Trade unions have existed in the US since 1827 and were once an indisputable necessity in order to balance out the harsh disparity between employers and their generally exploited workers. In the nearly two centuries since, labor unions have seen their power and influence significantly diminished – only 11.3 percent of Americans presently belong to a union.  
 
However, there is a green lining in the guise of medical pot, as the United Food and Commercial Workers union (UFCW) has begun the process of penetrating the prolific Los Angeles medical marijuana dispensary industry. At present, UFCW workers are only employed at three LA dispensaries but UFCW reps said another 49 city dispensaries intend to unionize in 2013.  
 
As reported by Reuters UFCW has also played a role in legalizing recreational pot in Washington and Colorado, assisting in voting drives in both those states. Although according to the article, Colorado has been more resistant than other states to unionize dispensaries because of the Rocky Mountain State's rugged, individualist, anti-union background.
 
UFCW confirmed there were approximately 3000 of their members currently employed by pot-related businesses, many of which view being unionized as bringing a higher degree of legitimacy and even safety to their particular industry.
 
UFCW also collected enough signatures to place a measure on LA’s May ballot. If passed it would reduce the number of citywide dispensaries to a mere 130, while preserving all unionized dispensaries. This would greatly enhance UFCW's profile and prominence in the LA medical pot scene – and no doubt alienate the many dispensaries that would be put out of business. 
 
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