Workers Vote to Authorize Strike at Story Cannabis Dispensary in Mechanicsville, Md.
May 18, 2025
500 Unionized STIIIZY Workers in California Ratify Landmark 3-Year Contract
May 18, 2025
[PRESS RELEASE] – FREDERICK, Md., April 14, 2025 – On April 11, frontline workers at the gLeaf Cannabis dispensary in Frederick, Md., filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to form a union with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 27 union. This marks a significant step for the employees, who are seeking job security, fair pay, safer working conditions and a real voice in the workplace.
The workers say constant changes and confusion following a company transition have left them in the crossfire of disorganized decision-making. As operations continue to shift, employees are calling for stability, respect and a seat at the table.
The gLeaf dispensary is owned by The Cannabist Co., one of the largest cannabis operators in the U.S., with 89 facilities nationwide—including 70 dispensaries and 19 cultivation and manufacturing sites.
“We are the union for cannabis workers, and we’re proud of the hardworking team at gLeaf who came together to demand a better future,” UFCW Local 27 President Jason Chorpenning said. “These cannabis companies generate millions in revenue every month—all off the backs of dedicated workers. It’s time those workers got their fair share: a living wage, strong benefits, real work-life balance and a safe workplace. UFCW Local 27 is ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them. Because when we fight, we win.”
UFCW Local 27 represents thousands of workers across Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic, including a rapidly growing number of employees in the cannabis industry, including organizing four dispensaries in Maryland last year. The union has been at the forefront of organizing and legislation efforts to ensure cannabis workers have the protections, support and dignity they deserve in this fast-expanding sector.
The Frederick gLeaf workers join a wave of cannabis employees across the country standing up for better conditions and forming unions. UFCW Local 27 and the gLeaf team are ready to build a brighter, more secure future together—rooted in fairness, transparency and respect.
