Gigi Hadid Arrested Over Weed in Cayman Islands, Fined $1,000

Supermodel Gigi Hadid was arrested in the Cayman Islands for possession of weed and paraphernalia. Learn more about the incident and the varying global marijuana policies.

Supermodel Gigi Hadid found herself in legal trouble after being arrested for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia in the Cayman Islands. The incident highlights the differences in global marijuana policies and the consequences faced by high-profile individuals. Find out more about Hadid's arrest and the varying punishments for marijuana-related offenses.

According to local reporting by Rolling Stone, Gigi Hadid was arrested on July 10 in the Cayman Islands for possessing weed and paraphernalia. Hadid had flown to the Caymans, a British overseas territory known for its lenient tax laws, on a private plane with a friend. During the luggage search at the airport, authorities discovered "ganja and utensils used for the consumption of ganja," as reported by Cayman Marl Road.

Following their arrest, Hadid and her friend were taken to the Prisoner Detention Center but were released on bail. Two days later, they pleaded guilty in court and were fined $1,000. Notably, no conviction was recorded against them, as stated by the outlet.

Hadid's representative informed E! News that the marijuana had been purchased legally in New York with a medical license, and medical marijuana is also legal in the Cayman Islands.

This incident sheds light on the varying global marijuana policies and the consequences faced by individuals, especially high-profile figures. As marijuana restrictions have loosened in the United States, several celebrities and public figures have encountered legal issues while traveling internationally with the drug. The severity of these penalties has differed significantly.

For instance, WNBA player Brittney Griner faced a more serious situation when she was arrested in Russia for carrying two vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in 2022. Griner was imprisoned until December, as her case became entangled in global political tensions between Russia and the US regarding Ukraine. Eventually, her release came through a prisoner exchange between the two countries. Griner's recent participation in the All-Star game with the Phoenix Mercury marked her return to the WNBA since her release in May.

Both Griner's and Hadid's experiences underscore the disparity in marijuana policies worldwide. It is worth noting that their punishments varied significantly. Griner, a more masculine-presenting Black woman in a low-paying industry, was compelled to play in another country. In contrast, Hadid, a white Arab feminine model with global recognition, received a lesser penalty. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the political complexities between Russia and the Cayman Islands cannot be fully explored within the scope of this news story.

Gigi Hadid's recent arrest in the Cayman Islands for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia highlights the differences in global marijuana policies. The incident serves as a reminder of the varying consequences faced by high-profile individuals who travel internationally with cannabis. Understanding these policies and their implications is crucial as marijuana restrictions continue to evolve worldwide.