A worker in cannabis dispensaries that a California city may allow patrons to smoke while ordering hot food will have the right to wear a respiratory mask paid for by their employer. It is not OK to subject California workers to secondhand tobacco smoke but it is OK to do so when it comes to secondhand cannabis smoke?
Gov. Gavin Newsom made it clear where he stands on that question.
Newsom — who just a few short years ago was lecturing everyone to follow the science — opted not to follow the science in a big way.
Newsom this week signed into law the ability for cities in California to allow cannabis dispensaries to serve hot food and non-alcoholic drinks to patrons smoking marijuana’
Cities also can allow dispensaries to host comedy shows and concerts in conjunction with the in-site consumption of cannabis.
Those that partake in cannabis clearly have no concern.
But what about the workers in cannabis dispensaries that could be allowed an exception to the 30 plus years of California law that has prohibited smoking inside public places, businesses, offices, and places of employment?
The American Cancer Society is armed with scientific research that points to secondhand cannabis smoke having higher particulate levels than secondhand tobacco smoke.
There is also data that shows — even though it might be to a lesser degree — that secondhand cannabis smoke can cause asthma attacks, cardiovascular disease, and lung issues.And as ironic as it might sound, the Governor vetoed a similar bill last year citing the same health concerns for food workers and customers.What changed?The bill signed into law assured cannabis cafe workers have the right to wear respirator masks and employers must pay for them.It also requires such employers to include secondhand smoke in injury and illness prevention plans for their workers.There’s also a provision in the new law noting “if” cities allowing cannabis cafes decide to issue permits that impose ventilation standards the systems must be “powerful enough.”In other words, it must “prevent smoke and odors from migrating to any other part of a building” where a cannabis cafe is located in from impacting any […]
Sacramento’s drug of choice: Taxable cannabis that is rolled up in $100 bills
