Griner's lawyer proffers doctor note in Russia court stating OK for WNBA star to use cannabis

A lawyer for WNBA star Brittney Griner at her drug-related trial Friday in Russia gave the court a U.S. doctor’s letter recommending she use medical cannabis to treat pain.

Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February after customs officials found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage. 

She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of transporting drugs.

In a court appearance last week, Griner, a U.S. Olympic gold medalist, pleaded guilty and acknowledged possessing the canisters but said she had no criminal intent.

She also said the canisters were in her luggage because she packed hastily in her return to Russia to play in that country’s league during the WNBA offseason.

"The attending physician gave Brittney recommendations for the use of medical cannabis," said her lawyer, Maria Blagovolina, according to the Associated Press. "The permission was issued on behalf of the Arizona Department of Health."

The defense on Friday also submitted tests Griner underwent as part of an anti-doping check, which didn’t detect any prohibited substances in her system. The next hearing of Griner’s case was scheduled for July 26, the wire service also reports.