Cannabis Legalization Provides Opportunity for Working People 

(NEW YORK, NY) – Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo reaffirmed his commitment to legalize adult-use cannabis in New York ahead of his State of the State address. The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) represents workers in the medical cannabis industry across New York State. Stuart Appelbaum, President of the RWDSU and John Durso, President of Local 338 RWDSU issued the following joint statement: 

“Legalizing adult use-cannabis will create incredible opportunities for New York’s communities at every level of the industry, from ownership to management to the workforce. It’s been estimated that our State has the potential to see 30,000 new jobs just from this industry and as a result, we must ensure that these are quality, union careers and that neighborhoods that have long been struggling have access to these jobs. As a labor union, a key component of the work that we do in advocating for working men and women is related to fighting for economic and social justice. Legalizing cannabis is a natural bridge for this work, and we appreciate that it’s one of Governor Cuomo’s priorities this year. We’re looking forward to working with Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature to ensure that 2021 is the year New York legalizes adult-use cannabis,” said John R. Durso, President of Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW and Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).