Brittney Griner’s defense team said she used medical marijuana to reduce pain from injuries. Lawyers argue the practice is common among elite athletes. The WNBA star has been stranded in Russia since February 17, when she was arrested for having vape cartridges and hash oil in her luggage. Medical marijuana is illegal in the country.
Brittney faces a possible prison sentence of up to ten years. Amid the diplomatic crisis between Russia and the United States, tensions surround the player’s case.
1 of 3 Brittney Griner in the dock surrounded by bars — Photo: Portal
Brittney Griner in the dock surrounded by bars Photo: Portal
A narcologist summoned by the defense was heard on Tuesday. He argued that medical marijuana is widely used to treat athletes. Often with fewer side effects than other pain relievers.
“With the prescription in place, Brittney may have used it for medicinal purposes but not recreationally,” Russian attorney Maria Blagovolina said.
Brittney listened to the testimony of the lawyer and specialist with the help of a translator. At the hearing, the player wore a sweatshirt with the words “Black Lives For Peace”, “Black Lives for Peace”, in free translation.
2 of 3 Brittney Griner arrives for the court hearing — Photo: Portal
Brittney Griner arrives for a court hearing Photo: Portal
Both the NBA and WNBA have at times affirmed that they are working with the US government to expedite Griner’s return. The State Department also called it “top priority,” though Brittney’s wife, Cherelle Griner, and other WNBA figures await additional action to resolve the case.
On March 5, 2022, Russia’s Federal Customs Service announced that it had detained a US athlete at Sheremetyevo Airport outside Moscow in February. She would be carrying a cannabis derivative in liquid form, legal in almost all US territories but banned in Russia. The athlete in question was WNBA star Brittney Griner.
Griner has been in custody since then and criminal proceedings have been opened for drug transport and international trafficking. According to a statement by the customs service, criminal proceedings have been opened for “largescale drug transport”. The penalty for such cases can be up to ten years in prison.
3 of 3 Brittney Griner WNBA USA — Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Brittney Griner WNBA USA — Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Why was Griner in Russia?
PhoenixMercury athlete Brittney like other US athletes often plays in the Russian league during the months the WNBA is on hiatus. Griner has been defending local teams since 2015 and typically makes more than $1 million a season, higher than what he earns in American competition itself. Their last official game for Yekaterinburg was on January 29.
In early July, BG pleaded guilty but denied it was intentional. The statement came after the Pivot wrote a letter to US President Joe Biden urging him to step up US efforts to bring them home.
“Sitting here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, the Olympic uniform or any accomplishments, I am afraid that I may stay here forever,” Griner said in excerpts, Writing to the White House disclosed by their officials.