The surge in global cannabis production and commercialization, encompassing industrial hemp, medicinal, and recreational cannabis, has brought to light occupational lung diseases and allergies among workers. Reports of occupational diseases in the hemp and textile sectors trace back to the 1700s, as reported by Bernardino Ramazzini. Following the widespread prohibition of cannabis in the early 20th century, case reports of cannabis related ailments predominantly related to law enforcement personal, forensic botanists and consumers, and underreported due to the illegal status of cannabis at the time. However, as the international hemp, recreational and medicinal markets continue to grow, reports of occupational allergies and respiratory disease, including a fatality, are rising amongst workers engaged in the cultivation, harvesting, processing, and manufacturing of goods from commercial crops.
Today’s workforce is at risk of occupational allergies and lung diseases through dust inhalation and contact plant components (seed, pollen, flowers, hurd, bast, oils and volatiles etc.), particularly those with pre-existing allergies and other health conditions. Poor storage, transportation and manufacturing practices can create additional health hazard including soil and road dust contamination, along with product spoilage (mould, allergens, endotoxin). This presentation will give an update based on emerging health data within the global cannabis industry, seeking to raise awareness of the health hazards and challenges that need to be addressed to create a safer work environment for everyone.