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When the American basketball player, an American basketball player in Indonesia, went down to the lobby of his residence earlier this year to pick up a delivery containing smuggled cannabis gummies, he believed his medication for easing his Crohn’s disease had arrived.

Indeed it did – but so too had 10 undercover police officers. Footage circulating online depicts Shaw, wearing a black T-shirt and shorts, crying out in distress as the swarm of officers attempt to detain him.

Facing Harsh Penalties

The Texan native, aged 35, could face the possibility of the death penalty or extended imprisonment. Previously, he served as a key member of Prawira Bandung, which clinched the national basketball league in 2023, and he scored over a thousand points across three years in the country. But now 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 a prison near Jakarta, the capital. “I suffer from an inflammatory condition called Crohn’s that’s untreatable. No other medication besides cannabis that stops my stomach from aching.”

During the off-season, Shaw lives in Thailand, where cannabis is subject to more liberal laws. He says he previously suffered the pain of abstaining from cannabis in earlier seasons in Indonesia but explains how medical needs spurred him to import the intercepted supply of 132 gummies recently. “I made a stupid mistake,” he says.

Legal and Personal Struggles

However, this error does not justify execution or lengthy incarceration, he argues. “I’ve been informed I could end up spending my entire future in prison for cannabis candies,” he states. “This is unlike any previous experience.” 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.” Yet, with prayer and his faith, along with time in a detention center gym, he is gradually recovering despite the tall sportsman occupies a small 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, 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 and go party,” he emphasizes. “Due to my digestive issues, it can be challenging to retain meals or use the restroom. It merely eases the pain a little bit.”

Indonesia takes a hard line on drugs and carried out executions in 2016, by firing squad, of several individuals convicted of drug-related crimes. More than 500 people – with nearly a hundred foreigners – face execution in the country, mostly for drug-related crimes.

Law enforcement have said that Shaw sent text messages his fellow players indicating he would share portions of the edibles among them. “What they consider drugs, I view as treatment,” he remarks. “Cultural perspectives vary.”

Seeking Support and Resolution

Following his detention, authorities told reporters that the American might receive a life sentence or possibly execution upon conviction. “Our ongoing investigation aims to uncover to uncover the international drugs network involved preventing further spread,” an official stated.

The athlete was presented during a media event, shown in handcuffs wearing an orange prison-issue T-shirt and face covering. He faced away from spectators as police chiefs displayed the seized candies, which weigh 869 grams in total and are worth $400.

He said that accusing him of holding nearly a kilogram of cannabis is unfair and “sick,” given that the bulk comes from the gummies themselves rather than the cannabis content. “I’m accused of a large quantity,” he notes. “My actual possession was far less.”

Shaw is fundraising for his rising legal fees. He has not yet appeared in court although detained months prior, and he is still waiting his initial court date. “They’re making it seem as if I’m a major trafficker,” he says. “What reason would I have to import these items for sale? It was for personal use.”

Wider Implications and Advocacy

A representative from a group supporting individuals jailed over cannabis commented: “Jarred’s case is not an isolated incident. Around the world, people are serving harsh penalties for low-level cannabis crimes which are not dangerous to public safety.” Even in the US, she noted, many people are still imprisoned for similar offenses even with legalization in almost half of states and a medical greenlight in all but two. “Such penalties run counter to global human rights norms,” she stated.

The potential efficacy of cannabis on Crohn’s disease lacks extensive research but recent studies have indicated that cannabis may relieve chronic lower back pain with minimal risks. This comes as, leaders have discussed the benefits of cannabis-based medicines.

Similarities exist with this case and that of Brittney Griner, the acclaimed player detained in another country for 10 months in 2022 when officials discovered cannabis products in her luggage. She was later freed as part of a prisoner swap involving a Russian weapons trafficker.

“Jarred has always been an exceptionally kind and caring individual one might encounter,” his friend said in a supportive statement. “Jarred made a mistake. However, it’s unjust that mistake should cost him his life prospects.”

The US embassy in the capital stated it is aware of the situation but declined additional details.

An advocacy assistant handling Shaw’s case commented: “Cannabis itself is not lethal, but possessing it can. We must get significant focus on this case in the hope that a positive resolution will set a powerful precedent. I’m dedicated to making sure he returns to his family.”

• The Indonesian National Police offered no reply regarding inquiries for this story.