Fatal Asthma Attack Linked to Cannabis Cultivation Facility
According to a federal report, a 27-year-old woman tragically passed away in January 2022 after experiencing worsening work-related respiratory symptoms at a cannabis cultivation and processing facility.
The woman's condition deteriorated, leading to a fatal asthma attack, as stated in the report.
For more information, you can read the full report here.
Trulieve Settles with OSHA After Worker's Death
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that Trulieve, a cannabis company, has reached a settlement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following the death of one of its workers. The incident occurred at a Trulieve facility in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
According to a report by Boston.com, Trulieve has paid over $14,000 as part of the settlement. The company has agreed to implement a temporary information and training program to educate employees about potential allergic reactions associated with working with ground cannabis dust in an occupational setting.
The Associated Press reached out to Trulieve for comment, but representatives from the company did not respond.
"A big red flag"
The finding comes as legalization of recreational marijuana, and the resultant growth of the cannabis industry, is spreading. Almost half the states allow adult recreational use of marijuana. Legalizations began in 2012 with Washington and Colorado and have only accelerated.
Advocates for safety in the marijuana industry have called for more safeguards to make sure the cannabis business doesn't put workers or the public at risk.
The death of the Massachusetts worker "should be a big red flag to lawmakers that we need to put way more guardrails around that industry," said Scott Gagnon, a cannabis industry watchdog who advocates for the prevention of substance abuse in Maine, where marijuana has been legal for several years.
The industry wants to be as safe as possible, said Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML, the marijuana law reform group, adding that "likelihood of such incidences is greatly reduced in environments where cannabis businesses are licensed, regulated, and required to adhere to the same sort of workplace safety regulations and standards as others."
"Furthermore, when such incidences do occur, the regulated marketplace ensures that they are properly investigated and that corrective actions are taken to prevent future incidents," Armentano said.
As the number of cannabis-friendly states across the U.S. has grown, so, too, has the drug's usage among American workers.
Record High: Marijuana Positivity in Workplace Drug Testing Reaches 25-Year Peak
An analysis conducted by Quest Diagnostics medical lab and testing company has revealed that the percentage of general U.S. employees who tested positive for cannabis in 2022 reached the highest level ever recorded. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, with the data indicating a 25-year high in marijuana positivity among workers.
Quest Diagnostics has been analyzing annual workplace drug testing data since 1988, making this report a comprehensive reflection of drug use trends in the American workforce. The findings highlight a concerning rise in marijuana use among employees, raising questions about the potential impact on workplace safety and productivity.
The analysis serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by employers in managing drug use in the workplace. With the legalization of marijuana in several states, companies are grappling with the need to balance individual rights with maintaining a drug-free work environment.
Employers are encouraged to review their drug testing policies and consider implementing education and support programs to address substance abuse issues. By promoting a culture of wellness and providing resources for employees, companies can mitigate the risks associated with drug use and create a safer and healthier work environment.
For more information, you can read the full analysis here.
