Russia has detained another American citizen on cannabis-related charges, just days after the high-profile release of U.S. medical marijuana patient Marc Fogel. The arrest raises concerns about the safety of Americans traveling to Russia, especially in light of past cases like WNBA player Brittney Griner.
The Russian Federal Customs Service confirmed the arrest of 28-year-old U.S. citizen K. Byers, who was taken into custody at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport. Reports suggest Byers was carrying cannabinoid-infused marmalade or CBD gummies, though the exact form remains unclear. Authorities claim a sniffer dog identified Byers’ luggage, leading to the discovery of two plastic jars and a sealed pack containing the substances.
Byers allegedly told officials that his doctor in the U.S. had prescribed the gummies, but Russian law does not distinguish between medical and recreational cannabis. The charge could carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Some reports also suggest Byers was accused of smuggling half a kilo of cannabis, though it is unclear whether that weight includes the infused marmalade.
This latest arrest follows the U.S. government’s efforts to secure the release of Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania medical marijuana patient who was imprisoned in Russia for possession of cannabis legally obtained in the U.S. His release came after prolonged diplomatic pressure.
With growing tensions between the U.S. and Russia, this case raises questions about whether American citizens with cannabis prescriptions could be increasingly targeted. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has not commented on Byers’ case, but this arrest underscores the risks of carrying any cannabis products—even CBD—into Russia.
