The two-time Olympic gold medalist, 32, was arrested in February when she tried to leave Russia, where she was playing basketball during the WNBA offseason.
She testified in court that she used the prescribed cannabis oil to treat pain from sports injuries, but forgot the cartridges were in her luggage when she hurriedly packed for her trip.
US diplomats are under intense pressure to negotiate a prisoner exchange for Griner and Paul Whelan, who were arrested in 2018 and accused of being spies.
Speaking to reporters at the White House after Tuesday’s midterm elections, President Joe Biden said there had been several discussions to try to secure Greiner’s release.
“I’m hopeful that now that our election is over there’s a willingness to talk to us more specifically,” Biden said. “I decided to take her home and get her home safely.”
Advocates say Americans are being held as political pawns by the Kremlin amid ongoing fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We are grateful for everyone’s support and hope that as we approach nine months of detention, those BG and all wrongfully detained Americans will be shown mercy and returned home to their families for the holidays,” Colas said.
