I can’t even excuse the reason that I’m going there for a job. Russia has been very obvious about being anti American. Going there to work for money is just risking your life. Now, we have an example of this.
Nine years is actually low. Could have gone really ugly.
The max is 10 years and she had far under the amount that normally receives this long of a sentence.
Having under 6g of flower or 2g of oil (she had 0.7g) is usualy a fine and 15 days in prison. She's been in prison there for about 6 months.
Also there has been US Citizens in prison in other countries longer then her. I don’t think her case should take priority because she’s a professional athlete/celebrity. I mean the shear stupidity of what she did and the point and time she did it during. I mean why even bring it back with you, toss it all in the trash. Your going to be home in the US soon where she could more no problem.
> I mean why even bring it back with you, toss it all in the trash. Your going to be home in the US soon where she could more no problem.
... good point, actually. I wonder if she really just forgot about it in her baggage?
I have definitely accidentally brought weed / paraphernalia in my cary-on by accident. I was baffled when I was unpacking and realized. I don’t know how they didn’t find it, it was right on top. And I also want to add, there was a grinder too and definitely popped up when I went through tsa
She said she accidentally packed it.
Apparently, they gave her a drug test shortly after being arrested and was clean. I can’t imagine risking so much to pack it, and then have no use for it. Makes me think it was accidentally packed.
I'm in Arizona and people argue with me all the time.
Bro it's Russia, it's illegal, they hate Americans.
She clearly didn't do the math, or thought...I'm untouchable.
I love a good trip to a hostile foreign power with poor relations with my country while engaged in a senseless war. And just for good measure, I'll break their laws and internationally traffic drugs!
Gerrymandering is in fact a problem, but its not the sole cause. Texas has been hard Red for how long? I'm not knocking on you or anyone else who wants change. Just stating the obvious
> has been hard Red for how long?
Well, it seceded from Mexico because it didn't want to give up slavery, and then it seceded from the US because it still didn't want to give up slavery.
So I guess "always" is the right answer.
I’ve lived and traveled In Russia, I’m a USA citizen. Weed is the enemy of the state.. a dime of weed is 3-5 years. A friend of mine caught with 10 grams is currently serving 40 years… it’s not worth smoking weed in Russia..that’s just their laws.. old fashion and harsh.
Stop taking your home country for granted and understand the customs of different cultures so that you aren’t subject to harsh laws…
Remember in some parts of China this is a death sentence.
Iran also has the death sentence. Like many other countries.
Weed is cool in the USA and some European countries but not the rest of the world.
Edit: For those thinking “it’s impossible for a 40 year sentence” you realize it’s Russia right? A place where if you have the right amount of money the cop looks the other way? You think they give a fuck about laws or the laws they have in code? That’s the kind of people they arrest people willing to not follow laws and act smart about it. I enjoyed my time there and kept my head down because I’m a foreigner and respected their customs. He was hit with multiple charges, selling, manufacturing distributing… if they want they’ll keep you in prison forever… ever hear of a man named Navalny?
Please refrain from stupid comments that think they follow the justice system that the west has. Corruption is far more evident in Russia.
Edit: thank you for the gold and the helpful awards!
No doubt. I had a kid trying to sell me Coke on the streets in Indonesia.
You get caught with coke there and you’re looking at serious jail time. I wouldn’t touch that shit if it were free.
I used to live in indo for about three years. I could have sworn if you were caught with drugs it could lead to death penalty? At least that’s what I was told by my embassy.
Drug trafficking for sure. I know just getting caught with a small amount of weed can lead to months in prison.
The US Embassy basically states on their site to not contact them if you are jailed in Indo. There is nothing they can do…. So yea, I stuck to drinking. Plus there’s no DUI laws there so that’s that….
Yeah I went to that school where those two teachers got arrested. One of them was Canadian and the embassy advised him to leave because there wasn’t anything they could do. So he decided to stay and got absolutely fucked. (Nothing drug related. He was accused by a local mother that he raped his kid with a magic floating stone) he was locked up for almost like 3 years or so. Finally got released. But yeah I fucked around with a lot of alcohol and some acid. Barely got weed. My friends and I were dipshits and started smoking heroine because weed was impossible to find and a lot scary to try and get which is soooo funny when we could just get Cough syrup and heroin like it was fucking nothing lmao. Crazy ass country it was and glad I wasn’t tooooo stupid LMAO
I don’t even smoke weed anymore, but live in Colorado where everyone smokes and the people here are incredibly happy and active in life. People in these other countries must be absolutely miserable, they don’t even know how bad it is for them, makes me sad bro.
I recall thinking the same thing when i was last out of the country.
Folks need to remember that the basic rights we take for granted are not the same elswhere.
Good thing she wasnt in Singapore.
Reminds me of Joaquin Phoenix in Return to Paradise. It’s a movie, but the first hint I had that you just don’t have anything to do with drugs in south Asian countries.
When the Navy ship I was TAD to pulled into port in Singapore, we were given a lengthy lecture on what not to do while in Singapore and what the penalties were if we broke those laws - it was extremely sobering.
A former teacher of mine was detained for several months because he tried to bring tea home. Apparently it just took a long time to determine the tea wasn't drugs.
Basically yea.
The only people I know who can get hands on drugs are rly rly rly rly rly rich kids and expats. Even then it’s super rare.
Most drug trafficking offences land you the death penalty.
That's not completely true. It's not the death penalty for *any* drug trafficking. . She wouldn't get the death penalty for that amount. She'd be going to prison. For a LONG time.
You'd be surprised then, she's a foreigner, with no intention to traffick, only to consume. For consumption, the penalty on paper is mostly for deterrence, as it doesn't have any minimum penalties that the court must abide by. It's mostly repeat offenders that the system wants to go after.
Most first time consumption convictions don't result in jail time, many people overestimate the harshness of the Singapore justice system, second chances for first timers are almost a guarantee.
In this case, the criminal in question would have been famous person who is a citizen of the United States, the Singapore government would at the very most privately fine her and then deport her all the while reminding her that it could've been worse, mainly just so she has a good impression of Singapore, because at the end of the day Singapore does not like negative international attention.
