The UFCW Local 360 union announced workers at Harmony Dispensary in Secaucus voted to join them. They are eyeing entering the lucrative adult-use cannabis market concurrently.
They announced it in the wake of their victory at Curaleaf’s Edgewater dispensary in Burlington County.
Union Organizing
“A new generation of workers is discovering that bona fide labor unions play a critical role in properly balancing the needs of employees, communities, and employers,” said UFCW Local 360 President Sam Ferraino Jr.
Harmony Dispensary currently operates one medical cannabis dispensary in Secaucus in Hudson County.
“This vote is not just a show of support in the promise of unions to positively impact businesses, families, and communities. It’s also a declaration in support of high operating standards. And a diverse and skilled workforce with good working conditions,” Ferraino added.
“They carefully considered. Then selected, the career-supporting benefits that come with joining Local 360,” said UFCW Local 360 Organizing Director Hugh Giordano.
Supporting Cannabis Workers in Secaucus
“We’ve always said that UFCW supports cannabis industry workers from seed to sale,” he added. “With a company like Harmony, that’s clearly the case. They’re already a name in medical marijuana, with their own cultivation and dispensary operations. They’re actively looking to expand, both geographically through new stores and by entering the adult-use market.”
“Harmony has always believed that the men and women that come to work every day in our dispensary deserve to have their voices heard on the job,” Harmony Dispensary CEO Shaya Brodchandel said. “We look forward to our future discussions with our team members and UFCW Local 360. And to making our workplaces ones that live up to our company name.”
In addition to running Harmony, Brodchandel is the President of the NJ Cannabis Trade Association. Organization membership is restricted to licensed dispensaries in the state.
(Heady NJ has a partnership with the UFCW.To hold the Working in South Jersey Cannabis Gathering in Berlin Twp on Jan. 21st Full disclosure.)
Harmony Dispensary and Adult-use Cannabis
Harmony Dispensary in Secaucus would like to move from medical to adult-use cannabis sales. They have already secured local support to sell adult-use cannabis in Secaucus. It was through a local ordinance allowing only one other company to operate in town.
They hoped to receive approval from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) to begin selling adult-use cannabis in Secaucus last week. However, they did not receive it, while Curaleaf did for one of their locations in South Jersey.
“By seeking to become the first New Jersey-based ATC (Alternative Treatment Center) to be granted an expansion into the adult-use market. We are showing that cannabis businesses born in this state have the ability to join those Multi-State Operators (MSOs) and thrive,” Brodchandel said.
Giving Back
“Through our Social Equity Plan, creating real jobs for New Jersey residents or reinvesting our profits back into the community, Harmony has shown a commitment to the state and people of New Jersey,” Brodchandel explained. “We look forward to expanding our presence at job fairs and providing additional expungement clinics, reentry support, and mentorship opportunities.”
The NJCRC mandates medical dispensaries show they have a plan to address social equity to expand to adult-use cannabis sales.
They would be the presumed first New-Jersey based retailer of adult-use cannabis. Brodchandel argued his commitment would be to not only growing Harmony Dispensary but the entire cannabis industry.
Teaneck entrepreneur Tony Campbell said Brodchandel’s help shows he “truly wants to make the industry strong in New Jersey.”
“He knows that by nurturing us and others like us, the cannabis industry in New Jersey will mature,” Campbell added.
In the spring, he was awarded an adult-use cannabis conditional manufacturing license. Campbell hoped the NJCRC would approve Harmony Dispensary’s applications for adult-use cannabis sales.
Harmony’s Operations
They have locations in Hoboken and Jersey City for months and months that have yet to open. Last year they were part of a big art celebration last October. They sought to highlight the artistry of their unopened Jersey City location. Last spring, Harmony’s Dispensary in Hoboken was approved for medical cannabis sales.
“These are both active development projects that are bound by local and state approval with timelines beyond our control,” Harmony said. They have two locations that have yet to open.
In addition, Harmony Dispensary, unfortunately, has had some serious legal issues. They are not commenting on the legal issues which entangle Harmony and Brodchandel.
