Nobody knows adversity quite like Brittney Griner. The Atlanta Dream center became the talk of the town as she was detained in Russia for the apparent “illegal” possession of cannabis oil, which was discovered in her vape cartridges. That 2022 saga is still fresh on everyone’s minds, like it was yesterday, and now Griner has supposedly turned that disturbing chapter of her life into a new beginning.
The 35-year-old is now the proud co-founder of Zennjet, a travel membership company offering travel insurance and legal assistance for those carrying prescription drugs, particularly cannabis prescribed by a licensed physician. And the desire to do so was quite clear.
“I never want anybody to go through what I went through. I’m aware that I’m very blessed and very lucky to have an agency team, my wife, and everybody behind me,” Griner told USA Today in a December 2025 interview announcing the launch of Zennjet. “I want people to be able to be aware, informed, and to know where they’re going, where they’re traveling.”
Indeed, what an ordeal it was for her! Few would have guessed that something so terrible would happen as she was preparing to play for the Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg. Some 0.7 grams of medically prescribed cannabis oil placed her on the verge of a prison sentence of nearly 10 years. Things looked grim; her basketball career seemed on the bitter threshold of fizzling away.
With no option of getting her out, the US government had to strike a deal to pull her out of her misery. Finally,she was extradited through a prisoner exchange program, but not before serving 293 days in the penitentiary. Such a sour taste was left in her mouth that she pledged never to play overseas again, except for her country.
The fact that the 2014 WNBA champion found the courage to bounce back and not allow difficult circumstances to overpower her won over everyone, a sentiment reflected in the comments she received.
Fans show strong support for Brittney Griner after her business launch
Brittney Griner’s comeback needed praise; it deserved adulation, because most wouldn’t have been able to do what she did. Many would easily crumble, but she, after the initial hiccup, has not only come back to basketball but also decided to challenge the “archaic” laws that criminalize a licensed medication, which got fans talking.
“Love this BG
,” came a comment, while another fan even called her a hero. “Wow!!! She is taking such a traumatic experience and helping others! More than most people would!!! Actual hero!” said the user.
Jul 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner (42) acknowledges the fans and Phoenix Mercury before a game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Well, whether Griner is truly a hero or not may be up for debate, but the importance of a company like this cannot be denied. Zennjet is a company that works in the grey areas where many wouldn’t dare step in, as it comes with its own set of complications- different laws, policies, guidelines, ideology, and whatnot. Yet the company dares to step into the deadly circle.
Statistically speaking, every 10% of travelers have their medicines confiscated, and 1 out of every 9 travelers has to cancel their trips because of issues pertaining to medicines. This includes 42% domestic and 44% international travelers, as reported by USA Today in March 2024. So you can imagine the panic that it creates in the minds of the people.
“Trauma into triumph! Goals.
,” came one comment, which was befitting for such a situation, while another added, “Love it!”
Another wrote, “This is amazing, and so glad she was able to come home. Boss bb
.”
Brittney faced that inconvenience in her own life, and now, after enduring so much during her excruciating time in prison, she knows what an initiative like this can do.
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