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

Abstract

Objective: Describe work-related asthma (WRA) cases and associated exposures in the legalized cannabis industry.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: Cannabis industry workers are at risk for WRA, emphasizing the need for interventions to address workplace respiratory hazards.

Keywords: epidemiology; fatal case reports; marijuana; occupational; prevention; respiratory; surveillance.