United States

NYC College Student Held in Russia Over Medical Marijuana

"We take seriously our responsibility to assist U.S. citizens abroad. Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment," the U.S. Department of State said

What to Know

  • A New York City college student was arrested and is being held in Russia after authorities found 19.05 grams of medical pot at the airport
  • Russian authorities said Pace University student Audrey Eliza Lorber's legal medical marijuana in the U.S. doesn't apply there
  • "We take seriously our responsibility to assist U.S. citizens abroad. Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment," U.S. said

A New York City college student was arrested and is being held in Russia after authorities at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg found 19.05 grams of medical marijuana among her belongings, NBC News reported.

Authorities said on Sept. 2 that Pace University student Audrey Eliza Lorber's legal medical marijuana from the U.S. "does not apply to the territory of the Russian Federation" but it wasn't immediately clear when she was arrested.

"We take seriously our responsibility to assist U.S. citizens abroad. Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment," the U.S. State Department said in a statement on Monday.

Rep. Max Rose, D-N.Y., congressman who represents Staten Island where Lorder lives said he's "working to help get Audrey home as soon as possible because no American citizen should be held in jail for a medical condition."

Contact Us