Worker at Massachusetts Cannabis Producer Dies from Inhaling Cannabis Dust

Worker at Massachusetts Cannabis Producer Dies from Inhaling Cannabis Dust

An employee at a cannabis production facility in Massachusetts died earlier this year after inhaling cannabis dust while working, according to a preliminary inspection report from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).according to reportAn employee dies while manufacturing pre-rolled joints at a marijuana manufacturing facility in Holyoke, Massachusetts, operated by Trulieve, a Florida-based vertically integrated cannabis company with operations in 11 states. Did.

In that report, which is subject to revision by the agency, OSHA investigators said employees “couldn’t breathe” when they were crushing cannabis flowers and wrapping them in pre-rolls on Jan. 7. ” writes. The report provides few details about the incident, but an OSHA investigation determined that an unidentified “employee died after being unable to breathe due to the hazards of cannabis dust.” The report also noted that the inhaled dust contained marijuana kief, isolated cannabis trichomes, glands that produce THC and other active compounds found in marijuana.

In June, OSHA fined Trulieve a total of more than $35,000 in connection with the death of an employee. The three violations identified by OSHA are classified as “major,” and OSHA states that Trulieve should ensure that companies maintain written hazard communication plans, maintain safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals, and It alleges that it violated federal regulations that require it to provide information and training about substances.

Citizen leaders in Holyoke said Massachusetts’ regulated cannabis industry would set up shop in many vacant industrial buildings in the city and businesses operating within the jurisdiction, according to data from the state’s Cannabis Control Board. welcomed the issuance of 72 licenses to grow, manufacture and retail cannabis products. Local independent news site The Shoestring reports that indoor cannabis growers are particularly drawn to cities north of Springfield in western Massachusetts, where electricity prices are relatively low compared to other areas. increase. Holyoke was one of the first planned industrial cities in the country, and can be supplied with affordable electricity via a dam and municipal canal system.

Colleagues Allege Inadequate Management at Trulieve Facility in Massachusetts

The death of a Trulieve employee was first reported by the US government last week. podcast Young Jerks. The deceased worker was not identified in her OSHA investigative report, but Young Jurks identified the employee as her 27-year-old Lorna L. McMurry of West Springfield, Massachusetts. In a post on YouTube, Young his jerk shared a statement from an unidentified former colleague. He alleges inadequate management at the Trulieve facility.

“Lorna McMurray tragically passed away while processing keef at Trureve’s manufacturing facility in Holyoke, Massachusetts,” said a former employee. and corruption, I had quit about a month before she died.I wish I had been there to save her.Watch out for your people.Educate yourself well. .”

When asked about the deaths at the Trulieve cannabis growing facility, Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia said Sunday it was the first time he had heard of the incident. He added that he could not.

“This is news to me and I am very shocked to hear this.” he wrote In a text message sent to a reporter for The Shoestring.

Drew Weisse is the organizer of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1459, a labor union representing workers at the Green Thumb Industries operated Hollywood cannabis production facility. He told local media that workers in the cannabis industry face a range of workplace hazards.

“You work in a factory farm, so there are health hazards associated with both the farm and factory environments,” says Weisse.

Trulieve is licensed to grow up to 80,000 square feet of cannabis plants at its Hollywood facility in a former Conklin office furniture factory building. The company also operates his three cannabis retail stores in Massachusetts. Trulieve has legalized cannabis in 11 states nationwide and is the market leader in Arizona, Florida and Pennsylvania.

A Trulieve spokesperson said: high times The company had drafted a statement regarding the incident, but declined to comment further.

Steve
administrator
With two decades of dedicated experience, Nuggs is a seasoned cannabis writer and grower. His journey has been a harmonious blend of nurturing cannabis from seed to harvest and crafting insightful content. A true expert, they've honed strain-specific knowledge, cultivation techniques, and industry insights. His passion shines through enlightening articles and thriving gardens, making them a respected figure in both the growing and writing facets of the cannabis world.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *