Occupational hypersensitivity to cannabis

Purpose of review The expansion of the legal cannabis market has driven rapid, exponential growth in its workforce. Emerging evidence suggests that occupational exposures during cannabis production contribute to respiratory and allergic disease in cannabis workers. Recent findings There is a substantial burden of respiratory and allergic disease in cannabis production workers. Recent evaluations have demonstrated exposure to respiratory irritants and allergic sensitizers during cannabis production activities, though the cause of health symptoms among cannabis workers remains unknown. While some studies suggest that sensitization to cannabis plant allergens may drive disease, no epidemiological studies have quantitatively assessed the relationship between inhalation hazards and health outcomes in cannabis production workers. Summary Research is critically needed on the etiology of work-related respiratory and allergic disease within the cannabis industry. Although the specific cause of reported health effects is uncertain, recent findings provide sufficient preliminary evidence to justify swift action to safeguard this rapidly growing workforce.