The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy has approved legislation that would require marijuana businesses to honor labor peace agreements, moving it forward to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.

House Bill 161, introduced by Representative Steven Owens, mandates that licensed marijuana establishments submit attestations affirming they will not interfere with employees’ rights to unionize. Businesses can meet this requirement either by pledging noninterference directly or by entering into a formal labor peace agreement with a qualified labor organization.

Under the proposal, a “labor peace agreement” ensures union representatives are allowed to communicate with employees about their rights while prohibiting strikes, picketing, or boycotts against the business. The measure would also require companies to renew their commitment as part of their license renewal process.

The bill directs the Cannabis Control Commission to create and regularly update a list of bona fide labor organizations eligible to negotiate with marijuana establishments. These groups would need to demonstrate independence from employer control, a record of collective bargaining, or affiliation with national or regional labor councils.

Small businesses, as defined by existing state regulations, would be exempt from the new requirements.

Supporters argue the legislation would safeguard worker rights in an industry that has rapidly expanded across Massachusetts, while also helping to avoid labor disputes that could disrupt the market. The measure now awaits review by the House Ways and Means Committee, which will decide if it advances to a full floor vote.