Legal Cannabis Growing Operations Hazards & Health Risks States Where Marijuana Is Legalized Legalized recreational marijuana Legalized medical marijuana CBD HI MA FL AR ND NM IL MI OH AZ MT MN PA NY ME RI NJ DE MD DC CO NV CA WA OR AK VT NH CT LA WV TX OK UT WY IA MO IN WI KY TN MS AL GA SC NC VA KS NE SD ID CO2 Excessive exposure Excessive UV exposure Fertilizer Pesticide Exposure to Accidental exposure to oxides of Nitrogen DANGER! Carbon Monoxide DANGER! H H H OH Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Drug exposures while handling plant buds Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Suggestions Respirators 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 Industry To 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?