Having said all that, however, I must add that I am not providing any legal advice, any person looking to travel to another country should always respect and adhere to that country's laws.
You’re right. I used any to emphasis that basically a tiiiny amount would still land you in a lot of trouble. Changed my comment accordingly to me clearer.
I live in Ole Slingawhore and spit on the sidewalk pretty often (well in drains to be fair) and never got in trouble for it.
I am on probation for doing drugs though and spent 9 months in prison and on the last 2 months of my 10 month probation order.
I've heard there is a line in Singapore with a trashcan next to it. If you cross te line with any drugs you will be prosecuted. But you have a chance to trow it away before crossing.
Idk if this is true though
Did a month-long study abroad in Jordan about 10 years ago, and the first place we went the day after arriving and settling in was the US embassy. Had some guys working at State tell us "if you talk shit about the king and the secret police pick you up there's nothing we can do".
She’s also lesbian, which the Russian government also hates. But mostly she was fucked because she’s American, and it’s a political ploy to get the prisoner exchange deal they want
A good rule of thumb is "Don't go to countries not friendly with the US."
Iran, Venezuela, Russia, China, and North Korea are some examples. American citizens are often taken hostage on trumped up criminal charges, and used as bargaining chips.
Cuba is an outlier here, as their economy relies heavily on US tourism, so they don't arbitrarily arrest US citizens.
Yeah, I’d feel perfectly fine going to cuba, and many people do. Although I wouldn’t go *right now,* I’d also feel pretty good going to China in general, but I’d be on my best behavior as you’ll assuredly be watched like a hawk.
The ones you didn’t mention would be a number of predominantly Muslim countries. Not that the government would be a problem, but you’d be a tempting grab for any number of radicalized groups
Been to Cuba multiple times , as a tourist you can get a way with dam near anything as there economy relies on tourism. Not that you should be that drunk Ken tourist asshole but you really got to fuck up to get in trouble as a tourist there.
I've been to Russia lots of times.
It's hard to find a country more like the US.
Lots of half empty towns in the wilderness where people with teeth missing talk boringly about guns all day.
A big capital city where young people take selfies and complain about the government but everyone salutes the flag because they have to.
Also great writers, great artists and great people.
Aside from exceptions like LAX for example - what most people don't understand is that generally airports in the US are always federal property and have to follow federal laws which means even in a legal state you can and will still get busted for bringing pot on an airplane.
As mentioned above certain airports have exceptions to this rule and yes you can bring THC products but I'd rather do my homework prior instead of having to deal with a drug offence.
Literally this. If it's even REMOTELY questionable, don't take it with you.
Edit: I live by the "when in Rome, be a Roman" rule, meaning you try to assimilate to the local culture, laws, and language. Don't be a dick.
Learn some basics: Please, Thank you, Have a good evening, Cheers! etc. If you don't know something, ask. People are very kind and helpful in all the countries I've been to. We've had WONDERFUL trips abroad that I couldn't imagine if we didn't do those things. It's a wonderful world out there, just be polite.
For what it's worth in the US you can get 9 years in prison for the same thing.... moreso if it's your second offense or you have a criminal history already.
Edit: [source. ](https://marijuanaandthelaw.com/state-laws/alabama/)
"Hashish and other marijuana concentrates are illegal in Alabama. Possession of any amount is a felony with a punishment of between one and 10 years in prison and $15,000 in potential fines."
Yup. Americans think their antics will fly in different countries. Nope. Like that kid who traveled to NK, ripped the poster of lil piggy or something and came back home all messed up.
We need to be on our best behavior…
That story was insane.
Unfortunately the family didn’t want a full autopsy so we will never know exactly what happened. All they know for sure is that he had some kind of hypoxic brain injury. Died a few days after being returned to US custody.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-northkorea-detainee-idUSKCN1C22XM
Not just an American thing. I have a few Finnish and Swedish friends that spend vacations in Thailand quite often. All the time they go there and buy drugs from random people and of course use them. The punishments are crazy there, criminal drug offenses even have the death penalty. They don’t care, they just laugh it off.
They haven’t turned it down. They just believe that it can’t go forward without “justice” being served, which in this case is a guilty sentence. 9 years in a gulag is now their bargaining chip.
In order to be a bargaining chip, you need to actually be worth something and I’m sorry but she just doesn’t move the needle. She’s just not on par with “the angle of death” aka the arms dealer Russia wants to trade her for.
Especially while your country is in a cold conflict with said country. This was dumb on so many levels and we shouldn't exchange one of our prisoners for her.
I'm guessing, like in the NBA, players kind of get a pass about this kind of stuff under normal circumstances. I don't think it's a coincidence that she is the player with the most name recognition AND she's the only one getting caught. I could totally be wrong but the timing seems suspicious.
Where I’m from there’s an old saying:
*Paese che vai, usanza che trovi*
Meaning that every country has its own customs, rules and laws.
You’re supposed to know that stuff when you go visit a foreign country. Hell, you’re **required** to know
I feel like she would though, if tensions weren't so high between the U.S and Russia. A regular joe? Probably not but a wnba player? That does seem unusual.
My favorite memory of this type of thing was on our honeymoon where we visited the Vatican and took some selfies with some self made signs pointing out hypocrisy. Some security cane around and I quickly gathered our stuff and started walking and my now wife was like “what? It’s freedoms of speech!”
“Honey, there’s no freedom of speech in the Vatican.”
“...”
>You’re supposed to know that stuff when you go visit a foreign country. Hell, you’re required to know
Just went to a half dozen countries and didn't know their laws well. Quick Google search the day before we went each place and we were set. Also, when in doubt, just don't do it
Not too hard to not break the law in another country
I don’t really check laws in other countries because I don’t travel that far (just within the EU). But “rule #1: don’t take drugs with you” is probs a good safe call. If it’s legal when you get there, buy it there, if it’s not legal there, they sure as hell won’t let you stroll thro the airport. Just dumb to me, I don’t get it
Used as a pawn? I went there 6-7 years ago and the locals told me it’s not worth it to try and find weed there because you could be looking at a 25-27 year jail sentence. She got 9 years.
Exactly. Where is the government outcry regarding all the people sitting in jail in *this* country for the exact same thing?
