All's well that ends well: Gigi Hadid on vacation after being arrested for marijuana possession

Model legally obtained marijuana with a valid medical license from New York City

American model Gigi Hadid found herself in a legal predicament during her recent vacation in the Cayman Islands, but “all is well that ends well,” according to her Instagram.

Hadid and her friend Leah Nicole McCarthy embarked on a holiday to the Caribbean, only to face an unexpected turn of events when local authorities arrested and detained them for marijuana possession. However, they were released after a brief legal process and could continue their trip.

The situation began when Hadid and her friend arrived in the Cayman Islands on July 10, on a private aircraft from the United States. Customs and Border Control agents conducted a routine search of their luggage, during which they discovered a small amount of cannabis, according to a local report from the Cayman Marl Road.

“During the search of their luggage, ganja and utensils used for the consumption of ganja were found in the luggage of both passengers,” according to the report. “The quantities were relatively small and were seemingly for personal consumption.”

They were arrested immediately, and the authorities later identified Hadid under her legal name, Jelena Noura Hadid. The Marl Road reported they were charged two days later for “suspicion of importation of ganja and importation of utensils used for the consumption of ganja.” They later appeared in front of a summary court, pleaded guilty and agreed to pay a $1,000 fine.

“Her record remains clear, and she enjoyed the rest of her time on the island,” Hadid’s representative said. The model later shared several photos from the trip on social media.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid)

A representative for Hadid later clarified that she had legally obtained the marijuana with a valid medical license from New York City, where it is permitted for medicinal purposes. However, the Cayman Islands, though they legalised medical marijuana back in 2017, still maintain strict laws against its recreational use. Possession of up to 12 grams of marijuana for a first offence can result in a prison sentence of up to a year and/or a fine.

Hadid's arrest raised questions about the complexities surrounding marijuana regulations and international travel. While the substance may be legal in certain regions, travelling across borders with cannabis remains illegal in many places. As per the Washington Post, the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control said they would release more details about the arrest and drug possession on Tuesday.

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