters Local 469 celebrated the ratification of their first contract with the Garden Society, securing important benefits like wage increases and employer-funded retirement contributions. Shortly after, Cannabist workers joined the ranks of Teamsters Local 469, further strengthening labor rights within the state.</p>
<p>Jesse Case, Teamsters Food Processing Division Director, highlighted New Jersey's momentum as a precursor for broader national trends. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, New Jersey stands at the forefront of labor organization, setting a compelling precedent for the cannabis workforce nationwide.</p>
<p>#CannabisUnion #ColumbiaCare #NewJerseyCannabis #CannabisWorkersRights #UFCWLocal152</p>