Introduction/framework/objectives

Hemp is a variety of Cannabis Sativa, which contains small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol; this is the most relevant active ingredient, with both acute and chronic effects for consumers. However, the consequences of occupational exposure have not been properly studied (either in the harvest or chemical extraction phases).

The progressive legalization related to medicinal or even recreational consumption, in some countries, has been expanding the sector that employs more and more employees. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent and pertinent articles published on the subject.

Methodology

This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a research carried out in June 2021 in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”.

Contents

The selected publications highlight as main Risk Factors some chemical and biological agents, as well as ultraviolet radiation, thermal discomfort, possible contact with electricity, noise, cuts, loads, repetitive movements and falls. In some documents, recommendations were also found regarding Collective and Individual Protection Measures.

Discussion and Conclusions

The published data focus more on existing knowledge for other professional sectors where there are equivalent Risk Factors, rather than on robust investigation in the sector itself. It would be very important for the Occupational Health teams with clients in this area to investigate the most relevant aspects and disclose them in scientific articles.

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