Cannabis Worker Health and Safety

Cannabis worker

Protecting a new workforce

Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic expansion of the cannabis industry across most US states. Although thousands of new employees are joining the workforce each year, very little is known about the occupational hazards and potential health effects for workers involved in cannabis cultivation. Learn more about work stages and key risk areas

On-the-job exposure

Occupational health concerns among cannabis workers include potentially hazardous exposures to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, mold, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and ergonomic injuries.

In the News

Washington legal pot farms get back to work after pesticide concerns halted operations |July 15, 2023 | Associated Press

Study explores potential cannabis related health concerns to protect industry workers | July 2, 2021 | Spokesman-Review

Cannabis industry workers face unknown occupational hazards | October 21, 2020 | Cannabis Equipment News

Protecting the pot workforce | August 29, 2018 | Health and Safety Matters

Resources

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Shine a Light on Safety: Indoor/Outdoor UV Exposure Prevention

This resource offers guidance on understanding and preventing indoor and outdoor UV exposure for cannabis growers and workers. En Español.

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Respiratory Exposures and Outcomes Among Cannabis Workers (webinar)

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DOSH Hazard Alert

Attention: Workers in the legalized cannabis industry with exposure to cannabis dust are at risk for developing asthma.

PNASH Research

Respiratory Health and Indoor Air Quality in the Cannabis Industry

NIOSH Funding Period 2022-2027 | Christopher Simpson, PhD and Carolyn Sack, MD

Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic expansion of the Cannabis industry in multiple US states.

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Respiratory Health and Indoor Air Quality in Washington's Cannabis Industry

PNASH Pilot Project 2018-2020 | Christopher Simpson, PhD, MSc

Marijuana is now medically legal in 38 states and recreationally legal in 11 states, including Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Due to the drug's illegal history, there is a lack of scientific study on the occupational hazards for this workforce.

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