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When the American basketball player, a US athlete playing in Indonesia, descended to the lobby of his residence earlier this year to collect a delivery containing illegally imported cannabis gummies, he believed his medication for relieving his Crohn’s disease had been delivered.

Indeed it did – but so too had 10 undercover police officers. A video on social media shows the athlete, wearing a black T-shirt and shorts, crying out in distress as multiple law enforcement agents move to apprehend him.

Facing Harsh Penalties

The 35-year-old from Dallas, Texas, is confronting the possibility of the death penalty or extended imprisonment. He was a key member of Prawira Bandung, who won the national basketball league in 2023, and he accumulated more than 1,000 points across three years in the nation. But now 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 his cell just outside Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. “I have an inflammatory condition called Crohn’s disease that’s untreatable. No other medication besides cannabis that stops my abdominal pain.”

When not playing, Shaw resides in a neighboring country, where the laws on cannabis are more liberal laws. He mentions he previously suffered the pain of abstaining from cannabis in earlier seasons in Indonesia but says that health reasons spurred him to bring in the intercepted supply of over a hundred edibles this year. “I made a stupid mistake,” he says.

Challenges in Law and Life

However, this error should not warrant execution or a long spell in prison, he argues. “There’s people telling me I could end up spending the rest of my life in prison for cannabis candies,” he says. “I’ve never been through anything like this.” Initially, for weeks after his arrest, he was at “my most difficult period” and in a “really dark mental place.”

“I experienced isolation and despair,” he shares. “I didn’t want to wake up again.” Yet, with spiritual practices, along with time in 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 my energy remains high,” notes the ex-college player, who has played in multiple countries. “I hope to resume playing professionally.”

Treatment Needs Versus Drug Laws

Shaw, a center or power forward, says cannabis alleviates his mental health struggles, in addition to sleeplessness and the pain from Crohn’s. “I don’t use it to have fun or social events,” he emphasizes. “With my stomach condition, it can be challenging to retain meals or use the restroom. It merely eases some of the symptoms.”

The nation enforces strict policies regarding narcotics and conducted executions in 2016, by firing squad, of an Indonesian and three foreigners found guilty of drug offenses. More than 500 people – with nearly a hundred foreigners – face execution in the country, primarily due to drug-related crimes.

Law enforcement have said that the athlete messaged his fellow players saying that he planned to distribute some of the cannabis candies with them. “Their definition of narcotics, I consider medicine,” says Shaw. “It’s just different cultures.”

Fundraising and Future Hopes

After Shaw’s arrest, police officials told reporters that Shaw might receive a life sentence or even the death penalty if found guilty. “We are still running uncover to uncover the international drugs network involved and to stop its distribution,” a representative said.

The athlete was presented during a media event, appearing with his hands cuffed wearing an orange prison-issue T-shirt and face covering. He faced away from spectators as officials exhibited the seized candies, totaling 869 grams and are worth $400.

He said that accusing him of holding nearly a kilogram of cannabis is unjust and “sick,” since most of the weight comes from the candy material rather than the active ingredient. “I’ve been charged for almost a kilo,” he notes. “My actual possession was far less.”

Shaw is fundraising to cover his rising legal fees. His trial has not begun although detained months prior, and he awaits his initial court date. “It’s being portrayed like I’m this big drug dealer,” he asserts. “What reason would I have to import these items to sell? It was for personal use.”

Broader Context and Support

A representative from a group campaigning for individuals jailed over cannabis commented: “Jarred’s case is not unique. Around the world, people are serving harsh penalties for non-violent cannabis offenses which are not dangerous to public safety.” Even in the US, she noted, many people are still imprisoned for similar offenses despite recreational legalization in numerous states and medical approval in most regions. “These punishments contradict international human rights standards,” she stated.

Possible benefits of cannabis for Crohn’s is understudied but recent studies have indicated that cannabis may relieve persistent pain without serious side effects. Amid this, public figures have highlighted the benefits of cannabis-based medicines.

Similarities exist with this case and the situation of another American athlete, the decorated American basketball player detained in another country for 10 months in 2022 after authorities found cannabis vape cartridges in her luggage. She was later freed as part of a prisoner swap with a foreign national.

“He is known as 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 entire future.”

American officials in the capital says they know about the situation but declined additional details.

A support worker handling Shaw’s case commented: “Cannabis itself is not lethal, but possessing it can. It’s crucial to draw as much attention on this case in the hope that a positive resolution can influence future cases. I am committed to ensuring he returns to his mother.”

• Local authorities did not respond regarding inquiries for this story.