Labor groups looking to unionize tens of thousands of pot workers

Major labor groups are looking to unionize tens of thousands of workers involved in marijuana production before the drug is legalized in California in January.

United Food and Commercial Workers, United Farm Workers and Teamsters are aiming to unionize workers throughout the industry, ranging from planters to sellers, The Associated Press reports.

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Labor heads predict the recreational marijuana industry could provide job opportunities to 100,000 workers throughout the state, according to the AP.

The push to unionize marks an opportunity for unions to gain influence in the cannabis industry, which is reportedly worth $22 billion in California.

Labor groups are pushing to unionize workers as California prepares for its recreational marijuana sales to kick off Jan. 1.

Businesses must have a local permit and a state license to sell the drug in the state.