The drug trial of American basketball star Brittney Griner in a Russian court centered on testimony Tuesday that cannabis, while prohibited in Russia, is acknowledged as having valid medicinal use in many countries.
Griner admitted in court earlier in the month that when she was stopped in February at a Moscow airport, she was transporting vape canisters containing cannabis oil. However, she claims she had no illegal intent and that the canisters were mistakenly packed in her suitcase.
“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 hearing.
Another member of Griner’s defense team had earlier filed a letter from a doctor in the United States urging that the basketball player utilize medical cannabis to alleviate pain. A Russian neuropsychologist spoke about the worldwide use of medicinal cannabis during Tuesday’s court session.
According to a Russian Foreign Ministry official, the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use in areas of the United States has no influence on what happens in Russia.
So far, five court hearings have taken held, with some lasting only one hour. The lawsuit was deferred until Wednesday afternoon after a 90-minute session on Tuesday.
The length of the trial is unknown, although Griner’s custody has been extended until December 20.
Read more here.
