WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), America’s largest private sector union representing 1.2 million essential workers in cannabis, retail, food processing, and other essential industries across North America, released a statement following the news that Attorney General Merrick Garland has recommended rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule III drug.
UFCW International President Marc Perrone released the following statement:
“We are eager to review the text of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s proposal to reschedule cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. Rescheduling does not alleviate the need for legislation that would completely deschedule cannabis, provide industry guardrails, and establish protections for workers from seed to sale.
“This move benefits cannabis business owners who will receive a tax cut. Meanwhile, the over 400,000 workers in this growing industry will still face the same challenges and obstacles that they do now, including lacking access to full banking services and resources for job training and facing barriers in acquiring citizenship.
“We also cannot forget the countless people harmed by the ‘War on Drugs.’ As we move forward in rescheduling, we must ensure that a better life can be provided for those working in this industry and for all of those harmed by the failed policies of the past.”
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The UFCW International is the largest private sector union in the United States, representing 1.2 million workers and their families in grocery, meatpacking, food processing, health care, cannabis, retail, and other essential industries. UFCW members serve our communities in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at ufcw.org.
