WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner has transformed a harrowing chapter of her life into a powerful force for change. In late 2025, Griner co-founded **Zennjet**, an innovative travel membership company dedicated to helping individuals who rely on prescription medications navigate the complex and often unpredictable world of international travel laws. This venture is more than a business—it’s a direct extension of her advocacy, born from her own traumatic experience in 2022.
Griner’s ordeal began when she was detained at a Moscow airport after Russian authorities discovered vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. The substance, medically prescribed in the U.S. for off-season pain management, is illegal in Russia. What followed was a high-profile detention, a conviction on drug possession charges, and nearly 10 months in custody before her release in a prisoner exchange. Griner has since emphasized that she never intended to bring a banned substance into the country, highlighting how easily travelers can unknowingly violate local regulations—even with valid prescriptions.
The incident underscored a harsh reality: **travel laws around prescription medications vary dramatically by country**, and ignorance of these rules can lead to confiscation, denied entry, fines, or even arrest. Statistics from Zennjet reveal that 10% of travelers have had medications confiscated, and one in nine has been forced to cancel trips due to such issues.
Zennjet positions itself as an **insured travel membership** service for those traveling 150 miles or more from home, with a special focus on regulated prescriptions like benzodiazepines, opioids, and medical cannabis (when prescribed by a licensed professional). Members gain access to:
– Destination-specific “Risk Reports” detailing local laws and potential issues.
– 24/7 global support, including vetted legal counsel, translation services, and medical assistance (such as help filling prescriptions abroad).
– Repatriation and crisis support if medications are lost, stolen, or confiscated.
– A centralized database of entry requirements and real-time updates.
Griner, now a center for the Atlanta Dream, has been vocal about the need for education. In interviews, she stresses: “Education is key. Taking that bit of time can save you a lot of heartache, a lot of money, a lot of time.” She urges travelers to research thoroughly, keep medications in original containers, carry prescriptions, and consider local alternatives when possible.
This launch represents a broader trend of athletes extending their impact beyond the court. Griner’s journey reflects resilience, representation, and a commitment to protecting others—especially marginalized communities who may face heightened scrutiny or barriers abroad. By turning trauma into purpose, she reminds us that personal experience can drive meaningful change in wellness, travel, and legal awareness.
As global travel rebounds, Zennjet offers peace of mind in an area where many only learn the risks too late. Griner’s message is clear: “I never want anybody to go through what I went through.” Through Zennjet, she’s ensuring fewer people ever have to
