In a first for New Jersey’s cannabis industry, workers at Garden Society, a cannabis manufacturing company, have voted to join the Teamsters Local 469 union. According to a recent news release, 40 employees, who cook and manufacture cannabis products, “overwhelmingly” supported the decision to unionize.
This move marks a significant moment for both the state’s cannabis workers and the labor movement. For these employees, it’s about securing a stronger voice in their workplace. For the Teamsters, it’s part of a broader push to ensure emerging cannabis jobs become viable, long-term careers.
A Growing Voice for Cannabis Workers
Michael Broderick, President of Teamsters Local 469, didn’t mince words. “Garden Society workers made their voices heard loud and clear that they want Local 469 to represent them in winning the strong contract they deserve,” Broderick said.
He emphasized the importance of unionization in a rapidly expanding field like cannabis. “As a new and growing industry in New Jersey, it is vital that we fight to ensure that cannabis industry jobs are good careers with a fair wage, safe working conditions, quality healthcare benefits and a pathway to retiring with dignity.”
These comments highlight a broader concern in emerging industries: job stability and fair conditions. Without organized efforts, workers in new sectors like cannabis often face uncertainty around wages, benefits, and job security.
What This Means for Workers and the Industry
For the Garden Society employees, joining Teamsters Local 469 signals a collective push for better standards. The 40 new members are part of a group that spans roles essential to cannabis manufacturing, including product cooking and production. Their vote to unionize reflects a growing demand for workplace protections and fair compensation.
It’s also part of a larger labor movement within the cannabis industry. Over the past three years, the Teamsters have negotiated more than 30 collective bargaining agreements for cannabis workers nationwide. Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, pointed out the challenges workers face in this sector.
“Cannabis is a nascent and unpredictable field, and … our union is creating the best pathway possible for prosperous careers in the industry,” Case said.
In simpler terms, as the cannabis industry continues to grow, workers want assurances that they’ll share in its success. Without union protection, employees could be left vulnerable to low wages and unstable conditions, even as the sector becomes increasingly profitable.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
The cannabis industry in New Jersey is still young, but it’s expanding fast. In 2022, recreational cannabis sales began in the state, and the market has shown steady growth. According to New Jersey regulators, sales for medical and recreational cannabis reached $530 million last year.
Amid this growth, labor organizations like the Teamsters see an opportunity—and a responsibility—to step in.
- Over 30 collective bargaining agreements have been secured nationwide for cannabis workers in just three years.
- Teamsters Local 469 already represents more than 4,000 workers in northern New Jersey, spanning industries like food processing, logistics, and now cannabis.
This recent win at Garden Society adds another milestone to their efforts.
Why This Matters Beyond New Jersey
The implications of this vote extend far beyond Garden Society or New Jersey. Nationwide, the cannabis industry is booming, with legal markets now in over 20 states. However, the labor challenges remain consistent: unprotected workers, unpredictable job conditions, and growing corporate influence.
As workers in emerging sectors organize, it sets a precedent. When employees at a cannabis manufacturing plant in New Jersey secure union representation, it sends a message to workers in similar roles across the country: You can do this too.
It also puts pressure on cannabis employers to step up. Fair wages, safer workplaces, and meaningful benefits could soon become industry norms rather than exceptions.
One thing’s for sure: workers are watching.
What Comes Next for Garden Society
Now that the vote has been cast, the hard work begins. Garden Society workers, backed by Teamsters Local 469, will negotiate their first collective bargaining agreement. The goal? A contract that addresses wages, benefits, working conditions, and long-term stability.
Broderick’s focus on dignity, safety, and retirement speaks volumes. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re priorities for workers hoping to build sustainable careers in a volatile industry.
Meanwhile, the Teamsters’ success at Garden Society could pave the way for other cannabis workers in New Jersey to follow suit. With the recreational market projected to grow further, the timing couldn’t be more relevant.