Cannabis Facility Worker’s Asthma Death Leads to Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In Massachusetts, a groundbreaking lawsuit has emerged following the first reported asthma-related death in the cannabis industry. The mother of Lorna McMurrey, who died after suffering an asthma attack at Trulieve’s cannabis production facility, is suing the company, its safety manager, and contractors responsible for the plant’s duct and ventilation systems. The lawsuit alleges negligence in failing to provide adequate safety training and proper maintenance of machinery to control exposure to airborne cannabis dust and mold.

The case details McMurrey’s work conditions in the "pre-roll" production room, where poor ventilation and grinding machines produced thick cannabis dust, covering workers and leading to McMurrey’s severe asthma attacks. The incident in January 2022 was her second at the facility, following a similar attack in November 2021. The complaint argues that Trulieve negligently exposed workers to hazardous conditions without providing necessary safety training or information about the risks of cannabis dust or mold.

The lawsuit also criticizes the facility’s HVAC system, alleging it was inadequately designed, poorly ventilated, and leaked, promoting mold growth. Trulieve, in its defense, has previously asserted that it operated appropriate air handling systems and complied with OSHA standards, providing personal protection equipment to employees. However, the lawsuit contends that despite these claims, Trulieve’s actions, or lack thereof, directly contributed to McMurrey’s death, highlighting a significant issue of workplace safety in the cannabis industry.