Large union endorses Oregon Cannabis Tax Act
PORTLAND, Ore. - A possible ballot initiative that would tax cannabis has landed the support of one of Oregon's largest unions.
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 555, has voted to endorse Initiative 9, known as the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, the Portland Business Journal reported.
The measure would tax and regulate cannabis for adults over the age of 21.
The union believes that regulating the growth and sale of cannabis would help kick start an agricultural hemp industry in Oregon.
“From retail to manufacturing to health care, we recognize that a vibrant hemp and cannabis industry in Oregon will create thousands of family-wage, sustainable jobs across the entire state,” said union President Dan Clay in a statement.
The Oregon Cannabis Tax Act website touts the many applications of cannabis, from biofuel to consumer health products, and says that regulating its growth will not only create jobs, it will also help ensure that marijuana is only sold to adults for approved uses. Proponents say the tax would generate more than $140 million a year.
The Union Food and Commercial Workers Union has 19,000 members in Oregon and southwest Washington.
The Portland Business Journal is a news partner with KATU.com
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Whys is union endorsing pot addiction.
 @kahn Because pot isn't as addictive as alcohol or pain meds.
Great now we are going to have stoned out food handlers, working in the food supply industries. Home grown is looking better each day.
@onceagain  What's the matter are you afraid of getting your 1/4 pounder with cheese with a big old bite taken out of it? ;-)
 @Ghetto BabySo you like your food pre-tasted by some drug addict who may have all kinds of nasties on them?
 @onceagain Better than being strung out on oxy's and heroin.
 @randomdude not much better, kind of like asking if you would rather be hit by a 6 ton car or being hit by a 6 ton block of feathers. You are still dead by being hit by a 6 ton object.