About this episode

Cole discusses the labor dispute at Ascend Wellness' cultivation facility with striking workers and union representatives.

Cole sits down with striking workers and representatives from Teamsters Local 916 to discuss the ongoing labor dispute at Ascend Wellness' cultivation facility in Barry, Illinois. They explain why more than 300 workers walked off the job, outline their concerns over wages, health care, overtime, workplace safety, and contract negotiations, and respond directly to portions of Ascend's public statement. The conversation also explores what the strike could mean for Illinois' cannabis supply chain, consumer concerns surrounding cultivation conditions, and what both sides would need to do to return to the bargaining table. Throughout the interview, Cole emphasizes transparency by explaining how the interview came together and offers Ascend the opportunity to share its perspective in a future episode. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/30/e295/

People in this episode

Host: Cole Preston

Guest: representatives from Teamsters Local 916

Topics covered

• labor dispute
• cannabis industry
• worker rights
• wages
• health care
• workplace safety
• contract negotiations

Keywords

• cannabis workers
• Ascend Wellness
• labor strike
• Illinois cannabis
• Teamsters Local 916
• workplace safety
• contract negotiations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ascend Wellness

Places: Barry, Illinois, Illinois

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• Oregon's Legal Psilocybin Experiment Faces a Major Test | E299 · July 8, 2026 · 45 min
• #298 - Illinois Signs Major Cannabis Overhaul, Plus Q&A With Brad Spirrison · July 2, 2026 · 1h 20m
• #297 – Illinois Homegrow: Can Medical Patients Actually Buy Cannabis Seeds? · July 2, 2026 · 56 min
• #296 - Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings Begin: Key Takeaways from Days 1 & 2 · July 1, 2026 · 33 min

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