American Basketball Player Faces Death Penalty in Indonesia Over Medical Marijuana
Jarred Shaw, a 35-year-old American basketball player, is facing the possibility of the death penalty or a lengthy prison sentence in Indonesia after being arrested in May for possessing marijuana gummies he uses to treat his Crohn’s disease. Shaw, who has played internationally for the team Prawira Bandung and won the 2023 Indonesian Basketball League, was caught with over 100 cannabis gummies, which he claims he uses as a medicine to manage his symptoms.
Indonesia has strict drug laws, and the crime of possessing marijuana can carry a death sentence. Shaw acknowledged that he made a “stupid mistake” but emphasized that he uses cannabis to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by his inflammatory condition.
Shaw was arrested after receiving a package of cannabis gummies, which weighed 869 grams, leading to a charge of possessing nearly a kilogram of marijuana. He claims that most of the weight was from non-cannabis components of the edible, and that he did not intend to sell the gummies.
The State Department has confirmed that Shaw is a U.S. citizen detained in Indonesia, but has declined to comment further due to privacy concerns. The White House has also not responded to requests for comment, citing the government shutdown.
Shaw’s case has drawn comparisons to that of Marc Fogel, an American teacher who was imprisoned in Indonesia for 14 years after being convicted of “drug smuggling” over possession of a half-ounce of cannabis. Fogel was eventually released and designated as a wrongfully detained individual by the State Department.
The case has also raised concerns about the treatment of Americans detained abroad for marijuana-related offenses. Brittney Griner, a U.S. professional basketball player, was previously incarcerated in Russia for possession of marijuana and has since become an advocate for cannabis reform.
As the Trump administration continues to weigh a proposal to reschedule marijuana, Shaw’s case highlights the need for greater clarity and consistency in the treatment of Americans detained abroad for marijuana-related offenses.