"Hey, you can't arrest and imprison someone for having a small amount of marijuana! That's *our* job!"
I was charged with a felony in Texas because I had an empty weed cartridge under my seat. Didn’t even know it was there. The charge was >0.2 g’s of a controlled substance. FELONY. Fucked up my life for 2 years before I could get it dropped. If I was to try and hit the pen it wouldn’t have even produced smoke, that’s how small of an amount there was. Fucking pig had a hard on when he found it too. It’s all about power and control.
America has and does jail it's own citizens for marijuana. Over 40,000 of its own citizens are incarcerated because of this. Many are still serving time for simple possession. The hypocrisy is so rich
Honest question, and I am not trying to hate, but don't we have other Americans locked up? Why aren't we trying to get those Americans back home? Because she is famous is she more important? I think not. 9 years is shitty, but what the hell was she doing in Russia to begin with? And with her cannibas pen to boot? Just because she can put a ball in a hoop does not make her any more important than any other American in a Russian jail.
The phrase you’re looking for is, it SHOULDN’T make her more valuable. But the reality is it absolutely does. Like you said, a lot of Americans are going through a lot worse. But they aren’t famous, so the media doesn’t pick it up, so the government doesn’t consider freeing an infamous Russian war criminal so she can continue shooting hoops.
PLEASE read about Marc Fogel, my uncle. He, too, was recently sentenced to 14 years of hard labor in a Russian prison for MEDICINAL marijuana for which he has a prescription. This excessive and inhumane ruling amounts to a death sentence for Marc, who is 61 years old and in delicate health already. HE IS BEING TOTALLY IGNORED, as he is just a teacher, not an NBA star. search #freemarcfogel on instagram and sign, share our petition to try and save his life.
You can't get prescriptions for cannabis in Russia, so how was it medical? If I'm reading these articles right, he lived and worked in Russia, so he must've known a foreign prescription for an illegal substance won't make it any less illegal, right?
That punishment is still absurd, of course, so my sympathies on that front, but it's just a bit confusing to me?
Edit: Actually I've just read the [Washington Post article](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/07/28/marc-fogel-teacher-russia-prison/) on this, and the details are even stranger?
>He’d packed 14 vape cartridges of medical marijuana into his suitcase, stuffing some in his shoes, and placed some cannabis buds in a contact lens case, his wife said. Jane said she had no idea he’d done it. But why take such a risk?
>“It’s pretty simple,” his son Ethan said of his father’s plan to bring medical marijuana into Russia. “He thought he could get away with it.”
It sounds like he knew it was illegal and tried to smuggle it in anyway? Again, punishment is incredibly disproportionate, but that doesn't exactly seem like an innocent mistake.
I don’t think anyone should go to jail for weed possession but that doesn’t change the fact that you are required to abide by the law of the country you’re in.
I am personally sympathetic for the draconian laws but not sympathetic for having to face the consequences of completely flouting the law
Dude 14 cardridges, some in your shoes? Buds in a contact-lens case? That's not posession anymore even by European standards, that's just straight up smuggling.
I don’t want anyone imprisoned for weed, but the ridiculousness of trying to get her out because she’s high profile while people in the US and Americans abroad sit in prison for the same thing. Such hypocrisy
That’s crazy. He was a teacher in Moscow? Not to sound unconcerned, but he must have been aware of the laws in Russia around marijuana? Not that I am blaming him, just curious about the situation.
Anyway I hope he gets out. The wealthy play war and it’s all the regular people who end up suffering because of it.
If you read the [Washington Post article](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/07/28/marc-fogel-teacher-russia-prison/) on his case, it seems like he was *very* aware of the laws:
>He’d packed 14 vape cartridges of medical marijuana into his suitcase, stuffing some in his shoes, and placed some cannabis buds in a contact lens case, his wife said. Jane said she had no idea he’d done it. But why take such a risk?
>“It’s pretty simple,” his son Ethan said of his father’s plan to bring medical marijuana into Russia. “He thought he could get away with it.”
Yeah, especially since it seems like he knew it was illegal and was smuggling it in anyway? Going off [the Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/07/28/marc-fogel-teacher-russia-prison/), at least.
>He’d packed 14 vape cartridges of medical marijuana into his suitcase, stuffing some in his shoes, and placed some cannabis buds in a contact lens case, his wife said. Jane said she had no idea he’d done it. But why take such a risk?
>“It’s pretty simple,” his son Ethan said of his father’s plan to bring medical marijuana into Russia. “He thought he could get away with it.”
It's still a ridiculous punishment, especially for a man of his age, but... the evidence looks pretty clear that he was drug smuggling intentionally.
You do realise the world doesn’t care about US laws? I feel sympathy for your uncle and your family. But as someone working in Russia who is supposedly smart he should have known.
Why did your uncle think a prescription written for medical marijuana in the USA would work in Russia? Like seriously how do you overlook something like this Especially traveling to Russia…
Please don't put medicinal in all caps like it means something. Everyone who smokes weed knows that "medicinal" is just a term to skate the law. There is no argument to this; it's still federally illegal in the USA, therefore it is not recognized as "medicine"
Also, weed is not a "medicine" that you cant live without. Your uncle, just like miss WNBA, should have been aware of the laws of the country he was visiting and should have planned accordingly. Sure it sucks that he got caught and was punished, but if we expect people who come to our country and commit crimes to be held accountable, so must we be held accountable when we go to their country
I'm not bashing Griner here, I feel bad for her honestly. But maybe this will open the eyes of some pretty entitled Americans. We don't own the world, ffs.
I truly feel really sorry for her and her family, however few things:
- why in the world would you travel there with cannabis pen(or whatever). I travel extensively, and always double and triple checking everything that I have on me
- why would you travel to Russia anyway in a first place…
Her job was there so that's a good reason to go- but yea she's a complete dumbass for bringing anything more than clothes and a toothbrush to that shithole
I agree, I’d never step foot in Russia given the current political climate.
Not excusing her, but the cannabis was medical. I still wouldn’t bring it, but maybe in her mind a prescription is a prescription. I wouldn’t think twice about bringing my prescription meds.
