Swedish minister ridiculed for spreading satire article about marijuana deaths

STOCKHOLM – Sweden's justice minister is facing ridicule for posting a spoof article about marijuana-linked deaths on her Facebook page along with comments about her zero-tolerance against drugs.

Beatrice Ask of Sweden's ruling Conservative Party linked to the Daily Currant's satire article, which claimed (falsely) that marijuana overdoses killed 37 people in Colorado on the first day of legalization.

Above the link she wrote: "Stupid and sad. My first bill in the youth wing was called Outfight the Drugs! In this matter I haven't changed opinion at all."

The comment quickly spread in social media, triggering widespread criticism.

Ask's press officer Per Clareus said Tuesday the minister was aware the article was fake and was trying to criticize the website for joking about such a serious matter, but was misunderstood.