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ARTICLE · 09 MARCH 2026

High Standards: Protecting Workers In Cannabis Cultivation And Manufacturing

ArentFox Schiff
ArentFox Schiff
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The cannabis industry's rapid expansion presents significant workplace safety challenges that operators must address proactively.

United StatesCannabis & Hemp
Justin A. Goldberg
Justin A. Goldberg
Kirsten Hart
Kirsten Hart
Emily Cowley Leongini
Emily Cowley Leongini
Kendall Murphy
Kendall Murphy
Alexandra M. Romero
Alexandra M. Romero

The cannabis industry's rapid expansion presents significant workplace safety challenges that operators must address proactively.

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This growth is only further likely to accelerate following President Donald Trump's December 2025 Executive Order directing the rescheduling of "marijuana" from Schedule I to Schedule III, a development we analyze in depth here.

With this anticipated expansion, cannabis operators must prioritize compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, many of which are informed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) research and recommendations regarding workplace safety. Federal agencies have intensified their focus on this sector, rolling out new enforcement programs and guidance targeting heat hazards, extraction operations, allergens, and indoor air quality.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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