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When the American basketball player, an American basketball player in Indonesia, went down to the lobby of his residence in recent months to collect a delivery with illegally imported cannabis gummies, he believed his medication for relieving his Crohn’s disease had arrived.

It had – however, so did 10 undercover police officers. A video on social media depicts Shaw, wearing a dark top and shorts, shouting for help as multiple law enforcement agents move to apprehend him.

Confronting Severe Consequences

The Texan native, aged 35, is confronting the possibility of execution or extended imprisonment. Previously, he served as an integral player of his Indonesian team, who won the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) in 2023, and he accumulated more than 1,000 points over three seasons in the nation. However, currently he is languishing in pre-trial detention and faces a lifetime ban from the IBL.

“Cannabis serves as my treatment,” he stated during a call from his cell just outside Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. “I suffer from an inflammatory condition called Crohn’s disease that’s incurable. There’s no medicine besides cannabis that relieves my abdominal pain.”

When not playing, Shaw resides in a neighboring country, where the laws on cannabis are less restrictive. He mentions he previously suffered discomfort of abstaining from cannabis in previous campaigns in Indonesia but says that health reasons led him to import the seized batch of 132 gummies recently. “I made a stupid mistake,” he says.

Legal and Personal Struggles

But that mistake does not justify the death penalty or lengthy incarceration, he argues. “I’ve been informed I’m about to spend the rest of my life in prison over some edibles,” he says. “This is unlike anything like this.” Initially, for weeks following his detention, he was at “my most difficult period” and in a “really dark mental place.”

“I experienced isolation and despair,” he shares. “Waking up felt unbearable.” But through prayer and his faith, as well as access to a detention center gym, he is gradually recovering even while the tall sportsman shares a cramped cell with multiple inmates. “I just turned 35 but I still feel young,” says the former Utah State basketballer, who has played in multiple countries. “I would love to continue my basketball career.”

Treatment Needs Versus Drug Laws

Shaw, who plays as a center or power forward, explains cannabis alleviates his anxiety and depression, as well as insomnia and the pain from Crohn’s. “I don’t use it to have fun or social events,” he clarifies. “With my stomach condition, it can be challenging to retain meals or use the restroom. It merely eases the pain a little bit.”

The nation enforces strict policies on drugs and conducted executions in 2016, via shooting, of an Indonesian and three foreigners convicted of drug-related crimes. Over five hundred individuals – including almost 100 foreigners – are on death row in the nation, primarily due to drug-related crimes.

Law enforcement stated that Shaw sent text messages to his teammates saying that he would share portions of the edibles with them. “Their definition of narcotics, I view as treatment,” says Shaw. “Cultural perspectives vary.”

Seeking Support and Resolution

Following his detention, authorities informed the media that the American could face life in prison or even the death penalty if found guilty. “Our ongoing investigation aims to uncover to uncover global drug networks behind this case preventing further spread,” an official said.

The athlete was presented at a press conference, appearing with his hands cuffed dressed in detention attire and a black face mask. He stood with his back to the audience as officials displayed the seized candies, which weigh 869 grams in total and are worth $400.

He said that accusing him of possession of almost a kilo of cannabis is unfair and “disturbing,” given that the bulk is made up by the gummies themselves instead of the cannabis content. “I’m accused of a large quantity,” he notes. “I didn’t have anything near that.”

The player is seeking donations for his rising legal fees. His trial has not begun despite being arrested five months ago, and he is still waiting for a first appearance date. “They’re making it seem like I’m this big drug dealer,” he says. “Why would I bring these items for sale? They were for my own needs.”

Wider Implications and Advocacy

A representative from a group supporting individuals imprisoned for cannabis-related offences commented: “This situation is not an isolated incident. Globally, individuals face extreme sentences for non-violent cannabis offenses that pose no threat to public safety.” Even in the US, she added, many people are still imprisoned for cannabis offences despite recreational legalization in almost half of states and medical approval in all but two. “Such penalties contradict global human rights norms,” she emphasized.

The potential efficacy of cannabis for Crohn’s lacks extensive research but recent papers suggest that cannabis can ease chronic lower back pain with minimal risks. Amid this, public figures have highlighted the benefits of cannabis treatments.

There are parallels with this case and that of Brittney Griner, the decorated American basketball player who was imprisoned in Russia for 10 months in 2022 when officials discovered cannabis vape cartridges in her bags. She was later freed as part of a prisoner swap with a foreign national.

“Jarred has always been one of the most generous and caring individual you could meet,” a close associate said on Shaw’s fundraising page. “Jarred made a mistake. However, it’s unjust that this should ruin his life prospects.”

The US embassy in the capital stated they know about the situation but declined additional details.

A support worker involved in the case commented: “Cannabis can’t kill you, but ownership might be. We must get significant focus on this case in the hope that a favorable outcome will set a powerful precedent. I’m dedicated to making sure Jarred gets home to his mother.”

• Local authorities did not respond regarding inquiries on this matter.