Industry executives say progress is now being made. H. Marty Shelper, founder and president of the Alabama Cohab Coalition, said training for dispensary staff recently took place as the state prepares to open its first location.

Schelper noted May 4, the scheduled opening date for Montgomery’s first medical cannabis dispensary, a major milestone after years of setbacks.

Some lawmakers, such as Rep. Juandalyn Givan, say the rollout has been troubled from the start, not properly set up from the start and plagued by lawsuits that have slowed the process.

“It was a situation from day one that the shoot probably wasn’t prepared properly,” Givan said. “There have been numerous lawsuits that have challenged the cannabis board regarding the opening of dispensaries.”

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Members of UFCW Local 152, who work at The Botanist dispensaries and cannabis grow locations in Egg Harbor Township and Collingswood, New Jersey, ratified a new contract on February 26.

The three-year contract includes significant overall pay increases for all involved, as well as guaranteed annual raises throughout the contract. All members who have served at least 90 days will also receive a ratification bonus. The contract also preserves affordable union health care.

Under the new contract, every worker at The Botanist will receive an additional floating holiday, and senior members with at least five years of continuous service will be entitled to another floating holiday starting in January 2027. Now, these members will be able to carry over more earned paid time off than ever before.

The contract includes language for shop stewards and union representatives to organize orientations for new union members. These short meetings provide an opportunity to formally educate new members about UFCW Local 152 and union differences. The contract also includes language for workers to voluntarily opt into the UFCW active voting club.

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