Teamsters Local 777 Welcomes Dispensary 33 Budtenders

In a recent press release, Teamsters Local 777 announced that Dispensary 33 budtenders have joined the organization (1). Teamsters Local 777 was founded in 1937 and helps support workers in various industries located within the Chicago area.

“This is another major step forward for cannabis workers in Illinois,” said Jim Glimco, President of Local 777 (1). “These budtenders came together, stood strong, and made their voices heard. Now we can get to the bargaining table faster and focus on securing the wages, benefits, and protections that these workers deserve.”

The Local 777 organization has helped ratify contracts that “industry-leading wages, protections against unjust discipline, and safety improvements,” (1).

“Cannabis workers nationwide are realizing the power of Teamsters representation,” said Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division (1). “We've already organized workers from coast to coast. This isn't just a trend — it's a movement that's transforming the cannabis industry for the better.”

“Working with such thoughtful, capable, compassionate people during this campaign has shown me what true community can feel like,” said Finn Allen, a budtender at Dispensary 33 (1). “The organizing process has only made us a stronger, more collaborative unit, and we are so ready to fight for the workplace that we deserve.”

Other Teamsters chapters have been working toward supporting and representing their works over this year. Teamsters Local 570 ratified their first cannabis contract for cannabis workers in Maryland in March 2025 (2). The Teamsters Local 469 chapter located in New Jersey, was able to secure their first contract in the Garden State in May 2025 (3).

References

1. Teamsters Local 777. Dispensary 33 budtenders join Teamsters local 777 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dispensary-33-budtenders-join-teamsters-local-777-302524523.html (accessed Aug 14, 2025).
2. Colli, M. First Cannabis contract ratified by Teamsters in Maryland https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/first-cannabis-contract-ratified-by-teamsters-in-maryland (accessed Aug 14, 2025).
3. Colli, M. Teamsters local 469 obtains first NJ contract https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/teamsters-local-469-obtains-first-nj-contract (accessed Aug 14, 2025).