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As the American basketball player, a US athlete playing in Indonesia, went down to the lobby of his residence earlier this year to collect a package with smuggled cannabis gummies, he thought the medicine for easing his Crohn’s disease had been delivered.

Indeed it did – however, so did 10 undercover police officers. A video on social media shows Shaw, dressed in a dark top and shorts, shouting for help as multiple law enforcement agents attempt to detain him.

Facing Harsh Penalties

The Texan native, aged 35, could face potential execution or extended imprisonment. He was a key member of his Indonesian team, who won the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) in 2023, and he accumulated over a thousand points across three years in the country. However, currently he is languishing in pre-trial detention and is banned for life from the IBL.

“Cannabis serves as my treatment,” he explained during a call from a prison near Jakarta, the capital. “I suffer from a chronic inflammation called Crohn’s disease that’s incurable. There’s no medicine apart from cannabis that stops my stomach from aching.”

When not playing, Shaw resides in Thailand, where the laws on cannabis are less restrictive. He says he had endured the pain of abstaining from cannabis in earlier seasons in Indonesia but says that health reasons led him to bring in the seized batch of 132 gummies this year. “I made a stupid mistake,” he admits.

Legal and Personal Struggles

But that mistake does not justify execution or a long spell in prison, he contends. “I’ve been informed I could end up spending the rest of my life behind bars for cannabis candies,” he says. “This is unlike anything like this.” Initially, for weeks following his detention, he reached “my most difficult period” and in a “really dark mental place.”

“I experienced isolation and despair,” he recalls. “Waking up felt unbearable.” But through prayer and his faith, as well as access to a prison gym, he is starting to feel himself again even while the tall sportsman shares a cramped cell with a dozen men. “I just turned 35 but I still feel young,” notes the ex-college player, who has played in Argentina, Japan, Turkey, Thailand and Tunisia. “I would love to continue my basketball career.”

Treatment Needs Versus Drug Laws

Shaw, a center or power forward, says cannabis alleviates his mental health struggles, as well as insomnia and the pain from Crohn’s. “I don’t use it to have fun or social events,” he clarifies. “Due to my digestive issues, sometimes it’s hard for me to keep food down or use the restroom. It merely eases some of the symptoms.”

The nation enforces strict policies on drugs and carried out executions in 2016, via shooting, of several individuals convicted of drug offenses. More than 500 people – including almost 100 foreigners – face execution in the country, primarily due to narcotics violations.

Indonesian police stated that Shaw sent text messages to his teammates indicating he would share portions of the edibles with them. “Their definition of narcotics, I consider medicine,” he remarks. “Cultural perspectives vary.”

Fundraising and Future Hopes

Following his detention, police officials informed the media that the American might receive a life sentence or even the death penalty upon conviction. “Our ongoing investigation aims to uncover to uncover global drug networks behind this case and to stop its distribution,” a representative stated.

The athlete was presented at a press conference, appearing with his hands cuffed dressed in detention attire and face covering. He faced away from spectators as officials exhibited the cannabis gummies, which weigh 869 grams in total and are worth $400.

He argued that to charge him with possession of almost a kilo of cannabis is unfair and “disturbing,” given that the bulk is made up by the gummies themselves rather than the active ingredient. “I’ve been charged for a large quantity,” he notes. “I didn’t have anything near that.”

The player is seeking donations to cover mounting court costs. He has not yet appeared in court although detained months prior, and he awaits for a first appearance date. “They’re making it seem like I’m this big drug dealer,” he asserts. “Why would I bring the candy here to sell? It was for personal use.”

Broader Context and Support

An advocacy director from a group campaigning for individuals jailed over cannabis said: “Jarred’s case is not unique. Around the world, people are serving harsh penalties for low-level cannabis crimes that pose no threat to society.” In the United States as well, she noted, tens of thousands remain incarcerated for cannabis offences even with legalization in numerous states and medical approval in most regions. “Such penalties run counter to global human rights norms,” she stated.

The potential efficacy of cannabis on Crohn’s disease is understudied but recent papers suggest that cannabis can ease persistent pain without serious side effects. This comes as, leaders have discussed the benefits of cannabis-based medicines.

There are parallels with this case and that of another American athlete, the acclaimed player who was imprisoned in Russia for nearly a year in 2022 after authorities found cannabis products in her luggage. Griner was eventually released as part of a prisoner swap involving a Russian weapons trafficker.

“Jarred has always been an exceptionally kind and caring individual you could meet,” a close associate said in a supportive statement. “He erred. But I don’t believe that this should ruin his life prospects.”

American officials in the capital stated they know about Shaw’s case but declined additional details.

A support worker handling Shaw’s case commented: “Cannabis can’t kill you, but possessing it can. We must get as much attention on this case in the hope that a favorable outcome will set a powerful precedent. I’m dedicated to making sure he returns to his family.”

• The Indonesian National Police did not respond to a request for comment for this story.