This is clearly not completely accurate. Griner knew the law. Admitted as much when she declared she packed in a rush and did not give proper attention. Cannabis is very popular in the NBA and WNBA (NFL, etc.). Many other U.S. and foreign players take their off-season to play in Russia. We must assume those players got the memo. In fact, I suspect Griner was well-briefed before she ever went to Russia. It’s not difficult. Our state department will advise travelers of such things. I imagine the WNBA, union, sports agents and, probably, representatives of the sponsoring oligarch did, as well. She evidently broke the law. That just does not seem debatable at this point.