Legal Cannabis Growing Operations Hazards & Health Risks

States Where Marijuana Is LegalizedLegalized recreational marijuana Legalized medical marijuana CBD

HI

MA

FL

AR

ND

NM

IL

MI

OH

AZ

MT

MN

PA

NY

ME

RI

NJDE

MDDCCO

NV

CA

WA

OR

AK

VTNH

CT

LA

WV

TX

OK

UT

WYIA

MO

IN

WI

KY

TN

MS AL GA

SC

NC

VAKS

NE

SDID

CO2

Excessive

exposure

Excessive UVexposure

Fertilizer

Pesticide

Exposure to

Accidental exposure to

oxides of NitrogenDANGER!

Carbon MonoxideDANGER!

H

H

HOH

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Drug exposures while handling

plant buds

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) SuggestionsRespirators

Eye & Face Protection

Skin Protection

Respiratory protection may help reduce exposure to pesticides or chemicals.

Eyewear can be used to protect from contact with THC, pesticides and chemicals.

Coveralls, lab coats, aprons, footwear, and especially gloves can be used to prevent skin contact and exposure to THC, pesticides and fertilizers.

Growing Safety Concerns in the Medical Marijuana IndustryTo date, 30 states and the District of Columbia allow marijuana for medical and/or recreational use. On top of that, 16 states now allow cannabidiol (CBD) to be used in some form. However, each state handles the relevant health and safety issues for workers in this emerging agricultural and retail industry very differently. 

More importantly, as more marijuana grow operations open, there are a growing number of workers who are being employed in cannabis production. Have you assessed the health and safety risks that your workers might be exposed to and what personal protective equipment may be able to keep them safe?