US teacher sentenced to 14 years in weed in Russia after diplomatic immunity expired

American apprenticeship in Russia sentenced to 14 years for ‘large scale’ cannabis smuggling.

Marc Fogel, an ex-US Embassy diplomat, was recently found guilty of cannabis trafficking and sentenced to 14 years in prison. Aside from being a former US Embassy diplomat, Fogel worked as an English teacher in Moscow, Russia and taught at the Anglo-American School.

On August 15, 2021, he was arrested for possessing 0.6 ounces (17 grams) of cannabis that he kept in his luggage. Fogel’s arrest came at Sheremetyevo International Airport as his diplomatic immunity expired in May 2021.

According to the recent Moscow court ruling, Fogel was found guilty of large-scale drug smuggling and illegal storage of drugs on a large scale without intent to sell. According to Fogel, however, the cannabis in his possession was only prescribed to him in the US to treat back pain as a result of spinal surgery.

According to Alexander Khurudzhi, a member of the Moscow Human Rights Committee, Fogel’s claim was supported by his medical report, which proves he is telling the truth. Fogel also admitted that he was unaware of the law in Russia and believed that recreational cannabis was legal in the country.

Reports from Interfax, a Russian news agency, indicate that Fogel pleaded guilty to the charges against him. On June 16, 2022, the Khimki City court ruled that Marc Fogel, a United States citizen, was convicted of drug smuggling.

The verdict falls under Article 228 Part 2 (Possession, manufacture, illegal acquisition, processing and transportation of narcotics) and Article 229.1 Part 3 (Drug smuggling) of the Russian Criminal Code. The court ruled that Fogel should serve 14 years in prison in a maximum-security penal colony.

The court’s ruling came in a similar jurisdiction reviewing the incarceration of Brittney Griner, a WNBA athlete. He was arrested for possession of e-cigarettes. In support of Griner, Lebron James has urged the public and those in power to do whatever it takes to bring BG home safely.

According to Uninterrupted on social media, BG has endured inhumane conditions in a Russian prison for more than 100 days, separated from families and loved ones. Considering that BG is an active member of the international elite sports community and a distinguished Olympian, the situation must be resolved quickly. If not for everything, but for the minds of all sports and internationally traveling Americans. The US agency must address this human rights issue and commit to ever bringing BG home.

Reports from TMZ confirmed that Roy Jones Jr., a popular boxer and dual citizen of Russia and the US, is helping to release Grinster. However, current rumors are that Griner’s detention will last until July 7th.

Currently, both medical and recreational use of cannabis is illegal in Russia. This will not be the first time an American citizen has found himself in such a situation. A 29-year-old woman who traveled to Israel from India in 2019 was arrested for cannabis possession. A total of 9 grams of cannabis was found in her possession and she was sentenced to 7 months in prison. Likewise, a 19-year-old student who traveled to Russia in possession of 19 grams of cannabis was fined 15,000 rubles ($230) and sentenced to a month in prison.

Regarding Griner’s cases, Steven Hawkins, the CEO of the US Cannabis Council, made some bold claims in an interview with AZcentral.com. He mentioned that cannabis possession is often a targeted campaign to condemn specific individuals. He reiterated that the Russian government is using plausible cannabis possession as a pretext to arrest well-known Americans and use them as leverage. He went on to say that Brittney Griner should not be used as a pawn by the Russian government. He urges the US government to use all available resources to secure their release home.

Russia’s stance on cannabis

If you look at current events in Russia, the country is quite a long way from legalizing cannabis for both recreational and medical use. Currently, both medical and recreational use of cannabis is illegal in Russia.

In 2004, a review of drug laws in Russia was conducted and changes such as possession of cannabis to a maximum of 20 grams were considered a misdemeanor without imprisonment. However, the country reversed its steps in 2006 when the Russian government annulled Government Decree No. 231 of the Russian Federation of May 2004. Therefore, the maximum amount has been reduced to 6 grams.

Since the change, possession of cannabis in excess of 6 grams is considered a large quantity in Russia. Possession of cannabis in excess of 100 grams is considered “an exceptionally large quantity”. And as things stand, both offenses can carry years in prison. However, possession below the 6 gram mark will result in remedial work or a fine.

The Moscow Times reported in June 2019 that Russia has the highest number of people incarcerated for drug-related crimes per capita in all of Europe. According to Interfax, Russian Health Minister Yevgeny Bryun confirmed in November 2019 that research into the use of medicinal cannabis is still ongoing in the country. But so far, the use of cannabis remains illegal and will not be legalized unless a strain is found that lacks the psychoactive substance.

According to Bryan, 1-3% of people who smoke cannabis will develop severe psychosis, including schizophrenia (a statement that is not backed by science), so cannabis legalization is not in the picture.

How do Russians generally view marijuana?

Russians’ perspectives on cannabis are quite conservative, much like their government. A poll conducted in 2018 found that the majority of Russians oppose cannabis legalization.

The 2018 poll of 1,600 respondents found that 89% of Russians do not support the legalization of soft narcotics like cannabis. Only 8% had the opposite opinion. The poll also found that only 13% of 25-34 year olds and 17% of 18-24 year olds supported legalization.

Conclusion

While every measure is being taken to ensure the safe release of Brittney Griner, this should serve as a cautionary tale to any cannabis user, both recreational and medicinal. The laws legalizing cannabis in your state or country may not apply everywhere else. It is therefore important that you carefully check the laws that apply in any country where you intend to go on holiday or business trip.

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