When Jarred Shaw, an American basketball player in Indonesia, went down to the lobby of his residence earlier this year to collect a delivery with illegally imported cannabis gummies, he thought 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.
Facing Harsh Penalties
The Texan native, aged 35, could face potential the death penalty or extended imprisonment. Previously, he served as a key member of his Indonesian team, who won the national basketball league in 2023, and he accumulated over a thousand points over three seasons in the country. However, currently he remains in pre-trial detention and faces a lifetime ban from the league.
“Cannabis serves as my treatment,” he explained during a call from a prison just outside Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. “I have a chronic inflammation called Crohn’s disease that’s untreatable. No other medication apart from cannabis that stops my abdominal pain.”
When not playing, the athlete resides in a neighboring country, where cannabis is subject to more liberal laws. He says 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 intercepted supply of 132 gummies recently. “It was a foolish error,” he admits.
Legal and Personal Struggles
But that mistake does not justify execution or lengthy incarceration, he argues. “I’ve been informed I could end up spending the rest of my life behind bars over some edibles,” he says. “This is unlike anything like this.” In the first two months following his detention, he reached “the lowest point in [my] life” and in a “deeply troubled state of mind.”
“I experienced isolation and despair,” he shares. “I didn’t want to wake up again.” But through prayer and his faith, along with time in a prison gym, he is gradually recovering even while the 6ft 11in athlete shares a cramped cell with multiple inmates. “I just turned 35 but I still feel young,” says the ex-college player, with experience in Argentina, Japan, Turkey, Thailand and Tunisia. “I hope to resume playing professionally.”
Medical Use vs. Legal Perception
Shaw, who plays as a center or power forward, says cannabis alleviates his anxiety and depression, as well as sleeplessness and the discomfort of his condition. “It’s not for recreation or social events,” he clarifies. “Due to my digestive issues, sometimes it’s hard for me to keep food down or go to the toilet. It merely eases some of the symptoms.”
The nation enforces strict policies regarding narcotics and carried out executions in 2016, by firing squad, of several individuals found guilty of drug offenses. Over five hundred individuals – including almost 100 foreigners – are on death row in the country, mostly for narcotics violations.
Law enforcement have said that Shaw sent text messages to his teammates saying that he planned to distribute some of the cannabis candies with them. “What they consider drugs, I consider medicine,” says Shaw. “It’s just different cultures.”
Seeking Support and Resolution
After Shaw’s arrest, police officials informed the media that the American could face a life sentence or even the death penalty if found guilty. “Our ongoing investigation aims to uncover to uncover global drug networks behind this case preventing further spread,” a representative said.
The athlete was presented during a media event, appearing with his hands cuffed dressed in detention attire and a black face mask. He stood with his back to the audience as officials exhibited the cannabis gummies, totaling 869 grams and valued at four hundred dollars.
He said that accusing him of possession of almost a kilo of cannabis is unjust and “disturbing,” since the bulk is made up by the candy material rather than the active ingredient. “I’ve been charged for almost a kilo,” he notes. “I didn’t have anything near that.”
Shaw is fundraising to cover mounting court costs. He has not yet appeared in court although detained months prior, and he awaits his initial court date. “It’s being portrayed as if I’m a major trafficker,” he says. “What reason would I have to import these items for sale? They were for my own needs.”
Wider Implications and Advocacy
An advocacy director from a group campaigning for individuals jailed over cannabis commented: “This situation is not unique. Globally, people are serving harsh penalties for low-level cannabis crimes that pose no threat to society.” Even in the US, she added, tens of thousands are still imprisoned for similar offenses despite recreational legalization in numerous states and medical approval in most regions. “Such penalties contradict global human rights norms,” she stated.
Possible benefits of cannabis on Crohn’s disease lacks extensive research but recent studies suggest that cannabis can ease chronic lower back pain without serious side effects. Amid this, leaders have discussed potential advantages of cannabis treatments.
There are parallels between Shaw’s case and that of Brittney Griner, the acclaimed player who was imprisoned in another country for nearly a year in 2022 when officials discovered cannabis vape cartridges in her luggage. Griner was eventually released as part of a prisoner swap with a foreign national.
“Jarred has always been one of the most generous and selfless people one might encounter,” his friend remarked in a supportive statement. “Jarred made a mistake. However, it’s unjust that this should ruin his entire future.”
American officials in the capital stated it is aware of the situation but would not comment further.
An advocacy assistant involved in the case said: “Cannabis can’t kill you, but possessing it can. It’s crucial to draw as much attention on this case in the hope that a favorable outcome can influence future cases. I am committed to making sure Jarred gets home to his mother.”
- The Indonesian National Police did not respond to a request for comment on this matter.