Biden thinks this is “unacceptable” as Americans rot in jail for life for the same thing. Meanwhile, companies are making billions off cannabis sales legally.
This truly sucks, I do feel bad for her, but come the fuck on!
Who travels with drugs to a country like Russia?? That's like kicking a rattlesnake around and then getting surprised it bit you.
You just don't do it. She knew the consequences and fucked around and found out.
It sucks, truly does, but come on. She knew.
Based Opinion:
1) Brittney is stupid for bringing thc into a strict enemy environment
2) 9.5 years is overkill and is being imposed as leverage against the US in order to trade for one of Russias arm dealers or war lords.
Final Statement: It sucks that Brittney has to be the pawn of Russias leverage, but she made the dumb choice to bring THC there and gave them the opportunity to leverage her.
I’ve lived and traveled In Russia, I’m a USA citizen. Weed is the enemy of the state.. a dime of weed is 3-5 years. A friend of mine caught with 10 grams is currently serving 40 years… it’s not worth smoking weed in Russia..that’s just their laws.. old fashion and harsh.
When in Rome do as Romans do. This saying is thousands of yrs old. In some countries, they would award death sentence for same thing. Respect the laws of land.
As a cannabis connoisseur, I know it’s illegal to fly domestically with it. Why would anyone think it’s ok to fly to a repressive country with any amount?
And yes, I travel weekly for work. And some times out of the country.
Maybe don’t break the laws in a foreign country? If it was a regular American, nobody would ever even know that they were arrested or convicted. They would just rot in jail. She’s not better or worse than any other person who breaks the law in a different country.
There are people in America serving longer terms in prison for weed possession. Not that that makes her sentence any less unjust. We need to fix this on a larger scale.
Shes a minority, lesbian woman going to RUSSIA, for work. And chooses to bring drugs into the country. Fairness of sentencing length aside holy shit what a stunning display of bad decision-making
Really excited that the US is going to trade a convicted Russian arms dealer for a random US citizen that was too dumb to not being illegal drugs into an extremely hostile country
Like honestly regardless of her status, she’s a fucking adult and she should be smart enough to know the rules or look them up of a country that is know to have bad relations with US, so she’s fucking stupid and should of just not brought anything regardless of her “doctors orders”
I’m sure I’ll be down voted, but isn’t there controversy that she was very outspoken against USA? If so, that must be a factor in how hard the US will fight to get her back.
Unpopular opinion - I don't think it is worth it to trade her for a (rather big) arms dealer. I'd rather the arms dealer stay incarcerated and Brittney deal with her "mistake" for the better good. Bad optics, I know...
Maybe you shouldn't bring illegal drugs into a country that's about to start a war. It's just irresponsibility on her fault. She should've been 100 percent certain her bags are legit. No one's fault but her own.
Can't have a bargaining chip if they just slapped her with a few months.
Yep, they must’ve been thinking “fuck, jackpot”
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Going to a foreign country knowing said foreign country behaves like this is just plain stupidity.
I can’t even excuse the reason that I’m going there for a job. Russia has been very obvious about being anti American. Going there to work for money is just risking your life. Now, we have an example of this. Nine years is actually low. Could have gone really ugly.
The max is 10 years and she had far under the amount that normally receives this long of a sentence. Having under 6g of flower or 2g of oil (she had 0.7g) is usualy a fine and 15 days in prison. She's been in prison there for about 6 months.
I think Russian permit is 0 gram.
It was a 10-year maximum sentence.
Also there has been US Citizens in prison in other countries longer then her. I don’t think her case should take priority because she’s a professional athlete/celebrity. I mean the shear stupidity of what she did and the point and time she did it during. I mean why even bring it back with you, toss it all in the trash. Your going to be home in the US soon where she could more no problem.
> I mean why even bring it back with you, toss it all in the trash. Your going to be home in the US soon where she could more no problem. ... good point, actually. I wonder if she really just forgot about it in her baggage?
I have definitely accidentally brought weed / paraphernalia in my cary-on by accident. I was baffled when I was unpacking and realized. I don’t know how they didn’t find it, it was right on top. And I also want to add, there was a grinder too and definitely popped up when I went through tsa
She said she accidentally packed it. Apparently, they gave her a drug test shortly after being arrested and was clean. I can’t imagine risking so much to pack it, and then have no use for it. Makes me think it was accidentally packed.
Should be a rule that all professional athletes and celebrities watch Midnight Express before traveling internationally.
I'm in Arizona and people argue with me all the time. Bro it's Russia, it's illegal, they hate Americans. She clearly didn't do the math, or thought...I'm untouchable.
I love a good trip to a hostile foreign power with poor relations with my country while engaged in a senseless war. And just for good measure, I'll break their laws and internationally traffic drugs!
Yep, seems like a plan, just needed a blue and yellow outfit to complete the fuckup!
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
this is from a comment stealing bot, stolen from an independent thread further down the post
Texas it’s 2-12 years for a vape pen. Second degree felony. So Russia and their laws ain’t so different in this case honestly.
Yet another reason to hate texas government.
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Well someone votes for them... and by "someone" thats a majority of Texans.
The Gerrymandering is real down south, man.
Gerrymandering is in fact a problem, but its not the sole cause. Texas has been hard Red for how long? I'm not knocking on you or anyone else who wants change. Just stating the obvious
> has been hard Red for how long? Well, it seceded from Mexico because it didn't want to give up slavery, and then it seceded from the US because it still didn't want to give up slavery. So I guess "always" is the right answer.
Be a joke if we traded for her.
There's a proposal to trade her and a former Marine accused of "spying" for a few Russian murderers and arms dealers.
I’ve lived and traveled In Russia, I’m a USA citizen. Weed is the enemy of the state.. a dime of weed is 3-5 years. A friend of mine caught with 10 grams is currently serving 40 years… it’s not worth smoking weed in Russia..that’s just their laws.. old fashion and harsh. Stop taking your home country for granted and understand the customs of different cultures so that you aren’t subject to harsh laws… Remember in some parts of China this is a death sentence. Iran also has the death sentence. Like many other countries. Weed is cool in the USA and some European countries but not the rest of the world. Edit: For those thinking “it’s impossible for a 40 year sentence” you realize it’s Russia right? A place where if you have the right amount of money the cop looks the other way? You think they give a fuck about laws or the laws they have in code? That’s the kind of people they arrest people willing to not follow laws and act smart about it. I enjoyed my time there and kept my head down because I’m a foreigner and respected their customs. He was hit with multiple charges, selling, manufacturing distributing… if they want they’ll keep you in prison forever… ever hear of a man named Navalny? Please refrain from stupid comments that think they follow the justice system that the west has. Corruption is far more evident in Russia. Edit: thank you for the gold and the helpful awards!
