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As the American basketball player, a US athlete playing in Indonesia, descended to his apartment lobby earlier this year to collect a delivery containing 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. A video on social media shows the athlete, dressed in a dark top and shorts, shouting for help as multiple law enforcement agents attempt to detain him.

Confronting Severe Consequences

The 35-year-old from Dallas, Texas, is confronting potential execution or extended imprisonment. Previously, he served as a key member of his Indonesian team, which clinched the national basketball league in 2023, and he accumulated more than 1,000 points over three seasons in the country. However, currently he remains in detention before trial and faces a lifetime ban from the IBL.

“Cannabis serves as my treatment,” he stated during a call from his cell just outside Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. “I have an inflammatory condition called Crohn’s that’s untreatable. There’s no medicine apart from cannabis that relieves my stomach from aching.”

When not playing, Shaw resides in a neighboring country, where cannabis is subject to more liberal laws. He says he had endured the pain of abstaining from cannabis in previous campaigns in Indonesia but says that medical needs spurred him to import the seized batch of over a hundred edibles recently. “I made a stupid mistake,” he says.

Challenges in Law and Life

But that mistake does not justify the death penalty or a long spell in prison, he contends. “I’ve been informed I’m about to spend the rest of my life behind bars over some edibles,” he states. “This is unlike anything like this.” Initially, for weeks after his arrest, he reached “my most difficult period” and in a “deeply troubled state of mind.”

“I felt helpless and alone,” he recalls. “I didn’t want to wake up again.” But through prayer and his faith, along with time in a detention center gym, he is starting to feel himself again despite the 6ft 11in athlete shares a cramped cell with multiple inmates. “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

Shaw, a center or power forward, explains cannabis alleviates his mental health struggles, in addition to sleeplessness and the discomfort of his condition. “I don’t use it to have fun and go party,” he emphasizes. “Due to my digestive issues, sometimes it’s hard to retain meals or go to the toilet. It just soothes some of the symptoms.”

Indonesia takes a hard line on drugs and conducted executions in 2016, via shooting, of an Indonesian and three foreigners found guilty of drug-related crimes. Over five hundred individuals – including almost 100 foreigners – are on death row in the country, mostly for narcotics violations.

Law enforcement stated that the athlete messaged his fellow players saying that he would share some of the cannabis candies with them. “Their definition of narcotics, I consider medicine,” he remarks. “It’s just different cultures.”

Fundraising and Future Hopes

Following his detention, police officials told reporters that the American could face life in prison 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 stated.

Shaw was swiftly paraded during a media event, appearing with his hands cuffed dressed in detention attire 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 to charge him with possession of almost a kilo of cannabis is unfair and “disturbing,” given that the bulk is made up by the candy material rather than the active ingredient. “I’m accused of a large quantity,” he notes. “My actual possession was far less.”

The player is seeking donations for his rising legal fees. His trial has not begun although detained months prior, and he awaits his initial court date. “It’s being portrayed as if I’m a major trafficker,” he asserts. “Why would I bring these items for sale? It was for personal use.”

Wider Implications and Advocacy

A representative from an organization campaigning for individuals imprisoned for cannabis-related offences said: “This situation is not unique. Around the world, individuals face harsh penalties for non-violent cannabis offenses that pose no threat to society.” In the United States as well, she added, tens of thousands are still imprisoned for similar offenses even with legalization in almost half of states and medical approval in most regions. “These punishments contradict international human rights standards,” she emphasized.

Possible benefits of cannabis on Crohn’s disease is understudied but recent studies suggest that cannabis can ease chronic lower back pain with minimal risks. This comes as, leaders have discussed potential advantages of cannabis treatments.

Similarities exist with this case and that of another American athlete, the acclaimed player detained in Russia for nearly a year in 2022 when officials discovered cannabis products in her luggage. Griner was eventually released through an exchange with a foreign national.

“Jarred has always been an exceptionally kind and selfless people one might encounter,” a close associate said on Shaw’s fundraising page. “He erred. However, it’s unjust that this should ruin his entire future.”

American officials in Jakarta stated it is aware of the situation but declined additional details.

A support worker involved in the case commented: “Cannabis can’t kill you, but ownership might be. We must get as much attention to this situation in the hope that a positive resolution can influence future cases. I’m dedicated to making sure Jarred gets home to his family.”

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