Marijuana giant Trulieve has agreed to pay a $350,000 fine following the tragic death of Lorna McMurrey, an employee who suffered an asthma attack at its Massachusetts production plant. This incident has highlighted significant safety concerns within the cannabis industry, leading to a settlement with the state’s Cannabis Control Commission.
The Incident
In January 2022, Lorna McMurrey, a 27-year-old worker at Trulieve’s Holyoke facility, collapsed due to a severe asthma attack while grinding and processing marijuana. Exposed to substantial amounts of marijuana dust and airborne particles, McMurrey had reported breathing issues prior to the incident. She died three days later in a local hospital, marking a somber first in the American cannabis industry for an asthma-related workplace death.
Safety Shortcomings
The Cannabis Control Commission’s investigation revealed that Trulieve had failed to meet several safety requirements. The commission noted that the Holyoke plant lacked adequate air filtration systems, a critical factor given the nature of McMurrey’s work. Despite having proper air filtration installed, Trulieve did not recognize marijuana dust as a harmful allergen necessitating respirators for employees.
Industry-Wide Implications
Acting Cannabis Control Commission Chair Ava Callender Concepcion emphasized the broader implications of this settlement, hoping it would lead to a safer cannabis industry nationwide. McMurrey’s family, who filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Trulieve, received condolences from the commission, underscoring the need for better safety protocols.
Legal and Financial Consequences
The $350,000 fine imposed by the commission significantly exceeds the $14,500 penalty Trulieve agreed to pay the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in a separate settlement. Trulieve’s cooperation with the investigation and its voluntary relinquishment of state-issued licenses reflect its acknowledgment of the incident’s gravity.
Ongoing Challenges for Trulieve
Trulieve, one of the largest cannabis corporations in the U.S., has faced numerous challenges recently. In response to business difficulties, the company exited Massachusetts last year, closing several dispensaries and the Holyoke production plant where McMurrey worked. The lawsuit filed by McMurrey’s family cited inadequate ventilation and protection from airborne cannabis dust, mold, and other particles as primary factors in her death.
Workplace Safety in the Cannabis Industry
This tragic incident has brought attention to the health and safety of workers in the burgeoning cannabis industry. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health highlighted additional cases of non-fatal respiratory diseases among cannabis production workers. Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein stressed the importance of addressing these risks as the industry evolves.
Conclusion
The settlement and fine against Trulieve serve as a critical reminder of the need for stringent safety measures in cannabis production facilities. As the industry continues to grow, ensuring the health and safety of workers must remain a top priority. The lessons learned from McMurrey’s tragic death could pave the way for safer practices and better protections for all employees in the cannabis sector.