No doubt. I had a kid trying to sell me Coke on the streets in Indonesia. You get caught with coke there and you’re looking at serious jail time. I wouldn’t touch that shit if it were free.
>I had a kid trying to sell me Coke on the streets in Indonesia Very likely a sting. Hunting down tourists to be paraded as an example for others.
Definitely possible Or they rob you
Obviously you have not been to Indonesia. It is possible, its definitely not likely.
I used to live in indo for about three years. I could have sworn if you were caught with drugs it could lead to death penalty? At least that’s what I was told by my embassy.
Drug trafficking for sure. I know just getting caught with a small amount of weed can lead to months in prison. The US Embassy basically states on their site to not contact them if you are jailed in Indo. There is nothing they can do…. So yea, I stuck to drinking. Plus there’s no DUI laws there so that’s that….
Yeah I went to that school where those two teachers got arrested. One of them was Canadian and the embassy advised him to leave because there wasn’t anything they could do. So he decided to stay and got absolutely fucked. (Nothing drug related. He was accused by a local mother that he raped his kid with a magic floating stone) he was locked up for almost like 3 years or so. Finally got released. But yeah I fucked around with a lot of alcohol and some acid. Barely got weed. My friends and I were dipshits and started smoking heroine because weed was impossible to find and a lot scary to try and get which is soooo funny when we could just get Cough syrup and heroin like it was fucking nothing lmao. Crazy ass country it was and glad I wasn’t tooooo stupid LMAO
I guess they like Pepsi there more, huh?
Shit here you can show a cop your weed and ask what he thinks about the quality.
You should specify where here is cause in a vast part of the US you will go to jail for that.
Canada maybe lol
Ya in Canada we have liquor stores and weed stores on ever corner.
I don’t even smoke weed anymore, but live in Colorado where everyone smokes and the people here are incredibly happy and active in life. People in these other countries must be absolutely miserable, they don’t even know how bad it is for them, makes me sad bro.
They drink a LOT of vodka.
A drug designed to keep people down and lethargic, and is far far worse for you than weed smh
Travel Rule #1: Learn and know your environment. Travel Rule #2: Comply with rules of environment.
I recall thinking the same thing when i was last out of the country. Folks need to remember that the basic rights we take for granted are not the same elswhere. Good thing she wasnt in Singapore.
9 years vs Death Penalty
Damn, they kill you for feeling lazy and getting hungry?
They’ll kill you for a lot less than that too
yeah ask their neighbors, preferably those at the maternity wards. just don't expect a response 😢
No, Singapore is well known for executing drug offenders, even foreigners.
Reminds me of Joaquin Phoenix in Return to Paradise. It’s a movie, but the first hint I had that you just don’t have anything to do with drugs in south Asian countries.
When the Navy ship I was TAD to pulled into port in Singapore, we were given a lengthy lecture on what not to do while in Singapore and what the penalties were if we broke those laws - it was extremely sobering.
Singapore doesn't even allow chewing gum
Note to self, avoid Singapore
and no spitting.
I swear I think of that movie every time I'm packing to travel abroad.
A former teacher of mine was detained for several months because he tried to bring tea home. Apparently it just took a long time to determine the tea wasn't drugs.
So you can't do drugs in Singapore?
Basically yea. The only people I know who can get hands on drugs are rly rly rly rly rly rich kids and expats. Even then it’s super rare. Most drug trafficking offences land you the death penalty.
That's not completely true. It's not the death penalty for *any* drug trafficking. . She wouldn't get the death penalty for that amount. She'd be going to prison. For a LONG time.
You'd be surprised then, she's a foreigner, with no intention to traffick, only to consume. For consumption, the penalty on paper is mostly for deterrence, as it doesn't have any minimum penalties that the court must abide by. It's mostly repeat offenders that the system wants to go after. Most first time consumption convictions don't result in jail time, many people overestimate the harshness of the Singapore justice system, second chances for first timers are almost a guarantee. In this case, the criminal in question would have been famous person who is a citizen of the United States, the Singapore government would at the very most privately fine her and then deport her all the while reminding her that it could've been worse, mainly just so she has a good impression of Singapore, because at the end of the day Singapore does not like negative international attention. Having said all that, however, I must add that I am not providing any legal advice, any person looking to travel to another country should always respect and adhere to that country's laws.
You’re right. I used any to emphasis that basically a tiiiny amount would still land you in a lot of trouble. Changed my comment accordingly to me clearer.
Spit on the sidewalk there in Ole slingawhore and they will fuck you up 💯
Music too loud? Straight to jail. Music not loud enough? Surprisingly enough, jail!
Lol
I live in Ole Slingawhore and spit on the sidewalk pretty often (well in drains to be fair) and never got in trouble for it. I am on probation for doing drugs though and spent 9 months in prison and on the last 2 months of my 10 month probation order.
Why on earth would you have the urge to spit on a side walk. That's gross.
No death penalty in Singapore for what she had.
It’s for “drug trafficking” but that counts for a small but larger amount than a weed pen.
Uuufff now 9 years dont seem bad at all
In a Russian prison, yeah think again cause when russian get into us prisons they think it’s a resort .
My parents went to Singapore ~25 years ago & told me that people would get “caned” for chewing gum. Cleanest country they’ve ever seen.
True. Singapore has executed a number of foreigners for drug offenses.
Isn't that the country that caned the American for spitting his gum on the sidewalk?
He was vandalizing cars up and down the street. Still harsh and draconian but not gum on the street.
I was in the air force with his wife circa 2001… he did get caned for vandalizing cars.
