Fake News Site Sparks Concern Over ‘Deadly Marijuana’ Recall Claim

What are they smoking? 

A fake news report about a marijuana recall is creating some buzz online after claiming that four people died and 49 others were hospitalized in Colorado on account of bad weed.

There are a few obvious problems with the story, published by the Boston Tribune on Tuesday. First, the Tribune (motto: “News You Can Trust”) is a fake news site ? Snopes.com lists it among a number of “sites that appear to be legitimate local news bearing shocking (but fake) stories.”

Colorado’s Marijuana Enforcement Division made this very point, noting that the Tribune is known for “satirical” news. A spokesman for the agency also told The Huffington Post that any public health and safety advisories can be found on its website. The agency doesn’t know of any such recall or illnesses, he said.

Still, that hasn’t stopped readers from thinking the rumor is true. As of Wednesday afternoon, the Tribune’s article had been shared on Facebook thousands of times, with many commenters expressing outrage over its claims that synthetic marijuana was slipped into a Denver business’ products.

The article ? which appears more fear-mongering than funny ? claims that a Denver-based manufacturer and distributor identified as “Rite Greens L.L.C.” rolled back its products in response to the recall.

At first glance, there does appear to be some evidence to support the Tribune’s story. A statement published on a website and Facebook page for a business called Rite Greens Pot Shop appeared to confirm the recall, and said it was only temporary.