Tourist Fined $1,747 For Importation Of 69 Gummies Containing Cannabinol Derivatives. No Conviction To Be Recorded.
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By Alric Lindsay
49-year-old American tourist Christine Merrill appeared in the Summary Court today, June 2, 2025, to face a charge of importation of 69 gummies containing cannabinol derivatives. She was fined $1,747 and was conditionally discharged for 18 months. No conviction will be recorded if no other crime is committed in the Cayman Islands within this period.
Background
Regarding the background of the incident, Orrett Brown, Crown Counsel for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, said that Merrill arrived in Grand Cayman on a private aircraft (Jet 10) from San Antonio, Texas, on May 28, 2025.
Her luggage was sent through the X-ray machine, where, according to the officer, anomalies were seen. This led to an inspection of her backpack, where 76 gummies were found (the number was reduced to 69 after discussion between DPP Crown Counsel and Defence Counsel).
Subsequently, Merrill was arrested, taken to the Cayman Islands Detention Centre and interviewed.
Reportedly, Merrill shared that she uses the gummies for anxiety and pain relief. She started using them following a doctor’s recommendation after she suffered a back injury.
Arguing on Merrill’s behalf, Defence Counsel Jonothan Hughes said that she “broke her back” and “had spinal surgery.”
He added, “[this led] to a number of other complications that leads to nerve problems and that spreads to other parts of her body, causing pain and numbness in her legs.”
Reportedly, Merrill’s back surgeon recommended the gummies to address her issues. The gummies are also legal in Texas, where Merrill is from.
Having to go through this experience in the Cayman Islands, Defence Counsel said Merrill felt a “sense of jeopardy,” and “terror in terms of what’s going to happen, what could happen and how it may affect the rest of her life.”
The Defence Counsel asked Magistrate Gunn to consider Merrill’s circumstances when passing a sentence, including the fact that she works as a volunteer for high-risk girls.
After hearing from DPP Crown Counsel and Defence Counsel, Magistrate Gunn said:
… ignorance of the law is not a defence and wherever you go, you must always check that what you take is legal.
I’m still surprised by the sheer number of American tourists we get coming through our shores with these products.
Magistrate Gunn added:
69 gummies is one of the largest I think I’ve seen in recent times.
You weren’t trying to hide it… [or] trying to smuggle them in or conceal them in anyway.
So, I take that into consideration.
Magistrate Gunn continued:
You are a person of good character.
In fact, you do voluntary work which shows that you’re a exemplary character.I do find that [in] your case… the effect would be disproportionate because it will affect your ability to carry out important to voluntary work.
So I will make an exception.
Magistrate Gun gave Merrill a conditional discharge for 18 months and ordered that she pay
$1,747.25 for the cost of the drug testing and investigation.
