As the nights get colder and trimming season kicks into full gear, many workers on illicit cannabis grows are being forced to stay on‐site in unsafe, makeshift housing without proper heating.

According to a recent investigation by the Los Angeles Times, several laborers in Northern California have died from carbon monoxide poisoning and propane heater CO₂ exposure. These workers were living and working in sealed greenhouses or remote camps while trying to stay warm.

With trimming and harvest operations under way, the recent cold weather means the risk increases. This is a human trafficking concern and a worker safety concern. People being forced to live and work in these conditions are vulnerable and often unable to call for help.

This year, Norcal Coalition investigations on local illicit cannabis grows have already revealed unpermitted living quarters and the use of propane heaters inside closed structures. These deadly conditions are preventable, but only when unsafe sites are reported. Community tips allow investigators to locate victims and shut down dangerous operations before someone is harmed.

Read more at KYM Kemp