UFCW Local 400 has reached an agreement with Bethesda Biomedical to represent medical marijuana workers in Maryland once the state approves the company’s license to operate. “By signing this agreement, Bethesda Biomedical has shown that they are dedicated to developing this industry in a way that provides good middle-class jobs with living wages and proper benefits for a well-trained and qualified workforce,” said Local 400 President Mark Federici. The agreement guarantees high wages, healthcare, a retirement pension and other benefits to future employees of Bethesda Biomedical. The contract covers pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, cultivators and laboratory technicians on both the manufacturing and retail sides of the business. “I believe that business and labor can be productive together and create an even more viable industry,” said Bethesda Biomedical president Brian Caldwell. Both parties anticipate the company’s license will be approved by the state of Maryland before the end of the year and operations could begin as early as January 2016. Meanwhile, Bethesda Biomedical is currently investigating potential manufacturing sites in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties and a retail space in Takoma Park. UFCW already represents thousands of workers in the medical marijuana industry across the country.