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As the American basketball player, a US athlete playing in Indonesia, descended to his apartment lobby 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. Footage circulating online shows Shaw, dressed in a dark top and shorts, crying out in distress as multiple law enforcement agents move to apprehend him.

Confronting Severe Consequences

The Texan native, aged 35, could face potential execution or extended imprisonment. Previously, he served as a key member of Prawira Bandung, which clinched the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) 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.

“I use cannabis as a medicine,” he explained over the phone from his cell just outside Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. “I suffer from a chronic inflammation called Crohn’s disease that’s incurable. There’s no medicine apart from cannabis that relieves my stomach from aching.”

During the off-season, Shaw lives in Thailand, where the laws on cannabis are more liberal laws. He mentions he had endured the pain of going without cannabis in previous campaigns in Indonesia but explains how medical needs spurred him to bring in the seized batch of 132 gummies recently. “I made a stupid mistake,” he says.

Challenges in Law and Life

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 for cannabis candies,” he says. “I’ve never been through any previous experience.” In the first two months after his arrest, he reached “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.” Yet, with spiritual practices, as well as access to a prison gym, he is starting to feel himself again despite the tall sportsman occupies a small cell with a dozen men. “I just turned 35 but my energy remains high,” notes the ex-college player, who has played in Argentina, Japan, Turkey, Thailand and Tunisia. “I hope to resume my basketball career.”

Treatment Needs Versus Drug Laws

The player, a center or power forward, says cannabis helps ease his anxiety and depression, as well as insomnia and the discomfort of his condition. “I don’t use it to have fun and go party,” he clarifies. “Due to my digestive issues, it can be challenging to retain meals or use the restroom. It just soothes some of the symptoms.”

Indonesia takes a hard line regarding narcotics and carried out executions in 2016, via shooting, of several individuals convicted of drug offenses. Over five hundred individuals – with nearly a hundred foreigners – face execution in the nation, primarily due to narcotics violations.

Law enforcement have said that the athlete messaged his fellow players indicating he would share portions of the edibles with them. “Their definition of narcotics, I view as treatment,” he remarks. “Cultural perspectives vary.”

Seeking Support and Resolution

Following his detention, authorities informed the media that Shaw might receive a life sentence or even the death penalty if found guilty. “We are still running the investigation to uncover global drug networks behind this case and to stop its distribution,” a representative said.

The athlete was presented at a press conference, shown in handcuffs wearing an orange prison-issue T-shirt and a black face mask. He faced away from spectators as officials displayed the seized candies, which weigh 869 grams in total and are worth $400.

He argued that accusing him of holding nearly a kilogram of cannabis is unfair and “disturbing,” given that the bulk comes from the gummies themselves instead of the cannabis content. “I’m accused of almost a kilo,” he says. “I didn’t have anything near that.”

The player is seeking donations to cover his rising legal fees. His trial has not begun despite being arrested five months ago, and he awaits for a first appearance date. “It’s being portrayed like I’m this big drug dealer,” he asserts. “Why would I bring the candy here to sell? 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 low-level cannabis crimes which are not dangerous to public safety.” In the United States as well, she noted, many people remain incarcerated for cannabis offences despite recreational legalization in almost half of states and a medical greenlight in all but two. “These punishments contradict international human rights standards,” she emphasized.

Possible benefits of cannabis on Crohn’s disease lacks extensive research but recent studies suggest that cannabis may relieve persistent pain with minimal risks. Amid this, public figures have highlighted the benefits of cannabis-based medicines.

There are parallels with this case and that of another American athlete, the decorated American basketball player who was imprisoned in another country for nearly a year in 2022 when officials discovered cannabis vape cartridges in her luggage. She was later freed through an exchange involving a Russian weapons trafficker.

“He is known as an exceptionally kind and selfless people 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.”

The US embassy in Jakarta stated it is aware of the situation but would not comment further.

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 Jarred gets home to his mother.”

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