One of the nation’s leading marijuana companies, Trulieve, has agreed to pay a $350,000 fine tied to the death of an employee who suffered an asthma attack at its Massachusetts production plant two years ago, according to a settlement reached with the state’s cannabis regulator.

Failure to Meet Safety Requirements

Trulieve, which closed its Massachusetts operations last year, failed to meet several safety requirements at the Holyoke facility where 27-year-old Lorna McMurrey worked when she died in 2022, the Cannabis Control Commission asserted. State health officials believe McMurrey was the first person in the American cannabis industry to die from an asthma-related workplace incident.

Incident Details

McMurrey reported breathing issues while grinding and processing cannabis at the Holyoke plant, exposing her to significant marijuana dust and other airborne particles. She collapsed on the job during a severe asthma attack on Jan. 4, 2022, and died three days later at a local hospital.

Regulatory and Legal Actions

Acting Cannabis Control Commission Chair Ava Callender Concepcion expressed hope that the settlement would contribute to a safer industry nationwide. McMurrey’s family, who filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Trulieve last year, received condolences from the commissioners.

Company Response

Trulieve did not respond to requests for comment but previously defended its management of the Holyoke facility, citing proper air filtration systems. The company emphasized its commitment to employee health and safety in 2022.

Broader Implications

The $350,000 penalty is significantly higher than the $14,500 Trulieve paid OSHA in a separate settlement. Trulieve’s exit from Massachusetts followed poor business performance and regulatory scrutiny. The lawsuit claims Trulieve failed to properly vent the facility and protect workers from airborne contaminants.

The fine paid by Trulieve will enter a fund supporting communities most affected by the War on Drugs.