Brittney Griner, the WNBA star whose wrongful detainment in Russia over cannabis possession sparked international debate, has canceled a scheduled speech at the Women Grow Leadership Summit in Maryland after discovering a disturbing message in her hotel room.
Griner, who was set to address attendees about her experiences and the broader implications of cannabis prohibition, withdrew from the event after finding a note written on duct tape in her room that read, “Gay Baby Jail.”
Given her history—being incarcerated in Russia for cannabis possession and being an openly gay athlete—the note was perceived as threatening, prompting her decision to leave for her safety.
Threat or Misunderstanding? The Investigation Unfolds
Following Griner’s departure, Women Grow CEO Chanda Macias addressed attendees, condemning the incident and reassuring the audience that security measures were in place. “Women Grow and our community are under attack in an effort to disrupt, intimidate, and silence us. This is not just a threat against one person—it is a threat against all of us. This is unacceptable,” she stated.
The hotel, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, later informed Women Grow that the message had allegedly been left by a previous guest as part of a meme joke and had been overlooked by housekeeping. However, whether the message was coincidental or targeted remains unclear.
Griner’s Impact on Cannabis Advocacy
Griner’s story has played a crucial role in amplifying conversations around cannabis decriminalization and the disproportionate legal consequences faced by marginalized communities. Her detention in Russia, where she was sentenced to nearly a decade in prison for possessing cannabis vape cartridges, fueled widespread calls for policy reform.
Her scheduled appearance at the Women Grow Leadership Summit was anticipated to be a moment of reflection and activism. The conference, dedicated to fostering leadership among women in the cannabis industry, also featured a virtual message from Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who highlighted the state’s progressive steps toward cannabis legalization and social equity.
A Community Stands Strong
Despite Griner’s absence, Women Grow reaffirmed their commitment to supporting her and advocating for a safe space for women in cannabis. “Attacking women for coming together to lead and create change will not stop us. We are actively working with the venue and authorities to investigate how this happened and hold those responsible accountable,” Macias declared.
The Women Grow community and the broader cannabis advocacy movement have expressed unwavering support for Griner, emphasizing that intimidation tactics will not hinder their mission. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by women and LGBTQ+ leaders in the cannabis industry and the broader fight for equity and inclusion.
Looking Ahead
Griner’s decision to prioritize her safety highlights the ongoing need for increased security and awareness within advocacy spaces. Women Grow remains committed to ensuring that their events foster a safe and empowering environment for all attendees. As the investigation continues, the cannabis community stands in solidarity with Griner, reinforcing that threats and intimidation will not deter progress.
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