Cannabis Industry
The rise in the cannabis market also brings safety concerns. Right now, in the U.S. more than half of the states have legalized cannabis in their states to be used for recreation purposes, and not only that the states are permitted to grow cannabis plants in their own home, buy it, and sell it. This all will be discussed in today’s article.
States who have legalized cannabis are enjoying yearly profits of billions of dollars. The cannabis industry has provided 243,700 full-time jobs to people in January 2020.
Let us have a look at Cannabis industry hazards.
Cannabis Industry Safety Risks:
Many of the safety hazards found in the marijuana industry are the same as those known to be present in workplaces throughout many industries, specifically the greenhouse industry.
These hazards can be divided into three main categories that are biological, physical, and chemical hazards.
Biological Hazards
Biological hazards for the cannabis industry include improper ventilation, skin exposure while handling plants, exposure to THC, and mold exposure from the greenhouse.
Chemical Hazards
Cannabis industry workers face chemical hazards the most as they are confronted with chemical hazards not only in the production process but also in the period of housekeeping procedures. chemical hazards of the cannabis industry include:
Carbon dioxide
Workers who are exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide suffer burns.
Carbon monoxide
Exposure results in the poisoning of carbon monoxide.
Pesticides
Cannabis cultivation facilities use insecticides and fungicides and they have multiple health effects, which include cancer as well.
Volatile organic compounds.
These compounds can cause nose, throat, and eye, irritation along with vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and asthma symptoms. Long-term exposure to Volatile organic compounds could cause additional health hazards such as kidney, liver, and respiratory effects and cancers.
Cleaning products.
Chemical products which are used for cleaning indoor areas can cause respiratory or skin irritation, asthma, burns, and irritation of the eyes. The Improper mixing of chemicals causes severe lung damage.
Butane.
Extracting cannabis while using butane is not so costly but it presents high hazardous risks. Release of butane in the atmosphere while extractions are prohibited by EPA, OSHA, and other fire departments.
Physical Hazards:
Physical hazards for a cannabis industry include burns from flammable powers, compressed gas, machine operation injuries. combustible liquids, slips and falls on super-smooth surfaces, excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure. There are also some common hazards such as sprains, pinches, and cuts from hand tools and machine usage.
The U.S. cannabis industry is expected to reach up to $30 billion annually by 2025, But as with all the emerging industries, the cannabis industry has to face challenges.
States where Cannabis is legal in the U.S.
- Nevada
- Washington, D.C.
- Vermont
- Oregon
- Colorado
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Guam
- California
- New Mexico
- Michigan
- Virginia
- Washington
- South Dakota
- Alaska
- Maine
- New York
- Arizona
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Illinois
Colorado
Legalization Approved in November 2012
The people here are allowed to take an ounce of cannabis from the age of 21. They are also allowed to grow six mature plants only. Marijuana in public is illegal.
Washington
Legalization Approved in November 2012
In Washington, people are allowed to consume or buy an ounce of cannabis from the age of 21. They are also allowed to grow six mature plants only. Retail sale is legal at dispensaries that have licenses.
Alaska
Legalization Approved in November 2014
The Alaskan people are allowed to take an ounce of cannabis from the age of 21. They are also allowed to grow three mature plants only. Marijuana in public is illegal. Smoking cannabis in public is illegal. Retail sale is legal at dispensaries that have licenses
Michigan
Legalization Approved in November 2018
For the people of Michigan, it's legal for adults who are 21 to grow and consume marijuana. They are allowed to grow up to 12 plants and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis.
Vermont
Legalization Approved in January 2018
It's legal to grow or consume cannabis in Vermont, but people can’t buy or sell it. Adults up to age 21 can consume one ounce of it. They are also allowed to grow two mature and four immature plants. Inhaling cannabis in public is illegal.
Guam
Legalization Approved in April 2019
The people here are allowed to take cannabis from the age of 21. They are also allowed to grow six mature plants only.
Illinois
Legalization Approved in May 2019
From January 2020, the legislation allowed adults over 21 years to take 30 grams of cannabis as a recreation activity. They are also allowed to take 5 grams of concentrated cannabis and products that have up to 500 milligrams of THC.
New Jersey
Legalization measure approved November 2020
The legislation allowed adults over 21 years to take cannabis as a recreation activity.
Montana
Legalization Approved in November 2020
The legislation allowed its citizens to take cannabis from November 2020.
South Dakota
Legalization Approved in November 2020
The legislation allowed adults over 21 years, to possess or distribute up to 1 ounce of cannabis.
Arizona
Legalization Approved in November 2020
The legislation allowed its people to take cannabis for recreation purposes from the age of 21, but they banned smoking it in public.
New York
Legalization Approved in March 2021
New York’s legislation allowed its people to take up to 1 ounce of cannabis to the people who are 21 years or older than it.
Virginia
Legalization Approved in April 2021
Same as New York’s legislation, the legislation allowed Virginians to take up to 1 ounce of cannabis to the people who are 21 years or older than it from July 1, 2021.
New Mexico
Legalization Approved in April 2021
New Mexico’s government allowed adults who are over the age of 21, that they can grow cannabis in their homes. They are also allowed to take up to two ounces, not at home but outside. The dispensaries which have state licenses can sell cannabis for recreational purposes from April 1, 2022.
Connecticut
Legalization Approved in June 2021
Cannabis was legalized in Connecticut on June 22, 2021. Individuals aged 21 or older than 21 will be allowed to take up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis as recreation.
