The current arrest in Russia of WNBA participant Brittney Griner highlights the perils of touring with hashish merchandise. For these not acquainted with the matter, Griner was detained after Russian Customs “allegedly discovered vape cartridges containing hashish in her baggage.”
On the onset, it have to be famous that Griner’s arrest comes at a time of unprecedented tensions between Russia and america. Whereas the incident predates the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it’s not as if U.S.-Russia relations have been hunky-dory within the leadup to hostilities. So far as this explicit case goes, we can’t dismiss the chance that Griner is an unlucky pawn within the geopolitical sport, who might in reality be innocent.
This mentioned, a number of vacationers do get in bother on account of their very own selections relating to hashish. Listed below are some primary ideas for avoiding issues, if you wish to even take into account touring with hashish merchandise.
First, be sure you actually perceive the authorized standing of the product in your house nation. A primary-time customer to america who spends all their time in Seattle might, if not versed within the legalities, assume that adult-use hashish is authorized throughout america. Nevertheless it isn’t. What’s extra, it’s illegal on the federal stage, and the feds are answerable for border controls and aviation.
Second, do that very same factor for the nation of vacation spot. Understand that a rustic could also be positive with sure actions referring to hashish, however not others. The truth is, even international locations which can be fairly open in the case of hashish might draw the road at importation. Alongside the identical strains, a rustic will not be too hung up on the entire reefer insanity factor (which isn’t to say that you need to ever journey with precise hashish!), however it could take meals and drug security very significantly.
Equally, there could be a excessive diploma of tolerance for hashish use in a selected nation or space, however that will not mirror legal guidelines on the books. What’s OK in bars and seashores will not be OK at an airport or border crossing.
Lastly, don’t neglect about transfers. Worldwide transfers are usually not like home transfers: There’s a good probability you’ll must undergo safety controls. And relying on the circumstances you might must undergo immigration and customs controls — even when you’re simply in transit. Don’t neglect switch factors when analyzing authorized dangers.
To conclude, until you’ve gotten some ironclad authorized recommendation relating to the remedy of a selected product within the international locations of departure, switch, and arrival, maintain these merchandise at house. And we imply it after we say ironclad: There’s a number of sketchy data on-line in the case of hashish. You don’t need to make selections that would land you in jail based mostly on that sort of data. Discuss to somebody who really understands the regulation.