ANALYSIS: Cannabis Industry Unionization Slows Amid Cash Crisis

Long known for their strong union engagement, cannabis workers are organizing less frequently in 2025 than in previous, more idealistic years for the industry. One of the main factors likely contributing to the decline is the cannabis sector’s dire financial straits as the industry grapples with a worsening debt crisis.

The US cannabis industry is a uniquely union-friendly one, due to a collection of state laws requiring employers to sign labor peace agreements—promises to remain neutral towards employees’ organizing efforts—before they can receive a business license. Despite these protections, there’s been a notable drop this year in cannabis unionization ...