UW researchers tackle cannabis workplace health hazards

OG article by Julia Tellman

January 2, 2026

Researchers at the University of Washington's Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences are undertaking a groundbreaking study on health hazards in the cannabis industry, driven by recent legalization and historically limited research due to federal Schedule I status. Funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the project—led by principal investigators Christopher Simpson and Coralynn Sack—focuses on respiratory risks and potential lung diseases among workers. It was spurred by reported work-related asthma deaths in other states.

PhD student Callan Krevanko is conducting fieldwork at approximately 10 Washington facilities, including Subdued Excitement (SubX) in Ferndale, collecting data from over 100 workers through air monitoring, personal breathing zone sampling, and health assessments. Common hazards include particulate clouds during trimming, despite practices like mask-wearing and air filtration. SubX co-founder Nick Cihlar notes that cannabis production mirrors general agriculture but faces unique scrutiny under state Labor & Industries and federal OSHA oversight.

The study aims to deliver evidence-based recommendations by winter 2026-2027, emphasizing practical, affordable interventions such as improved ventilation and protective equipment rather than enforcement actions. This collaborative approach seeks to enhance worker safety in a rapidly growing industry while addressing gaps in occupational health knowledge specific to cannabis cultivation and processing.