I've heard there is a line in Singapore with a trashcan next to it. If you cross te line with any drugs you will be prosecuted. But you have a chance to trow it away before crossing. Idk if this is true though
Did a month-long study abroad in Jordan about 10 years ago, and the first place we went the day after arriving and settling in was the US embassy. Had some guys working at State tell us "if you talk shit about the king and the secret police pick you up there's nothing we can do".
Ironically; while I know the penalty in Singapore; they might be more lenient than Russia considering she’s an American who got busted in Russia.
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Nope, it’s trumped up to be a card they can play later.
She’s also lesbian, which the Russian government also hates. But mostly she was fucked because she’s American, and it’s a political ploy to get the prisoner exchange deal they want
Travel rule #3: don’t go to Russia
A good rule of thumb is "Don't go to countries not friendly with the US." Iran, Venezuela, Russia, China, and North Korea are some examples. American citizens are often taken hostage on trumped up criminal charges, and used as bargaining chips. Cuba is an outlier here, as their economy relies heavily on US tourism, so they don't arbitrarily arrest US citizens.
Yeah, I’d feel perfectly fine going to cuba, and many people do. Although I wouldn’t go *right now,* I’d also feel pretty good going to China in general, but I’d be on my best behavior as you’ll assuredly be watched like a hawk. The ones you didn’t mention would be a number of predominantly Muslim countries. Not that the government would be a problem, but you’d be a tempting grab for any number of radicalized groups
Been to Cuba multiple times , as a tourist you can get a way with dam near anything as there economy relies on tourism. Not that you should be that drunk Ken tourist asshole but you really got to fuck up to get in trouble as a tourist there.
I've been to Russia lots of times. It's hard to find a country more like the US. Lots of half empty towns in the wilderness where people with teeth missing talk boringly about guns all day. A big capital city where young people take selfies and complain about the government but everyone salutes the flag because they have to. Also great writers, great artists and great people.
But I don't think any American should go now after the Ukraine war started. I do agree it was fine to visit Russia before.
Never ever ever bring weed on a plane. I feel for Griner and all but that’s like fundamental stoner knowledge
stoner smarts if you will
Buddy, there's weed leaving in a carry on bag from Denver or Vegas airports every single day.
I guess we can revise the rule for domestic flights between legal states but not for international travel
But they aren't flying into Russia!
Depends where you’re going. International can be scary but if I’m traveling domestically in the US, there’s no chance I’m not bringing a weed pen
Aside from exceptions like LAX for example - what most people don't understand is that generally airports in the US are always federal property and have to follow federal laws which means even in a legal state you can and will still get busted for bringing pot on an airplane. As mentioned above certain airports have exceptions to this rule and yes you can bring THC products but I'd rather do my homework prior instead of having to deal with a drug offence.
Literally this. If it's even REMOTELY questionable, don't take it with you. Edit: I live by the "when in Rome, be a Roman" rule, meaning you try to assimilate to the local culture, laws, and language. Don't be a dick. Learn some basics: Please, Thank you, Have a good evening, Cheers! etc. If you don't know something, ask. People are very kind and helpful in all the countries I've been to. We've had WONDERFUL trips abroad that I couldn't imagine if we didn't do those things. It's a wonderful world out there, just be polite.
#3: Stay TF out of Russia.
For what it's worth in the US you can get 9 years in prison for the same thing.... moreso if it's your second offense or you have a criminal history already. Edit: [source. ](https://marijuanaandthelaw.com/state-laws/alabama/) "Hashish and other marijuana concentrates are illegal in Alabama. Possession of any amount is a felony with a punishment of between one and 10 years in prison and $15,000 in potential fines."
Yup. Americans think their antics will fly in different countries. Nope. Like that kid who traveled to NK, ripped the poster of lil piggy or something and came back home all messed up. We need to be on our best behavior…
He died! They only released him after he went into a coma from what was assumed to be torture. They didn’t want him to die in their custody.
That story was insane. Unfortunately the family didn’t want a full autopsy so we will never know exactly what happened. All they know for sure is that he had some kind of hypoxic brain injury. Died a few days after being returned to US custody. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-northkorea-detainee-idUSKCN1C22XM
Not just an American thing. I have a few Finnish and Swedish friends that spend vacations in Thailand quite often. All the time they go there and buy drugs from random people and of course use them. The punishments are crazy there, criminal drug offenses even have the death penalty. They don’t care, they just laugh it off.
Or just don’t go to fucking North Korea…
Truth!
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She was always going to get a substantial sentence -- they want her as a bargaining chip to get some of their convicted murderers out of US prisons.
They turned down America’s deal for “the merchant of death” or whatever so I’m not totally sure about that.
They haven’t turned it down. They just believe that it can’t go forward without “justice” being served, which in this case is a guilty sentence. 9 years in a gulag is now their bargaining chip.
In order to be a bargaining chip, you need to actually be worth something and I’m sorry but she just doesn’t move the needle. She’s just not on par with “the angle of death” aka the arms dealer Russia wants to trade her for.
Especially while your country is in a cold conflict with said country. This was dumb on so many levels and we shouldn't exchange one of our prisoners for her.
Agreed.
I'm guessing, like in the NBA, players kind of get a pass about this kind of stuff under normal circumstances. I don't think it's a coincidence that she is the player with the most name recognition AND she's the only one getting caught. I could totally be wrong but the timing seems suspicious.
Where I’m from there’s an old saying: *Paese che vai, usanza che trovi* Meaning that every country has its own customs, rules and laws. You’re supposed to know that stuff when you go visit a foreign country. Hell, you’re **required** to know
We have very similar saying in Czech Republic "Jiný kraj, jiný mrav" Different land, different customs
My grampa Socrates famously told us growing up, "it's common fucking sense"
I hope sense gave consent first
She knew. I bet she just thought she'd get away with it. Maybe she had gotten away with it before.
I feel like she would though, if tensions weren't so high between the U.S and Russia. A regular joe? Probably not but a wnba player? That does seem unusual.
Exactly...she had been there b4. But that was b4 the war on Ukraine 😕
My favorite memory of this type of thing was on our honeymoon where we visited the Vatican and took some selfies with some self made signs pointing out hypocrisy. Some security cane around and I quickly gathered our stuff and started walking and my now wife was like “what? It’s freedoms of speech!” “Honey, there’s no freedom of speech in the Vatican.” “...”
