While Russia continues to drag its feet on negotiations with the United States on returning WNBA star Brittney Griner home while she serves a nine-year prison sentence for possessing cannabis oil cartridges, a marijuana advocacy group is planning a “smoke out” at the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C. to show their support.
DC Marijuana Justice plans to gather at the Russian Embassy at 4:20 p.m. (naturally) on Thursday in protest of Russia’s treatment of Griner and their use of her as a political pawn over a cannabis violation.
“We want Brittany released and free of the sham charges that Putin imposed on her as his failed invasion of Ukraine backfired and he elevated Russia to the status of most dangerous rogue nation on the planet,” DC Marijuana Justice co-founder and event organizer Adam Eidinger said in a statement.
Eidinger added that he wants Russian President Vladimir Putin “to take a good look at what freedom looks like” in the United States.
“Cannabis is a medical and personal choice for adults in America, no matter the party, gender, religion, or race,” Eidinger added. “Putin hates freedom, but that’s exactly what we want to give him, a freedom toke.”
Per The Washington Post, protesters plan to bring flags with green pot leaves and a 50-foot inflatable joint adorned with a message about Griner. They also intend to throw marijuana leaves onto the grounds of the Russian Embassy.
That’s probably not going to accomplish too much, but many Americans continue to put pressure on Russia, and the U.S. government, over the stalled negotiations over Griner and the unfortunate situation she finds herself in.
