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

Indeed it did – but so too had 10 undercover police officers. A video on social media depicts Shaw, wearing a dark top and shorts, shouting for help as the swarm of officers attempt to detain him.

Facing Harsh Penalties

The 35-year-old from Dallas, Texas, could face potential execution or a long spell behind bars. He was a key member of Prawira Bandung, who won the national basketball league in 2023, and he accumulated over a thousand points across three years in the country. But now he is languishing in pre-trial detention and is banned for life from the league.

“Cannabis serves as my treatment,” he explained over the phone from his cell just outside Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. “I have a chronic inflammation called Crohn’s disease that’s incurable. There’s no medicine besides cannabis that relieves my abdominal pain.”

During the off-season, Shaw lives in a neighboring country, where cannabis is subject to more liberal laws. He mentions he previously suffered discomfort of going without cannabis in earlier seasons in Indonesia but explains how medical needs spurred him to import the seized batch of over a hundred edibles this year. “It was a foolish error,” he says.

Challenges in Law and Life

However, this error does not justify the death penalty or a long spell in prison, he contends. “I’ve been informed I could end up spending my entire future in prison for cannabis candies,” he says. “This is unlike any previous experience.” In the first two months 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, as well as access to a detention center gym, he is starting to feel himself again despite the 6ft 11in athlete occupies a small cell with a dozen men. “I recently celebrated my 35th birthday but my energy remains high,” 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

The player, who plays as a center or power forward, says cannabis helps ease his mental health struggles, as well as sleeplessness and the discomfort of his condition. “I don’t use it to have fun or social events,” he emphasizes. “With my stomach condition, it can be challenging for me to keep food down or use the restroom. It just soothes the pain a little bit.”

The nation enforces strict policies on drugs and conducted executions in 2016, via shooting, of an Indonesian and three foreigners found guilty of drug offenses. More than 500 people – including almost 100 foreigners – are on death row in the country, primarily due to drug-related crimes.

Law enforcement have said that Shaw sent text messages his fellow players indicating he planned to distribute some of the cannabis candies with them. “What they consider drugs, I consider medicine,” says Shaw. “Cultural perspectives vary.”

Seeking Support and Resolution

After Shaw’s arrest, authorities told reporters that the American could face a life sentence or even the death penalty if found guilty. “Our ongoing investigation aims to uncover and halt global drug networks involved and to stop its distribution,” an official said.

The athlete was presented during a media event, shown in handcuffs dressed in detention attire and a black face mask. He faced away from spectators as officials displayed 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 “sick,” since the bulk is made up by the gummies themselves rather than the active ingredient. “I’m accused of a large quantity,” he says. “My actual possession was far less.”

The player is seeking donations to cover his rising legal fees. His trial has not begun although detained months prior, and he is still waiting his initial court date. “They’re making it seem like I’m this big drug dealer,” he asserts. “Why would I bring the candy here for sale? They were for my own needs.”

Broader Context and Support

A representative from an organization campaigning for individuals imprisoned for cannabis-related offences said: “This situation is not an isolated incident. Globally, people are serving extreme sentences for low-level cannabis crimes that pose no threat to society.” Even in the US, she noted, many people remain incarcerated for similar offenses even with legalization in almost half of states and a medical greenlight in most regions. “These punishments run counter to global human rights norms,” she stated.

Possible benefits of cannabis on Crohn’s disease is understudied but recent papers have indicated that cannabis may relieve persistent pain with minimal risks. Amid this, public figures have discussed potential advantages of cannabis treatments.

There are parallels between Shaw’s case and that of Brittney Griner, the acclaimed player detained in Russia for nearly a year in 2022 when officials discovered cannabis vape cartridges in her luggage. She was later freed through an exchange with a foreign national.

“Jarred has always been an exceptionally kind and caring individual you could meet,” a close associate said on Shaw’s fundraising page. “He erred. However, it’s unjust that mistake should cost him his entire future.”

The US embassy in the capital stated they know about the situation but would not comment further.

An advocacy assistant involved in the case commented: “Cannabis itself is not lethal, but ownership might be. We must get as much attention on this case so that a positive resolution will set a powerful precedent. I am committed to ensuring Jarred gets home to his family.”

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