Health and Safety in the Cannabis Industry for Workers
If you are an employer, visit Health and Safety in the Cannabis Industry for Employers.
Read about health and safety hazards in the cannabis industry.
As a worker in the cannabis industry, you have the same rights and protections as every other California worker, including the rights under the California Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973.
Under this law, employers must:
- provide a safe workplace
- train employees about workplace hazards, and
- inform employees of their right to report work-related injuries.
Employers must ensure cannabis industry workers are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance can be used should you or a co-worker become injured or ill at work.
Important: Workers in California are covered regardless of immigration status.
Worker Rights
If you have experienced or seen...
Wage Theft
- Unpaid wages
- Pay below minimum wage
- Unpaid overtime
Labor Law Violations
- Failure to provide rest periods
- Failure to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage
You can...
Unsafe Work Environment
If you feel that your workplace is unsafe, you can:
Important: It is your right to file a complaint without fear of getting in trouble with your employer. Complaints made to Cal/OSHA are kept confidential. But if you supply your name and contact information, Cal/OSHA can follow up for more information and to inform you about the complaint process.
Unsafe Housing
If your employer has provided housing that is unsafe, you can file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Community Development (select “Employee Housing Facilities” in the upper right.)
The cannabis industry has some of the same health and safety hazards as other industries, such
as agriculture, but also carries risks that are unique.
More information about these hazards - and how to prevent them - can be found at the links below.
 Allergies and Asthma
The cannabis plant can cause allergies and asthma. You can become sensitized to it and develop an allergic response on your skin or through inhalation. Cannabis workers have died from asthma due to exposure to cannabis dust. Respiratory protection, moving to a different area or performing a different task can help protect you from getting sick.
Cannabis Industry Workers at Risk for Allergies and Asthma | Spanish
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Pesticides You can be exposed to pesticides, including disinfectants, especially without proper protective clothing and training. Pesticide exposures can be harmful and cause illness. Working Safely with Pesticides in Agricultural
Settings (PDF, 2.7MB) |
Spanish (PDF, 2.7MB)
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 Ergonomics
If you are hand-trimming the cannabis plant, or performing any task that requires repeated hand motions, forceful exertion, or heavy lifting, you could be at risk of pain and injury.
Resources from the State Compensation Insurance Fund:
Cannabis Solutions (PDF, 2.5MB) | Hand Trimming Posture (PDF) | Hand Trimming Tools (PDF) |
Heat Illness You may spend long hours working in hot temperatures in the cannabis industry. This may be true of outdoor, indoor, and mixed light operations. Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Workplaces: Information for Employees (PDF)
Protect Yourself from Heat Illness (English and Spanish) (PDF)
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 Workplace Violence
Incidents of workplace violence may occur in any work setting. But, if you work in the cannabis industry, your workplace may be more at risk. Valuable cannabis plants and products, as well as large amounts of cash in retail locations, makes cannabis businesses especially vulnerable.
Workplace Violence Prevention - Information for Workers (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)
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