Leafly Faces Scrutiny After Removing Investigative Articles on Trulieve Worker’s Death

LOS ANGELES–Leafly, a previously well-regarded online cannabis platform, has come under fire for removing two crucial articles that delved into the tragic death of Lorna McMurrey, a 27-year-old cannabis worker. McMurrey collapsed during her shift at a Trulieve cannabis factory in Holyoke, Massachusetts last year. The removal of these investigative pieces raises questions about the platform’s commitment to transparent reporting and casts a shadow over the safety of workers within the cannabis industry.

This report draws on reporting from Ganjapreneur. Ganjapreneur’s reporting shows how McMurrey’s untimely demise was brought to light by Mike Crawford, the host of The Young Jurks podcast in Massachusetts. It was through his relentless pursuit of the truth that the details of McMurrey’s tragic passing emerged. Crawford’s dedication to investigative journalism cannot be overstated, as he played a pivotal role in uncovering this story.

The removal of the articles, authored by Dave Howard, has raised concerns about Leafly’s motivations. The platform shuttered its newsroom earlier this year due to financial difficulties, leaving many to question whether economic pressures influenced the decision to remove these critical pieces. Leafly has yet to provide an explanation for this action, leaving room for speculation and a sense of unease.

Fortunately, thanks to the Internet Wayback Machine, readers can still access Part 1 and Part 2 of the investigative series. These articles shed light on the circumstances surrounding McMurrey’s death and scrutinized the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) handling of the case. Initially, OSHA attributed McMurrey’s death to inhaling “ground cannabis dust.” However, months later, the cause was reclassified as a fatal asthma attack. The series also explored whether this tragedy exposed unaddressed worker safety concerns within the cannabis industry.

Dave Howard, the journalist behind the removed articles, expressed his disappointment and confusion regarding their removal. He explained that he and his editor poured substantial effort into the series, driven by the belief that it could contribute to the betterment of the industry. Their intention was to raise awareness about potential health risks and promote worker safety.

Trulieve, a multi-state cannabis operator based in Florida, settled with OSHA for $14,502 in January as a result of McMurrey’s unfortunate death. The company also pledged to investigate the potential hazards associated with ground cannabis dust. Notably, Trulieve recently announced its withdrawal from the Massachusetts state market, marking a significant development in its operations.

The removal of these investigative articles raises concerns about the balance between corporate interests and responsible journalism within the cannabis industry. It is imperative that media outlets maintain the integrity and transparency necessary to shed light on critical issues, such as worker safety and industry practices.

Moreover, the commendable efforts of Mike Crawford and Ganjapreneur, who highlighted the story and contributed to the public’s understanding of the incident, should be acknowledged. Their dedication to investigative reporting plays a vital role in holding the cannabis industry accountable for ensuring the safety and well-being of its workers.

As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that media platforms uphold their responsibility to report on both the successes and challenges faced by the industry. The removal of these articles serves as a reminder of the importance of independent journalism in fostering a safe and responsible cannabis landscape.