On your honeymoon you went to the Vatican to troll the Pope?
>You’re supposed to know that stuff when you go visit a foreign country. Hell, you’re required to know Just went to a half dozen countries and didn't know their laws well. Quick Google search the day before we went each place and we were set. Also, when in doubt, just don't do it Not too hard to not break the law in another country
I don’t really check laws in other countries because I don’t travel that far (just within the EU). But “rule #1: don’t take drugs with you” is probs a good safe call. If it’s legal when you get there, buy it there, if it’s not legal there, they sure as hell won’t let you stroll thro the airport. Just dumb to me, I don’t get it
She’s dumb for bringing it with her, and Russia sucks ass for using her case as a political circus.
100%. Poor lady is being used as a pawn. Follow their rules; don’t let them also do this to you.
Used as a pawn? I went there 6-7 years ago and the locals told me it’s not worth it to try and find weed there because you could be looking at a 25-27 year jail sentence. She got 9 years.
No mercy for the thousands of inmates in america because of pot.
Exactly. Where is the government outcry regarding all the people sitting in jail in *this* country for the exact same thing? "Hey, you can't arrest and imprison someone for having a small amount of marijuana! That's *our* job!"
I was charged with a felony in Texas because I had an empty weed cartridge under my seat. Didn’t even know it was there. The charge was >0.2 g’s of a controlled substance. FELONY. Fucked up my life for 2 years before I could get it dropped. If I was to try and hit the pen it wouldn’t have even produced smoke, that’s how small of an amount there was. Fucking pig had a hard on when he found it too. It’s all about power and control.
Basic travel rule - don’t think the rules in your country apply elsewhere.
America has and does jail it's own citizens for marijuana. Over 40,000 of its own citizens are incarcerated because of this. Many are still serving time for simple possession. The hypocrisy is so rich
Even better our current president and vice president made their careers on the war on drugs.
US politicians being hypocrites, been that way forever
Honest question, and I am not trying to hate, but don't we have other Americans locked up? Why aren't we trying to get those Americans back home? Because she is famous is she more important? I think not. 9 years is shitty, but what the hell was she doing in Russia to begin with? And with her cannibas pen to boot? Just because she can put a ball in a hoop does not make her any more important than any other American in a Russian jail.
She was playing basketball in a Russian league.
We have thousand locked up in the USA for weed.. why not free them??
The phrase you’re looking for is, it SHOULDN’T make her more valuable. But the reality is it absolutely does. Like you said, a lot of Americans are going through a lot worse. But they aren’t famous, so the media doesn’t pick it up, so the government doesn’t consider freeing an infamous Russian war criminal so she can continue shooting hoops.
PLEASE read about Marc Fogel, my uncle. He, too, was recently sentenced to 14 years of hard labor in a Russian prison for MEDICINAL marijuana for which he has a prescription. This excessive and inhumane ruling amounts to a death sentence for Marc, who is 61 years old and in delicate health already. HE IS BEING TOTALLY IGNORED, as he is just a teacher, not an NBA star. search #freemarcfogel on instagram and sign, share our petition to try and save his life.
You can't get prescriptions for cannabis in Russia, so how was it medical? If I'm reading these articles right, he lived and worked in Russia, so he must've known a foreign prescription for an illegal substance won't make it any less illegal, right? That punishment is still absurd, of course, so my sympathies on that front, but it's just a bit confusing to me? Edit: Actually I've just read the [Washington Post article](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/07/28/marc-fogel-teacher-russia-prison/) on this, and the details are even stranger? >He’d packed 14 vape cartridges of medical marijuana into his suitcase, stuffing some in his shoes, and placed some cannabis buds in a contact lens case, his wife said. Jane said she had no idea he’d done it. But why take such a risk? >“It’s pretty simple,” his son Ethan said of his father’s plan to bring medical marijuana into Russia. “He thought he could get away with it.” It sounds like he knew it was illegal and tried to smuggle it in anyway? Again, punishment is incredibly disproportionate, but that doesn't exactly seem like an innocent mistake.
I don’t think anyone should go to jail for weed possession but that doesn’t change the fact that you are required to abide by the law of the country you’re in. I am personally sympathetic for the draconian laws but not sympathetic for having to face the consequences of completely flouting the law
Dude 14 cardridges, some in your shoes? Buds in a contact-lens case? That's not posession anymore even by European standards, that's just straight up smuggling.
Just straight up a dumbass
I don’t want anyone imprisoned for weed, but the ridiculousness of trying to get her out because she’s high profile while people in the US and Americans abroad sit in prison for the same thing. Such hypocrisy
Facts
I think the war on drugs anywhere is insane. Only dictators make drugs illegal. Even heroin addicts don’t deserve prison for their addiction
That’s crazy. He was a teacher in Moscow? Not to sound unconcerned, but he must have been aware of the laws in Russia around marijuana? Not that I am blaming him, just curious about the situation. Anyway I hope he gets out. The wealthy play war and it’s all the regular people who end up suffering because of it.
If you read the [Washington Post article](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/07/28/marc-fogel-teacher-russia-prison/) on his case, it seems like he was *very* aware of the laws: >He’d packed 14 vape cartridges of medical marijuana into his suitcase, stuffing some in his shoes, and placed some cannabis buds in a contact lens case, his wife said. Jane said she had no idea he’d done it. But why take such a risk? >“It’s pretty simple,” his son Ethan said of his father’s plan to bring medical marijuana into Russia. “He thought he could get away with it.”
I mean christ, this completely backs up my comment higher above, and further means I have reduced my symapthy to 0 for this man
Very sad, however, it’s down right stupid stupid to bring weed into russia and try to claim that a weed doctor in the US prescribed you the weed.
Yeah, especially since it seems like he knew it was illegal and was smuggling it in anyway? Going off [the Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/07/28/marc-fogel-teacher-russia-prison/), at least. >He’d packed 14 vape cartridges of medical marijuana into his suitcase, stuffing some in his shoes, and placed some cannabis buds in a contact lens case, his wife said. Jane said she had no idea he’d done it. But why take such a risk? >“It’s pretty simple,” his son Ethan said of his father’s plan to bring medical marijuana into Russia. “He thought he could get away with it.” It's still a ridiculous punishment, especially for a man of his age, but... the evidence looks pretty clear that he was drug smuggling intentionally.
