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As Jarred Shaw, an American basketball player in Indonesia, went down to the lobby of his residence earlier this year to pick up a delivery containing smuggled cannabis gummies, he thought his medication for easing his chronic inflammatory condition had arrived.

It had – but so too had a team of ten plainclothes officers. A video on social media depicts the athlete, dressed in a black T-shirt and shorts, shouting for help 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 a long spell behind bars. Previously, he served as a key member of Prawira Bandung, who won the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) in 2023, and he accumulated more than 1,000 points over three seasons in the nation. But now he remains in detention before trial and faces a lifetime ban from the league.

“I use cannabis as a medicine,” he stated during a call from a prison near Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. “I suffer from an inflammatory condition called Crohn’s that’s untreatable. No other medication besides cannabis that relieves my stomach from aching.”

When not playing, the athlete lives in a neighboring country, where the laws on cannabis are less restrictive. He says he had endured discomfort of going without cannabis in earlier seasons in Indonesia but explains how health reasons spurred him to import the seized batch of 132 gummies recently. “I made a stupid mistake,” he admits.

Legal and Personal Struggles

But that mistake should not warrant execution or lengthy incarceration, he argues. “There’s people telling me I could end up spending the rest of my life in prison for cannabis candies,” he states. “This is unlike any previous experience.” Initially, for weeks after his arrest, he reached “the lowest point in [my] life” and in a “really dark mental place.”

“I experienced isolation and despair,” he shares. “Waking up felt unbearable.” Yet, with prayer and his faith, along with time in a prison gym, he is gradually recovering even while the 6ft 11in athlete occupies a small cell with a dozen men. “I just turned 35 but my energy remains high,” says the ex-college player, who has played 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, explains cannabis alleviates his mental health struggles, in addition to insomnia and the discomfort of his condition. “It’s not for recreation and go party,” he clarifies. “With my stomach condition, sometimes it’s hard to retain meals or go to the toilet. It just soothes some of the symptoms.”

Indonesia takes a hard line regarding narcotics and conducted executions in 2016, via shooting, of several individuals convicted of drug-related crimes. More than 500 people – including almost 100 foreigners – are on death row in the nation, primarily due to narcotics violations.

Law enforcement stated that the athlete messaged his fellow players indicating he planned to distribute some of the cannabis candies among them. “Their definition of narcotics, I view as treatment,” he remarks. “Cultural perspectives vary.”

Fundraising and Future Hopes

After Shaw’s arrest, police officials told reporters that the American could face a life sentence or possibly execution upon conviction. “Our ongoing investigation aims to uncover and halt global drug networks behind this case and to stop its distribution,” a representative said.

Shaw was swiftly paraded during a media event, appearing with his hands cuffed dressed in detention attire and face covering. He faced away from spectators as officials exhibited the seized candies, totaling 869 grams and valued at four hundred dollars.

He argued that to charge him with holding nearly a kilogram of cannabis is unfair and “disturbing,” since the bulk comes from the candy material instead of the active ingredient. “I’ve been charged for almost a kilo,” he says. “I didn’t have anything near that.”

The player is seeking donations to cover mounting court costs. He has not yet appeared in court despite being arrested five months ago, 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 to sell? It was for personal use.”

Broader Context and Support

A representative from a group supporting individuals imprisoned for cannabis-related offences commented: “Jarred’s case is not unique. Globally, people are serving extreme sentences for low-level cannabis crimes which are not dangerous to public safety.” Even in the US, she added, tens of thousands are still imprisoned for similar offenses despite recreational legalization in numerous states and a medical greenlight in most regions. “Such penalties run counter to global human rights norms,” she stated.

The potential efficacy of cannabis on Crohn’s disease lacks extensive research but recent papers have indicated that cannabis can ease persistent pain with minimal risks. Amid this, leaders have discussed the benefits of cannabis-based medicines.

Similarities exist with this case and the situation of Brittney Griner, the decorated American basketball player detained in Russia for nearly a year in 2022 after authorities found cannabis products in her bags. She was later freed as part of a prisoner swap involving a Russian weapons trafficker.

“Jarred has always been an exceptionally kind and caring individual you could meet,” a close associate remarked in a supportive statement. “He erred. However, it’s unjust that mistake should cost him his life prospects.”

The US embassy in Jakarta says they know about the situation but declined additional details.

A support worker handling Shaw’s case said: “Cannabis can’t kill you, but possessing it can. We must get as much attention to this situation so that a favorable outcome will set a powerful precedent. I’m dedicated to making sure Jarred gets home to his family.”

• The Indonesian National Police did not respond regarding inquiries on this matter.