WNBA player Brittney Griner was detained in Russia on Feb. 17 for allegedly being in possession of the THC-laden drug hash oil. At that time, it was revealed that Griner, who was first arrested after officials allegedly discovered the oil in her luggage, was being held in a Russian jail pending her trial.
Amid growing concerns for her safety and her freedom, here are five things you should know about hash oil, sometimes called honey oil, and why she’s in trouble for it.
1. Its legality varies by state.
Hash oil — like marijuana itself — is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Federal Controlled Substances Act. But its legality depends on which state you’re in.
The drug has been unilaterally considered a controlled substance, given its similarities to marijuana. In states like California, which has made marijuana legal, it’s mostly OK to carry it. However, in Alabama, it’s considered illegal.
2. You can take hash oil in a number of ways.
Healthline reports that hash oil can be ingested in various ways.
The most common way of ingesting hash oil is by vaping, but it can also be eaten, smoked or rubbed into the skin.
3. You can get high from it.
According to some estimates, hash oil has anywhere between 40% to 80% THC amounts, and could also cause someone to get high.
4. Hash oil is illegal in Russia.
According to Herb.co., hash oil is illegal in Russia and could “result in a fine and/or prison sentence.”
Despite the levels of THC in the drug, all variations of it are illegal and could come with a penalty.
5. Griner is now being detained until May 19.
ESPN reports that Griner, who was initially detained in Russia in February for possession of hash oil, is now having her detention extended until May 19.
“The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the U.S. citizen Griner until May 19,” the court said, according to ESPN.
