A Milestone for New York’s Cannabis Workforce

In a groundbreaking move for the state’s emerging cannabis market, The Herbal Care THC LLC has officially become the first licensed dispensary in New York to unionize. The shop, founded and owned by Markel Bababekov, opened earlier this year as the eighth adult-use dispensary approved under New York’s legalization framework — and now it’s setting a new precedent for labor rights and industry standards.

“This milestone represents a major step forward for both the cannabis industry and the local workforce,” Bababekov shared. “We’re proud to show that a dispensary can operate with fairness, collaboration, and transparency — values that benefit not just employees, but the community as a whole.”

Building a Fair and Transparent Future

Unionization in cannabis remains rare nationwide, but The Herbal Care’s decision could help redefine the employer-employee relationship in this young, fast-moving industry. The dispensary’s commitment to collective bargaining aligns with a broader movement for sustainable labor practices in the cannabis economy — one that often grapples with startup-style volatility and shifting regulations.

By unionizing, The Herbal Care joins a growing chorus of cannabis businesses nationwide recognizing that long-term success depends on equitable growth. The dispensary’s leadership hopes this model will encourage others to adopt more inclusive practices that prioritize staff well-being, fair compensation, and workplace safety.

Setting the Standard for New York’s Next Phase

New York’s adult-use cannabis program is still taking shape, with regulators, business owners, and workers navigating a constantly evolving landscape. Against that backdrop, The Herbal Care’s achievement stands as both a symbol of progress and a challenge to peers: that doing business right means doing right by the people who make it possible.

The unionization marks a shift toward greater stability and professionalism in a market long defined by uncertainty. It also signals the arrival of a new generation of cannabis entrepreneurs — ones intent on leading with integrity and community impact.

As Bababekov puts it, “We believe this is the path forward — for our team, for our customers, and for New York cannabis as a whole.