Historic Union Win: Missouri’s Cannabis Industry Sees Rapid Organizing Momentum

In a milestone for Missouri’s young recreational cannabis industry, workers at High Profile Cannabis in Columbia have unanimously ratified the state’s first collective bargaining agreement, marking a significant step in union organizing efforts that are spreading rapidly.

The contract, ratified at the end of June 2026, secures higher wages and paid vacation time for dispensary employees, according to union officials with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 655. Union leaders described the vote as unanimous, highlighting strong worker support.

The victory comes just days after post-harvest workers at Proper Brands in St. Louis voted 25-21 on July 1 to unionize, another win for cannabis employees in the region.

Meanwhile, workers at Vibe Cannabis are preparing for their own union election later in July. Employees in the company’s post-harvest department, which includes trimming, quality control, and curing roles, have cited concerns over working conditions, respiratory safety, higher pay, favoritism, and the lack of a 401(k) retirement plan.

Missouri voters approved recreational marijuana in 2023, triggering a surge in cannabis-related jobs across cultivation, processing, retail, and manufacturing. The boom has brought new opportunities but also highlighted challenges around wages, benefits, and workplace safety in an industry still finding its footing.

Organizers say recent legal clarity, including federal labor rulings and state measures distinguishing cannabis work from traditional agriculture, has removed barriers that previously hindered unionization efforts. UFCW representatives have been actively engaging workers at multiple facilities, building on earlier organizing at companies like BeLeaf.

As Missouri’s cannabis market matures, these union wins could set precedents for labor standards in one of the nation’s faster-growing legal marijuana states. Industry observers will be watching closely to see how employers respond and whether additional facilities follow suit in the coming months.