A Cuban woman is serving a six-year prison sentence in Matanzas for allegedly selling synthetic marijuana. An article published by the official newspaper Girón recounts the story of "Rachel"—a hypothetical name used to reconstruct the real events of the arrested woman. Rachel, originally from the center of the island but residing in Cárdenas, was reportedly involved in "virtual sales" and worked in online buying and selling groups.
During one of her frequent trips between Cárdenas and Havana, she was detained at the Varadero toll booth while traveling on a bus headed for Santa Marta. Upon inspection, officers found a small bag containing 0.75 grams of synthetic cannabinoid. The woman claimed it was for personal use and not for sale, stating that she only traded legal items and cookies in online buying and selling groups.
However, the police had evidence that days before her arrest she had visited a resident of San Miguel del Padrón in Havana, who had supplied her with the synthetic marijuana for 5,000 pesos. "This intermediary received a payment of 200 pesos. All of this took place in early 2023, before inflation became as severe as it is now, which might explain the seemingly low amounts involved," clarified the official source.
Through various audio recordings and messages found on the detained woman's phone—seized during the investigation—it was confirmed that she was offering the product at prices ranging from 150 to 180 pesos per cigarette to different people in Cárdenas. "She even mixed the pure product with cigarette scraps to increase the quantity," the source added.
The woman was arrested and found guilty—according to Article 235 of the Penal Code—of the crime of acquiring and possessing illicit drugs or substances with similar effects. She was sentenced to six years of imprisonment under case 1-165 of 2003 in the first criminal chamber of the Provincial Popular Court of Matanzas, a sentence she is currently serving. The official source indicated that the woman appealed the sentence, but the decision of the Provincial Court was upheld.
What Is Synthetic Marijuana?
Synthetic marijuana is primarily manufactured in China. These are synthetic cannabinoids created in clandestine laboratories and mixed with other extremely toxic chemicals. These substances are often made into a powder that is dissolved in water and sprayed onto any type of plant-like material. The effects can include hallucinations, aggression, convulsions, delirium, psychotic episodes, and altered heart rhythms, among others. They cause severe brain damage, particularly to young people, who are the main consumers.
This case occurs amid a marked increase in the consumption of various types of drugs in Cuba, a phenomenon that Cuban authorities have finally admitted. Most drug users on the island are young people and adolescents.
Understanding Synthetic Marijuana and Its Impact in Cuba
Given the growing issues surrounding synthetic marijuana in Cuba, it's essential to address some common questions and concerns related to this drug and its effects.
What is synthetic marijuana?
Synthetic marijuana consists of synthetic cannabinoids created in clandestine laboratories and mixed with other toxic chemicals. The substances are often sprayed onto plant-like material to mimic natural marijuana.
What are the health risks associated with synthetic marijuana?
Health risks include hallucinations, aggression, convulsions, delirium, psychotic episodes, and altered heart rhythms. These substances can cause severe brain damage, particularly in young people.
Why is synthetic marijuana a growing concern in Cuba?
The consumption of synthetic marijuana is increasing among young people and adolescents in Cuba, leading to severe health issues and a rise in drug-related crimes.