Patrick Schöbel, detained in Russia for several months over THC-infused gummy bears, shares his prison experience following his release.
Six gummy bears led to Patrick Schöbel’s arrest. In mid-January, this German tourist arrived in Russia, where customs officers at St. Petersburg Airport discovered what appeared to be candy in his backpack. The issue: the gummy bears contained Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis.
Following the discovery, Schöbel was taken to a pre-trial detention center in St. Petersburg, facing a potential seven-year sentence. Ultimately, he spent just under seven months in custody before being released in early August as part of a prisoner exchange with Russia.
Unintentional possession
In an interview with the “Stern,” Schöbel explained that the THC-infused gummy bears were from a previous trip, intended to help him sleep better. “Honestly, I had completely forgotten they were still in my backpack,” he admitted.
Despite the circumstances, Schöbel, 38, who grew up in Hannover, recalled the camaraderie among the inmates as a highlight of his time in prison. They were “incredibly kind” to him, providing essentials like a toothbrush and toilet paper that the prison did not supply. His fellow inmates nicknamed him “Mishka-Man” (Gummy Bear Man) after learning his story.
Finding solace in books
With little to occupy his time in his cell, Schöbel engaged in physical exercise and kept a journal. He also received two books from his lawyer: Hermann Hesse’s “Narcissus and Goldmund” and the first volume of “Harry Potter.” Schöbel revealed to the “Stern” that he read the Harry Potter book 35 times. “My favorite part was always when Harry discovers he is a wizard and then sits in the Hogwarts Express,” he told the weekly magazine.
