Brittney Griner–an U.S. professional basketball player previously arrested in Russia for possessing marijuana–has cancelled an appearance at a cannabis event after discovering what she perceives to be a threat in her hotel room.
Griner was scheduled to speak at Maryland’s Women Grow Leadership Summit, but according to cannabis advocacy organization MEDCAN24 she no longer plans on participating after finding a note written in pen on duct tape that read: ‘Gay Baby Jail.”
Griner is openly gay and was arrested for marijuana possession, yet it’s unknown whether her room contained any direct messages for her.
Griner was expected to address her arrest and imprisonment in Russia, which helped spark international debate about cannabis prohibition laws domestically and globally.
As part of the event, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) provided a video message about legalizing marijuana with consideration given to social equity.
“Women Grow is under attack from forces seeking to undermine, intimidate and silence us,” Women Grow CEO Chanda Macias stated. This threat does not just apply to one individual; rather it affects us all equally – something which cannot continue happening without action taken immediately by all involved. This situation cannot continue; no longer accept it.”
“Brittney Griner felt unsafe due to threatening objects and words left in her hotel room; out of consideration for her safety, she decided it would be best for her to go home,” according to Griner herself.
“The Gaylord [hotel] has assured us of their safety; they have stated that the threat was in fact just an accidental meme joke left by an earlier guest which cleaning staff missed,” according to Brittney’s statements. She stressed: “Whether this was intentional or accidental, all Women Grow community members fully support Brittney in her decision and stand together during this challenging period.”
Attacking women for coming together and creating change will not halt our progress. Women Grow is actively cooperating with venue and authorities in investigating this incident and holding those responsible accountable, prioritizing every woman’s safety throughout this conference as our top priority. Founded on the belief that all women deserve equal leadership without fear or intimidation, Women Grow remains dedicated to supporting female cannabis industry leadership without restriction or intimidation; our commitment is stronger than ever – so no matter what, women will continue leading with confidence.”
“Gay Baby Jail” is an informal term to refer to any situation wherein someone or something becomes trapped within an enclosure such as jail cells, boxes or any form of punishment location.” Additionally, “Gay Baby Jail” can refer to situations in video games when softlock occurs – meaning players become stuck due to glitches or design flaws and cannot progress further into gameplay.
MEDCAN24 reached out to a speakers bureau that books appearances for Griner; however, its representative was unaware of her situation and could provide no comments.
Cannabis policy reform advocates face several layers of context when calling for its reform.
On Monday, Russia freed an American citizen charged with possessing cannabis–something Griner was found guilty of doing in her country–potentially defusing another international conflict that can arise out of marijuana prohibition.
Russian authorities’ announcement of the arrest of 28-year-old American, William Pereira, over cannabis use last week came just as Trump administration officials celebrated a prisoner swap that led to Marc Fogel being freed after spending 13 months behind bars there for using medical cannabis for treating pain relief.
Fogel was released after having lawfully obtained cannabis medicine in Russia as part of his registration with Pennsylvania cannabis treatment facilities.
After an historic multinational prisoner swap earlier in 2017, through which several Americans were released, two chambers of legislators issued an open letter to then Secretary of State Antony Blinken to express their “gravest of concerns” over Fogel’s continued imprisonment.
Fogel’s situation was also highlighted as comparable to Griner, who served time in Russian prison over possession of cannabis oil legally obtained as part of her Arizona medical cannabis treatment and then was freed as part of an earlier prisoner swap negotiated by Biden administration.
Russia, in turn, has taken an especially staunch stance against reform of cannabis policy at an international level through the UN and has expressed disappointment that Canada legalized cannabis nationwide.
At Women Grow event, Maryland governor Larry Hogan gave an informative talk on his state’s experience of legalizing cannabis use.
Moore noted, “Creating equitable opportunities in the cannabis industry isn’t simply business – it’s justice,” noting Maryland as setting an exemplar standard in how we can repair past wrongs while creating more inclusive and prosperous future.
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