Labor & Employment Law Daily Wrap Up, LABOR NEWS—UFCW backs reintroduced Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, (Jul 20, 2026)

By Brandi O. Brown, J.D.

This legislation would guarantee that all cannabis workers are protected by the NLRA, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

“America’s cannabis union, the UFCW” has announced that it is endorsing the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, which has been reintroduced by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). The legislation would end the federal prohibition of cannabis by removing cannabis from the list of federally controlled substances and would empower states to create their own laws. According to Senator Booker’s announcement, 90 percent of Americans believe that cannabis should be legalized for either adult or medical use.

DEA hearing concluded. This move comes as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is considering transferring marijuana from schedule I to schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. A multi-day hearing ended last week, and comments are due by August 17, 2026. Thereafter, the DEA Chief ALJ will issue a recommended decision, which will go to the DEA Administrator for a final decision.

UFCW represents thousands of workers in the cannabis industry. UFCW International President Milton Jones explained, “Building workplace protections, strong wages, and economic opportunities into the cannabis industry ensures that workers and those harmed by the failed ‘War on Drugs’ will benefit from the industry’s growth, which is why we’re proud to support the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act.”

Added protections. UFCW notes that, currently, agricultural workers in the cannabis industry are not federally protected under the NLRA and that this legislation would guarantee that protection. It also would ensure that workers are protected under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, as well as the FLSA.

Fewer drug tests. The senators also explain that the Act would strengthen workers’ rights by removing unnecessary federal employee pre-employment and random drug testing for cannabis and establish grants for community-based education, outreach, and enforcement of workers’ rights in the cannabis industry.

“The only reefer madness I’m seeing is the continued federal prohibition of cannabis,” said Senator Wyden. “Our legislation is the most comprehensive proposal on the books to end federal cannabis prohibition while keeping public health and safety front and center. The federal government needs to get with the times, and our bill is the way to do it.”

Other cosponsors include Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

News: LaborNews AgencyNews Cannabis Labor FederalLegislation FederalRegulations