U.S. Woman Arrested in Russia for Medical Marijuana

Stanyon · Sep 10, 2019

link:
9/10
Staten Island woman arrested in Russia for allegedly bringing marijuana into the country - CNN

From Moscow Times 9/7:
Russia Charges U.S. Student With Drug Possession Over Medical Marijuana - The Moscow Times

Do you feel sorry for her or do you think it is wrong?

Personally I'd say the U.S. should do whatever they can to get her home or at least do their best to get her a fair and reasonable trial but I think this underscores something that some people just aren't getting and that is being aware of the laws of the countries you are travelling to and you can avoid things like this. Whether it's a sense of entitlement or arrogance or something else it's just not a very smart move to test the laws in foreign countries especially where drugs are concerned, she's lucky it wasn't in one of the countries with harsher laws.The article states she had 19 grams which is about the same weight as 38 standard paper clips, possession of just 6 grams in Russia is a fine and possibly 15 days in jail so a pretty minor thing but anything over that is considered a criminal offense.

Nakosis · Sep 10, 2019

Stanyon said:
link:
9/10
Staten Island woman arrested in Russia for allegedly bringing marijuana into the country - CNN

From Moscow Times 9/7:
Russia Charges U.S. Student With Drug Possession Over Medical Marijuana - The Moscow Times

Do you feel sorry for her or do you think it is wrong?

Personally I'd say the U.S. should do whatever they can to get her home or at least do their best to get her a fair and reasonable trial but I think this underscores something that some people just aren't getting and that is being aware of the laws of the countries you are travelling to and you can avoid things like this. Whether it's a sense of entitlement or arrogance or something else it's just not a very smart move to test the laws in foreign countries especially where drugs are concerned, she's lucky it wasn't in one of the countries with harsher laws.The article states she had 19 grams which is about the same weight as 19 standard paper clips, possession of just 6 grams in Russia is a fine and possibly 15 days in jail so a pretty minor thing but anything over that is considered a criminal offense.

Folks need to be aware of the marijuana laws of different countries and even different states in the US. Ignorance of the law is not an accepted excuse.

Estro Felino · Sep 10, 2019

I envy the Russians.
Laissez-faire is never good, considering how far liberalism has gone.

Stanyon · Sep 10, 2019

Nakosis said:
Folks need to be aware of the marijuana laws of different countries and even different states in the US. Ignorance of the law is not an accepted excuse.

and even within certain places within states that do allow it I.E. Colorado:

" Please be aware that your right to possess marijuana in Colorado does not apply when you are visiting national parks, national forests, monuments, or other federal properties such as courthouses. Also be aware that many ski areas are located on federal land (mainly just the actual ski runs, not the towns or base of the mountain).
A recent review of federal court data by the AP showed that in 2013 through July, at least 135 people were cited for marijuana possession on federal land in Colorado. Although many of the federal park rangers are nice, we've met plenty that would like nothing more than to ruin your vacation -- the numbers above speak the truth. As always, make sure you take the necessary precautions.
Possession of marijuana on federal land is punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of $1,000 on the first offense, along with a 15-day mandatory sentence that can be extended to two years in prison for a second offense. After that, perpetrators can receive a 90-day to three-year prison term, and a $5,000 fine."
source:
Marijuana Laws in Colorado | Colorado Pot Guide | A Marijuana Travel Guide

sun rise · Sep 10, 2019

Nakosis said:
Folks need to be aware of the marijuana laws of different countries and even different states in the US. Ignorance of the law is not an accepted excuse.

Since this was an airport search, if this was her port-of-entry, she should have been expelled not arrested especially given the small quantity involved.

ChristineM · Sep 10, 2019

Stanyon said:
link:
9/10
Staten Island woman arrested in Russia for allegedly bringing marijuana into the country - CNN

From Moscow Times 9/7:
Russia Charges U.S. Student With Drug Possession Over Medical Marijuana - The Moscow Times

Do you feel sorry for her or do you think it is wrong?

Personally I'd say the U.S. should do whatever they can to get her home or at least do their best to get her a fair and reasonable trial but I think this underscores something that some people just aren't getting and that is being aware of the laws of the countries you are travelling to and you can avoid things like this. Whether it's a sense of entitlement or arrogance or something else it's just not a very smart move to test the laws in foreign countries especially where drugs are concerned, she's lucky it wasn't in one of the countries with harsher laws.The article states she had 19 grams which is about the same weight as 38 standard paper clips, possession of just 6 grams in Russia is a fine and possibly 15 days in jail so a pretty minor thing but anything over that is considered a criminal offense.

