A recent report reveals that many cannabis workers in California struggle to earn a livable wage, with significant portions of the workforce facing financial difficulties. The median hourly wage for cannabis workers in the state stands at $19.50, which exceeds California’s minimum wage. However, this amount falls short of what is needed to meet living-wage standards in many areas of the state.
According to a survey conducted by the UCLA Labor Center and Cannabis Worker Collab, nearly 43% of women, 29% of men, and 81% of gender-nonconforming workers reported challenges in affording food and groceries over the past year. The survey included responses from 1,100 marijuana employees and highlighted the economic pressures faced by those in the cannabis industry.
Unionization appears to be a key strategy for improving wages and working conditions. The report indicates that 20% of surveyed cannabis workers are union members, and those who belong to unions are experiencing better outcomes. Specifically, 69% of union workers reported receiving raises, compared to only 50% of nonunion employees. Additionally, 65% of union members had employer-provided health insurance, in contrast to just 41% of nonunion workers.
Mskindness Batchelor-Ramirez, a co-author of the report and founder of the education organization Club Kindness, stated, “These workers are demanding a voice in shaping the future of the cannabis industry, and they deserve it.”
Despite these positive impacts associated with unionization, resistance to such movements exists. In New York City, Hybrid NYC is contesting a labor-friendly licensing requirement in court to block unionization efforts. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, employees at Green Thumb Industries are pushing for a vote to disband their union affiliation with the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 360. In Oregon, a federal court ruled against a state licensing requirement that mandated cannabis operators to enter into labor peace agreements with unions, and state officials have indicated they will not appeal this decision.
The UCLA Labor Center’s findings also reveal concerning conditions within the cannabis workforce. An alarming 85% of survey respondents emphasized the need for stronger health and safety regulations. Additionally, over 62% reported experiencing wage theft, such as delayed payments or being required to work unpaid hours. The report also highlighted incidents of sexual harassment, with 27% of women reporting harassment from bosses or customers, and one-third of all workers experiencing racial slurs or intimidation.
Delivery workers face unique risks in their roles, with over 60% stating they are pressured to complete deliveries at unsafe speeds. Lay Lay Lee, a delivery driver in the San Francisco Bay Area, shared her experiences, stating, “I’ve had co-workers who’ve had guns pulled on them or been robbed. Because of how the system is set up under legalization, we often carry thousands of dollars in cannabis products and cash, and we’re constantly rushing to and from depots to meet order demands.”
To improve job quality and long-term equity in the cannabis sector, the report proposes several recommendations. These include:
– Raising employee wages through tax incentives for employers who increase pay and improve employee retention. – Mandating certified training programs for cannabis workers. – Investing in workforce development initiatives. – Offering paid apprenticeships.
Robert Chlala, a co-author and research lead at the UCLA Labor Center, stated, “This industry attracts workers with a deep passion for people and the plant and a vision for meaningful careers in patient and customer care and cultivation. But right now, workers aren’t getting the safety, stability, or opportunity that will allow them to build long-term careers that contribute to their communities.”
The report underscores the critical need for unions to advocate for better wages and working conditions, emphasizing that the future of the cannabis workforce depends on their ability to organize and demand fair treatment.
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