Work-Related Asthma in the Cannabis Industry: Findings From California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Washington.

Pacheco, Michelle; Fitzsimmons, Kathleen; Reeb-Whitaker, Carolyn; Rosenman, Kenneth; Flattery, Jennifer; Weinberg, Justine Lew; Reilly, Mary Jo; Yiu, Sarah et al. · J Occup Environ Med · 2025

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

Describe work-related asthma (WRA) cases and associated exposures in the legalized cannabis industry. Using data from four state-based surveillance systems (California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Washington), WRA cases within the cannabis industry were identified and classified as new-onset asthma or work-aggravated asthma. From legalization dates (1996 in California, 2012 in Massachusetts, 2008 in Michigan, 1998 in Washington) through 2023, 30 WRA cases were identified. A majority were aged 18 to 34 years (66.7%) and were male (60%). Thirteen (52%) cases were new-onset asthma, and 12 (48%) were work-aggravated asthma, with two fatalities. The most frequently reported exposure was plant materials (40.4%), of which 94.7% were cannabis dust and/or marijuana plant. Most cases (69%) worked in indoor cultivation/processing. Cannabis industry workers are at risk for WRA, emphasizing the need for interventions to address workplace respiratory hazards.

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