The drug laws around the world are often very different then the US. Even the drug laws between US states differ dramatically.

She should have checked the law before undertaking her journey.

Saint Frankenstein · Sep 10, 2019

I think Russia is currently a corrupt craphole and I hope they wake up soon. The US should defend her. She could have a severe health problem she needs it for, like a seizure disorder.

Saint Frankenstein · Sep 10, 2019

Estro Felino said:
I envy the Russians.
Laissez-faire is never good, considering how far liberalism has gone.

You really seem to love movements and countries where you'd be oppressed and probably killed.

Saint Frankenstein · Sep 10, 2019

Stanyon said:
and even within certain places within states that do allow it I.E. Colorado:

" Please be aware that your right to possess marijuana in Colorado does not apply when you are visiting national parks, national forests, monuments, or other federal properties such as courthouses. Also be aware that many ski areas are located on federal land (mainly just the actual ski runs, not the towns or base of the mountain).
A recent review of federal court data by the AP showed that in 2013 through July, at least 135 people were cited for marijuana possession on federal land in Colorado. Although many of the federal park rangers are nice, we've met plenty that would like nothing more than to ruin your vacation -- the numbers above speak the truth. As always, make sure you take the necessary precautions.
Possession of marijuana on federal land is punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of $1,000 on the first offense, along with a 15-day mandatory sentence that can be extended to two years in prison for a second offense. After that, perpetrators can receive a 90-day to three-year prison term, and a $5,000 fine."
source:
Marijuana Laws in Colorado | Colorado Pot Guide | A Marijuana Travel Guide

It's just because marijuana is still illegal on the federal level and those things are considered federal land.

Spirit of Light · Sep 10, 2019

I do not know the Russian law on medical drugs but i know narcotic drugs are forbidden, But i belive that if she had all paperwork done before she left US she would probably be allowed in to Russia.

Russia is not evil, they just have a very different way of living then America.

Nakosis · Sep 10, 2019

sun rise said:
Since this was an airport search, if this was her port-of-entry, she should have been expelled not arrested especially given the small quantity involved.

Sure, if it were me or you. Who knows what the marshmallow head official is going to decide. The "human" element in law enforcement.

Dan From Smithville · Sep 10, 2019

Stanyon said:
link:
9/10
Staten Island woman arrested in Russia for allegedly bringing marijuana into the country - CNN

From Moscow Times 9/7:
Russia Charges U.S. Student With Drug Possession Over Medical Marijuana - The Moscow Times

Do you feel sorry for her or do you think it is wrong?

Personally I'd say the U.S. should do whatever they can to get her home or at least do their best to get her a fair and reasonable trial but I think this underscores something that some people just aren't getting and that is being aware of the laws of the countries you are travelling to and you can avoid things like this. Whether it's a sense of entitlement or arrogance or something else it's just not a very smart move to test the laws in foreign countries especially where drugs are concerned, she's lucky it wasn't in one of the countries with harsher laws.The article states she had 19 grams which is about the same weight as 38 standard paper clips, possession of just 6 grams in Russia is a fine and possibly 15 days in jail so a pretty minor thing but anything over that is considered a criminal offense.

I agree. Whether it was arrogance, ignorance or entitlement, she is a citizen and should get some help, even if it is just for a fair trial.

This is not the first time that Americans have gone into other countries expecting that US laws would magically apply to them, even outside the US.

esmith · Sep 10, 2019

Try Singapore!

Milton Platt · Sep 10, 2019

Stanyon said:
link:
9/10
Staten Island woman arrested in Russia for allegedly bringing marijuana into the country - CNN

From Moscow Times 9/7:
Russia Charges U.S. Student With Drug Possession Over Medical Marijuana - The Moscow Times

Do you feel sorry for her or do you think it is wrong?

Personally I'd say the U.S. should do whatever they can to get her home or at least do their best to get her a fair and reasonable trial but I think this underscores something that some people just aren't getting and that is being aware of the laws of the countries you are travelling to and you can avoid things like this. Whether it's a sense of entitlement or arrogance or something else it's just not a very smart move to test the laws in foreign countries especially where drugs are concerned, she's lucky it wasn't in one of the countries with harsher laws.The article states she had 19 grams which is about the same weight as 38 standard paper clips, possession of just 6 grams in Russia is a fine and possibly 15 days in jail so a pretty minor thing but anything over that is considered a criminal offense.

