Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who captured headlines worldwide following her high-profile detention in Russia, will deliver a keynote address at next year’s Women Grow Leadership Summit. The event, slated for February 17 in National Harbor, Maryland, is expected to highlight the intersection of cannabis reform and women’s leadership in the growing industry.
Griner’s upcoming appearance marks one of her most public engagements on cannabis since her release in December 2022, when she was freed in a U.S.-negotiated prisoner swap after serving 10 months of a nine-year sentence in Russia for carrying cannabis vape cartridges. Her story became a rallying point for advocates pushing for marijuana legalization and policy reform.
Women Grow Highlights a Bigger Mission
The Women Grow organization, which champions female leadership and equity in the cannabis space, views Griner’s participation as a defining moment for its summit. In a statement, Women Grow CEO Chanda Macias stressed that the event reflects an urgent need for unity amid challenges to both cannabis legalization and women’s access to medicinal treatments.
“This summit is about more than women fighting for cannabis legalization and women’s basic rights to medicine,” Macias said. “It is a sisterhood of power that intentionally supports and trust[s] in one another for the betterment of our country.”
Her remarks reflect growing concerns among advocates who argue that cannabis policies disproportionately affect marginalized communities and women. Macias’ call for unity also comes as U.S. cannabis laws remain fragmented, creating challenges for individuals seeking fair treatment—domestically and internationally.
Griner’s Story: Catalyst for a Larger Conversation
While Griner has yet to specify the focus of her speech, her experience with Russia’s strict drug laws thrust her into an unintentional spotlight for cannabis reform. Detained in February 2022 after authorities found two vape cartridges in her luggage at a Moscow airport, she became a political pawn amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Russia.
During her trial, Griner’s legal team presented medical documentation proving her legal access to marijuana in Arizona, where she used it to manage chronic pain. That evidence failed to sway Russian courts, which ultimately sentenced her to nine years in a penal colony.
The Biden administration faced mounting pressure to bring Griner home, and a deal was ultimately struck to swap her for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. President Joe Biden defended the agreement, acknowledging the painstaking negotiations behind her release.
Still, Griner’s case sparked mixed reactions. Supporters praised the government’s resolve, while critics argued that the U.S. government overlooked other detained Americans—particularly Marc Fogel, an American teacher serving a 14-year sentence in Russia for possession of 17 grams of cannabis, also for medical use.
Cannabis Reform at a Crossroads
Griner’s case became more than a headline; it ignited questions about America’s own marijuana policies. Advocates pointed to the glaring hypocrisy of lobbying for her release while thousands of Americans face incarceration for cannabis-related offenses back home.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, underscored the need for consistency following Griner’s return. “Thousands of athletes self-medicate with medical cannabis, and they should be able to do so without discriminatory interference from authorities, either government or sports bureaucracy,” he said.
Meanwhile, bipartisan calls to secure Marc Fogel’s release have grown louder. Lawmakers and Fogel’s family argue that his case deserves the same urgency applied to Griner’s. Yet, three years into his sentence, Fogel has yet to be classified as “wrongfully detained,” a designation that often accelerates diplomatic efforts.
“We’re actively working to get his release from Russia,” National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in August, acknowledging ongoing efforts.
Public and Political Pressure
Cannabis reform advocates are hopeful that Griner’s presence at the Women Grow summit will amplify calls for policy changes. Her unique position—having experienced the devastating consequences of prohibition firsthand—offers her a powerful platform.
Griner has remained relatively quiet about her ordeal until this year, when she shared details in media interviews and a memoir. The Women Grow keynote could signal a shift, with advocates hoping she’ll spotlight parallels between her experience and those of Americans still serving harsh sentences for minor cannabis offenses.
As the cannabis conversation grows louder, leaders in the industry are doubling down on the need for comprehensive reform—domestically and abroad. The Women Grow summit’s timing couldn’t be more critical, as the cannabis sector faces both unprecedented opportunity and lingering legal obstacles.
Looking Ahead: Will Griner Use Her Voice for Change?
With cannabis legalization a hot-button issue heading into 2024, Griner’s speech carries weight far beyond the conference stage. Whether she speaks to reform, equity, or her personal journey, her words are bound to resonate in a room full of industry leaders, advocates, and policymakers.
The spotlight on Griner also reflects how far the cannabis conversation has come—and how far it still has to go. For now, though, her scheduled address has generated buzz and, perhaps more importantly, hope.
