Tourist Fined $1,100 & Gets Absolute Discharge With No Conviction Recorded For Importation Of Three Gummies & A Vape Pen Containing Cannabinol Derivatives

By Alric Lindsay

Matthew Turk, a tourist visiting the Cayman Islands, appeared before the Summary Court today, July 30, 2025, to face charges of importation of three gummies and a vape pen containing cannabinol derivatives. After Turk pleaded guilty, the Chief Magistrate gave him an absolute discharge with no convictions to be recorded. However, Turk must pay a fine of $1,100.

Background and sentencing

According to Crown Counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Turk arrived in the Cayman Islands on July 26, 2025, from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Following normal procedures, Turk’s baggage was processed by Customs & Border Control Officer Wilson. 

During the search, CBC Officer Wilson found bottles in Turk’s backpack, which Turk reportedly said contained vitamins.

Upon finding a yellow gummy black substance, CBC Officer Wilson asked Turk whether it contained THC.  Turk answered honestly that, “yes” that was the case.

Turk was subsequently arrested for importation of a controlled drug and interviewed on the same date.

During the interview, Turk reportedly said that he suffers from depression and anxiety and purchased the gummies legally in North Carolina. He reportedly added that his trip was last-minute and would not have taken the items with him if he knew they were illegal in the Cayman Islands.

Arguing on his behalf, defence attorney Kathleen Ryan said that if Turk was thinking clearly with his attorney cap on, he would have checked the laws.

Regarding Turk’s status as an attorney, Ryan invited the court to declare that extenuating circumstances exist and record no convictions because a conviction would affect his ability to practice as an attorney in the future.

After hearing from DPP Crown Counsel and defence counsel, the Chief Magistrate made a few observations.

She said:

80 hours per week over a five-year period would burn anyone out.

Unfortunately, the role tends to do that to young people, especially when they’re trying to make a good impression and to ensure that they meet all their billables and meet all the requirements.

I get it, I really do.

The Chief Magistrate added:

Unfortunately, that takes a real turn on one’s health, mentally, physically.

I accept what counsel has outlined about your medical diagnosis and that you are on prescription and also using THC to assist with these ailments.

Therefore, I accept that due to personal and medical reasons, these are why you brought these things in inadvertently.

The Chief Magistrate concluded:

It’s low capability and harm.

The amount is low for personal use.

Accordingly, it’s an absolute discharge with no conviction recorded.

There’s no purpose for giving your criminal record which will just totally mess up your future.

Notwithstanding the absolute discharge, Turk must pay costs to the Crown of $1,100 or serve 11 weeks in prison in default.

Note to readers

Turk was charged for the importation of a controlled drug under section 3(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act of the Cayman Islands.  Controlled drugs listed under that Act include Cannabinol, Cannabinol derivatives, Cannabis extracts and tinctures of cannabis.

While gummies containing cannabis extracts are legal in other countries, they are illegal for importation in the Cayman Islands.

Currently, the only way to legally consume cannabis extracts in the Cayman Islands is when prescribed by a medical doctor within the Cayman Islands (see section 2A of the Misuse of Drugs Act). Unfortunately, many tourists are still unaware of this law and continue to import cannabis extracts, leading to court appearances and fines.

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