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When the American basketball player, a US athlete playing in Indonesia, went down to his apartment lobby in recent months to collect a delivery with smuggled cannabis gummies, he thought his medication for relieving his chronic inflammatory condition had been delivered.

Indeed it did – but so too had 10 undercover police officers. Footage circulating online depicts Shaw, dressed in a black T-shirt and shorts, crying out in distress as multiple law enforcement agents move to apprehend him.

Confronting Severe Consequences

The 35-year-old from Dallas, Texas, could face the possibility of the death penalty or extended imprisonment. He was an integral player of his Indonesian team, which clinched the national basketball league in 2023, and he scored over a thousand points over three seasons in the country. But now he is languishing in detention before trial and is banned for life from the IBL.

“Cannabis serves as my treatment,” he stated during a call from a prison near Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. “I have a chronic inflammation called Crohn’s disease that’s untreatable. No other medication besides cannabis that relieves my stomach from aching.”

When not playing, Shaw resides in a neighboring country, where cannabis is subject to less restrictive. He says he had endured discomfort of abstaining from cannabis in earlier seasons in Indonesia but says that medical needs led him to import the seized batch of 132 gummies this year. “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 behind bars for cannabis candies,” he says. “I’ve never been through anything like this.” Initially, for weeks after his arrest, he was at “the lowest point in [my] life” and in a “deeply troubled state of mind.”

“I experienced isolation and despair,” he shares. “Waking up felt unbearable.” But through spiritual practices, along with time in a prison gym, he is gradually recovering even while the tall sportsman occupies a small cell with multiple inmates. “I just turned 35 but my energy remains high,” says the ex-college player, with experience in Argentina, Japan, Turkey, Thailand and Tunisia. “I would love to continue my basketball career.”

Treatment Needs Versus Drug Laws

The player, who plays as a center or power forward, explains cannabis helps ease his anxiety and depression, in addition to sleeplessness and the discomfort of his condition. “I don’t use it to have fun or social events,” he emphasizes. “Due to my digestive issues, sometimes it’s hard to retain meals or use the restroom. It just soothes the pain a little bit.”

The nation enforces strict policies on drugs and carried out executions in 2016, by firing squad, of an Indonesian and three foreigners convicted of drug-related crimes. More than 500 people – including almost 100 foreigners – face execution in the country, mostly for drug-related crimes.

Law enforcement have said that Shaw sent text messages to his teammates indicating he planned to distribute portions of the edibles with them. “Their definition of narcotics, I view as treatment,” says Shaw. “It’s just different cultures.”

Seeking Support and Resolution

Following his detention, authorities told reporters that the American could face a life sentence or possibly execution if found guilty. “Our ongoing investigation aims to the investigation to uncover the international drugs network behind this case preventing further spread,” an official said.

Shaw was swiftly paraded during a media event, shown in handcuffs wearing an orange prison-issue T-shirt and a black face mask. He stood with his back to the audience as police chiefs exhibited the seized candies, totaling 869 grams and are worth $400.

He said that to charge him with possession of almost a kilo of cannabis is unfair and “disturbing,” since the bulk comes from the candy material instead of the cannabis content. “I’ve been charged for a large quantity,” he notes. “My actual possession was far less.”

Shaw is fundraising to cover mounting court costs. 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 asserts. “What reason would I have to import the candy here to sell? It was for personal use.”

Wider Implications and Advocacy

A representative from an organization supporting individuals jailed over cannabis said: “Jarred’s case is not unique. Globally, individuals face harsh penalties for non-violent cannabis offenses that pose no threat to society.” Even in the US, she added, many people remain incarcerated for cannabis offences even with legalization in numerous states and a medical greenlight in most regions. “Such penalties contradict global human rights norms,” she stated.

Possible benefits of cannabis for Crohn’s is understudied but recent papers have indicated 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 Brittney Griner, the acclaimed player detained in Russia for 10 months in 2022 after authorities found cannabis vape cartridges in her bags. Griner was eventually released as part of a prisoner swap with a foreign national.

“Jarred has always been one of the most generous and selfless people you could meet,” his friend remarked in a supportive statement. “Jarred made a mistake. But I don’t believe that mistake should cost him his life prospects.”

American officials in Jakarta stated they know about the situation but declined additional details.

An advocacy assistant involved in the case said: “Cannabis itself is not lethal, but ownership might be. It’s crucial to draw as much attention to this situation so that a positive resolution can influence future cases. I am committed to ensuring he returns to his mother.”

• Local authorities offered no reply regarding inquiries on this matter.