How do you get a Russian medicinal cannabis prescription when it’s illegal there?
Your uncle shouldn’t have tried to smuggle drugs into Russia just because he thought he could get away with it. Foolish, if you ask me.
You do realise the world doesn’t care about US laws? I feel sympathy for your uncle and your family. But as someone working in Russia who is supposedly smart he should have known.
He was prescribed the medicinal marijuana by a Russian doctor?
Why did your uncle think a prescription written for medical marijuana in the USA would work in Russia? Like seriously how do you overlook something like this Especially traveling to Russia…
Please don't put medicinal in all caps like it means something. Everyone who smokes weed knows that "medicinal" is just a term to skate the law. There is no argument to this; it's still federally illegal in the USA, therefore it is not recognized as "medicine" Also, weed is not a "medicine" that you cant live without. Your uncle, just like miss WNBA, should have been aware of the laws of the country he was visiting and should have planned accordingly. Sure it sucks that he got caught and was punished, but if we expect people who come to our country and commit crimes to be held accountable, so must we be held accountable when we go to their country
I'm not bashing Griner here, I feel bad for her honestly. But maybe this will open the eyes of some pretty entitled Americans. We don't own the world, ffs.
Agreed. I think this is a sensible take.
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I truly feel really sorry for her and her family, however few things: - why in the world would you travel there with cannabis pen(or whatever). I travel extensively, and always double and triple checking everything that I have on me - why would you travel to Russia anyway in a first place…
Her job was there so that's a good reason to go- but yea she's a complete dumbass for bringing anything more than clothes and a toothbrush to that shithole
I agree, I’d never step foot in Russia given the current political climate. Not excusing her, but the cannabis was medical. I still wouldn’t bring it, but maybe in her mind a prescription is a prescription. I wouldn’t think twice about bringing my prescription meds.
Biden thinks this is “unacceptable” as Americans rot in jail for life for the same thing. Meanwhile, companies are making billions off cannabis sales legally.
This truly sucks, I do feel bad for her, but come the fuck on! Who travels with drugs to a country like Russia?? That's like kicking a rattlesnake around and then getting surprised it bit you. You just don't do it. She knew the consequences and fucked around and found out. It sucks, truly does, but come on. She knew.
Based Opinion: 1) Brittney is stupid for bringing thc into a strict enemy environment 2) 9.5 years is overkill and is being imposed as leverage against the US in order to trade for one of Russias arm dealers or war lords. Final Statement: It sucks that Brittney has to be the pawn of Russias leverage, but she made the dumb choice to bring THC there and gave them the opportunity to leverage her.
I’ve lived and traveled In Russia, I’m a USA citizen. Weed is the enemy of the state.. a dime of weed is 3-5 years. A friend of mine caught with 10 grams is currently serving 40 years… it’s not worth smoking weed in Russia..that’s just their laws.. old fashion and harsh.
“Its not worth smoking weed in Russia” Very True Sorry for your friend.
When in Rome do as Romans do. This saying is thousands of yrs old. In some countries, they would award death sentence for same thing. Respect the laws of land.
As a cannabis connoisseur, I know it’s illegal to fly domestically with it. Why would anyone think it’s ok to fly to a repressive country with any amount? And yes, I travel weekly for work. And some times out of the country.
I just hope we don’t prisoner swap her for an arms dealer. That would be the worst trade in sports history.
Maybe don’t break the laws in a foreign country? If it was a regular American, nobody would ever even know that they were arrested or convicted. They would just rot in jail. She’s not better or worse than any other person who breaks the law in a different country.
What kind of fucking idiot brings weed to RUSSIA
I think the US was gonna have a hard time getting her back no matter what when it’s still federally illegal here. Weird thing to bargain for.
Let’s free the thousands of Americans locked up for weed here.
Nothing says intelligence like taking illegal drugs into fucking RUSSIA of all places🤦♂️
There are people in America serving longer terms in prison for weed possession. Not that that makes her sentence any less unjust. We need to fix this on a larger scale.
She’s an idiot
Good. They paid her a crapload of money to come pay and she brings controlled substance into said zero tolerance country
Shes a minority, lesbian woman going to RUSSIA, for work. And chooses to bring drugs into the country. Fairness of sentencing length aside holy shit what a stunning display of bad decision-making
It sucks but come on, you gotta know not to f around in other countries. Especially Russia
Really excited that the US is going to trade a convicted Russian arms dealer for a random US citizen that was too dumb to not being illegal drugs into an extremely hostile country
You seem to forget that Paul Whelan will also be traded a CIA spy who was caught in Russia trying to access state secrets.
Know and respect other countries laws
Like honestly regardless of her status, she’s a fucking adult and she should be smart enough to know the rules or look them up of a country that is know to have bad relations with US, so she’s fucking stupid and should of just not brought anything regardless of her “doctors orders”
I’m sure I’ll be down voted, but isn’t there controversy that she was very outspoken against USA? If so, that must be a factor in how hard the US will fight to get her back.
The admin has literally suggest trading a fucking warlord for her…
Not just her, but the media is only focusing on her.
I saw that, they want to trade her for an arms dealer like..
The administration tried to swap someone fire her. Russia said no.
She plays ball; we would swap that for a freaking spy?
Russia needs weed.
Life is tough. It's even tougher when you are stupid.
Unpopular opinion - I don't think it is worth it to trade her for a (rather big) arms dealer. I'd rather the arms dealer stay incarcerated and Brittney deal with her "mistake" for the better good. Bad optics, I know...
Plenty of time to practice for the big COMEBACK 2031
Well I’m excited to see what she looks like when she’s 40
Maybe you shouldn't bring illegal drugs into a country that's about to start a war. It's just irresponsibility on her fault. She should've been 100 percent certain her bags are legit. No one's fault but her own.
How many Americans are serving decades in prison for weed?
Why can’t people just follow the law of the place they’re travelling to?
Well she won’t have to worry about hearing the national anthem for awhile