Brittney Griner's drawn-out drug trial in Russia resumes

The drug trial of American basketball star Brittney Griner in a Russian court focused Tuesday on testimony that cannabis, while illegal in Russia, is regarded in other countries as having legitimate medicinal use.

Griner has acknowledged that she was carrying vape canisters containing cannabis oil when she was arrested in February at a Moscow airport, but she contends that she had no criminal intent and that the canisters ended up in her luggage inadvertently because of hasty packing.

“We are not arguing that Brittney took it here as a medicine. We are still saying that she involuntarily brought it here because she was in a rush,” defense attorney Alexander Boykov said after the session in which a Russian neuropsychologist testified about worldwide use of medicinal cannabis.

“The Russian public has to know, and the Russian court in the first place has to know, that it was not used for recreational purposes in the United States. It was prescribed by a doctor,” he said.

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who plays for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The medical testimony and Griner's admission that she had the canisters is aimed at bringing her a mild sentence.

[prdamico]

Do not try to smuggle drugs into other countries, and this won't

[ChicagoBeaver]

So he is getting high while playing basketball here and in Russia too? FK britney, he knew the consequences, he should man up and do his time.

[peterpanish]

She deserves to be in prison. She has lived and worked there for nearly ten years. She is not an innocent victim or political prisoner. Legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use in parts of the U.S. has no bearing on what happens in Russia or other countries. Stop waiving privilege.

[SocialSymone]

Very unfortunate situation. I hope this brings awareness to people that what is acceptable in one region of the world may not be in others. That even gies for certain substances in the United States. News has now reported, basketball player Iman Shumpter, was just arrested in the states at a airport with Marijuana. Though legal from the state where he was traveling, it is not in every state. Though I personally think the possibly of him being in jail for up to a year is crazy because it's legal in other states, the law is still the law. Please educate your self and the people you love It is very sad to see it play out the way it has and I wish the both the best. Peace, love and blessings y'all. 💜

[VegasRT]

Kangaroo court Russian KGB style where everybody is guilty then they have the trial to tell you how much time you will be serving.