KHIMKI, Russia — A lawyer for WNBA star Brittney Griner on Friday, who is jailed in Russia on drug charges, on Friday presented a court with a doctor's letter recommending she use cannabis to treat pain.
Griner a two-time Olympic gold medalist and standout for the Phoenix Mercury was arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport in February after customs officials said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage.
She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transportation of drugs charges. Griner last week in court acknowledged possessing the canisters, but said she had no criminal intent and claimed the canisters' presence was due to hasty packing.
In Russia's judicial system, admitting guilt doesn't automatically end a trial. Since the guilty plea, her court sessions have focused on in-person and written testimonies to her good character and athletic prowess. «The attending physician gave Brittney recommendations for the use of medical cannabis.