While the woman has my sympathy, ignorance (willful or otherwise) is no excuse. I have traveled quit a bit over the years, and I always try to be mindful of customs and laws in the host country. There is much truth to the phrase, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do".

Subduction Zone · Sep 10, 2019

Stanyon said:
link:
9/10
Staten Island woman arrested in Russia for allegedly bringing marijuana into the country - CNN

From Moscow Times 9/7:
Russia Charges U.S. Student With Drug Possession Over Medical Marijuana - The Moscow Times

Do you feel sorry for her or do you think it is wrong?

Personally I'd say the U.S. should do whatever they can to get her home or at least do their best to get her a fair and reasonable trial but I think this underscores something that some people just aren't getting and that is being aware of the laws of the countries you are travelling to and you can avoid things like this. Whether it's a sense of entitlement or arrogance or something else it's just not a very smart move to test the laws in foreign countries especially where drugs are concerned, she's lucky it wasn't in one of the countries with harsher laws.The article states she had 19 grams which is about the same weight as 38 standard paper clips, possession of just 6 grams in Russia is a fine and possibly 15 days in jail so a pretty minor thing but anything over that is considered a criminal offense.

I think that what she did was rather stupid and arrogant. One can never assume that U.S. laws are the laws of the world. Visitors to other countries have at least minimal responsibilities and the history of marijuana in our own country makes its use a little sketchy. It would be insanity to assume that other countries have as liberal laws in its use as we do.

Subduction Zone · Sep 10, 2019

Dan From Smithville said:
I agree. Whether it was arrogance, ignorance or entitlement, she is a citizen and should get some help, even if it is just for a fair trial.

This is not the first time that Americans have gone into other countries expecting that US laws would magically apply to them, even outside the US.

Don't forget stupidity. But yes, a fair trial is a must, even though I don't see much hope for her. A "fair" verdict in Russia would almost certainly be some sort of imprisonment. But odds are that a diplomatic solution will be found. I doubt if Russia wants our low level offenders in their prisons any more than we would want theirs. Imprisoning someone is not cheap. Better to kick her out of the country now that she has served as a reminder to others.

columbus · Sep 10, 2019

Saint Frankenstein said:
I think Russia is currently a corrupt craphole and I hope they wake up soon. The US should defend her. She could have a severe health problem she needs it for, like a seizure disorder.

And the USA isn't?

Suppose some Muslim parents brought their 11y/o daughter to the USA and wanted to get her FGM. Would "it's legal where I come from" mean that they should be judged by the standards of where they come from?
Or would you flip flop to "It's not legal here, so the parents are flagrantly violating US law and deserve punishment."? What would a "fair trial" mean, under those circumstances?
Tom

Saint Frankenstein · Sep 10, 2019

columbus said:
And the USA isn't?

Suppose some Muslim parents brought their 11y/o daughter to the USA and wanted to get her FGM. Would "it's legal where I come from" mean that they should be judged by the standards of where they come from?
Or would you flip flop to "It's not legal here, so the parents are flagrantly violating US law and deserve punishment."? What would a "fair trial" mean, under those circumstances?
Tom

You're comparing FGM to medicine prescribed by a doctor?

columbus · Sep 10, 2019

Saint Frankenstein said:
You're comparing FGM to medicine prescribed by a doctor?

I'm comparing different laws in different countries.
Are you willing to accept the laws in foreign lands here in the USA?
If not, why should Russians or Pakistanis?
Tom

Subduction Zone · Sep 10, 2019

columbus said:
And the USA isn't?

Suppose some Muslim parents brought their 11y/o daughter to the USA and wanted to get her FGM. Would "it's legal where I come from" mean that they should be judged by the standards of where they come from?
Or would you flip flop to "It's not legal here, so the parents are flagrantly violating US law and deserve punishment."? What would a "fair trial" mean, under those circumstances?
Tom

That is a little different because there is a victim in your case. The woman that brought the pot supposedly did so for her own use and not for sales or to be shared with others. And the U.S. is not perfect, but I would put its legal system above that of Russia.

At any rate a visitor to any country has a responsibility to understand the more obvious of laws.

U.S. Woman Arrested in Russia for Medical Marijuana

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