“We confirmed Jarred’s medical condition and assessed the severity of his Crohn’s disease. Attorney Richard Siregar told High Times that medical verification played a critical role. The shift in sentencing reflects new weight given to medical evidence and Shaw’s documented Crohn’s disease. Today’s outcome gives him a fighting chance to return home, receive proper medical care, and be reunited with his family.” In a significant legal development, American basketball player Jarred Shaw has been sentenced to 26 months in an Indonesian prison after being caught with THC-infused gummies. During questioning, Shaw allegedly told police he intended to share the cannabis candy with his basketball teammates, according to Sipayung. DALLAS - A Dallas native and professional basketball player has been arrested in Indonesia after police allegedly found more than 130 pieces of cannabis-infused candy in his apartment. Donte West, a prison reform advocate known for working to free incarcerated individuals — especially those jailed for cannabis offenses — is currently in Indonesia with Shaw’s legal team. Authorities said the delivery contained 132 candies weighing 869 grams, and under the nation’s strict drug laws, he could face either life imprisonment or execution. Supporters stress that the gummies were valued at less than $500, a trivial figure compared to the irreversible punishment now on the table. Friends describe Shaw as generous and selfless, a man who made a mistake but does not deserve to lose his life. Prayer, faith, and access to a prison gym have given him a measure of stability. Both cases highlight the uneven global approach to cannabis. Many in the U.S. have expressed outrage at the potential sentence Shaw faces, calling the potential of life in prison or a death sentence as entirely archaic and unfitting of the crime. Now, the league has also issued a lifetime ban, with its chairman reiterating the organization’s strict no-tolerance stance on drug use. Hours later, he was paraded before the media in handcuffs and an orange prison shirt at a police press conference, standing beside a table displaying 132 gummies that Indonesian authorities valued at $400 and said weighed a total of 869 grams. On May 7, 2025, Jarred Shaw was arrested in the lobby of his apartment building in Indonesia when he went to pick up a package that, according to him, contained THC-infused gummies for medical use. Dallas native, pro basketball player could face death penalty after drug arrest in Indonesia According to an interview Shaw gave to The Guardian, he now faces the death penalty or a lengthy prison sentence on drug trafficking charges.However, the court recognized the medical context of his THC use, which played a crucial role in reducing his sentenceAccording to Indonesian authorities, customs officials at Soekarno-Hatta Airport intercepted 20 packages containing the illicit candies.For Shaw, the gummies were not a recreational gamble but a desperate attempt at relief.The case highlights how quickly foreign nationals can move from everyday life to catastrophic legal stakes in countries with aggressive narcotics laws.The case of Jarred Shaw is part of a broader narrative involving international cannabis-related detentions, where legal misunderstandings can lead to severe consequences.The total weight of these cannabis-infused edibles was nearly two pounds.DALLAS - A Dallas native and professional basketball player has been arrested in Indonesia after police allegedly found more than 130 pieces of cannabis-infused candy in his apartment.Shaw is now facing serious legal consequences under Indonesia’s strict narcotics laws, which classify marijuana as a Class I drug. For many observers, Shaw’s case echoes that of Brittney Griner, the American basketball star detained in Russia in 2022 after authorities found cannabis vape cartridges in her luggage. He points out that the weight police used to charge him — nearly one kilogram — reflects the total candy, not the cannabis content inside. Hundreds of people, including nearly one hundred foreigners, sit on death row for drug-related offenses. In Thailand, where he spends his off-seasons, cannabis use is legal and widely available. This incident also highlights the growing tension between the medical use of cannabis and the punitive legal frameworks that exist in many parts of the world Looking ahead, Shaw may have opportunities for early release through remission credits or medical parole, as his legal team prepares further medical evaluations. Shaw's legal team, led by attorney Richard Siregar, presented medical documentation to support his case, which was pivotal in influencing the court's decision Despite Thailand’s decriminalization of cannabis in 2024, Indonesia maintains some of the world’s most stringent drug laws, with harsh penalties for possession and trafficking. A manager with the Tangerang Hawks told the AP that the team regrets Shaw’s actions and has terminated his contract for breaching its terms. Several convicted drug smugglers have been executed by firing squad in the past, according to a FOX News report. Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police Chief Ronald Sipayung told the AP the raid followed a tip from airport customs officials, who flagged a suspicious package Shaw received from Thailand. BlackCannabis Magazine is a leading voice in cannabis publicity, advertising, and marketing, creating a vital link between brands, entrepreneurs, and entertainment. The countdown toward a possible execution has intensified calls for international advocacy, with petitions and campaigns urging Indonesian officials to choose compassion over punishment. Police claim it contained nearly 869 grams of “cannabis” and have not ruled out charges carrying a potential life sentence… or even the death penalty.Police claim that the package’s gross weight constitutes a significant amount of drugs, and allege that Shaw had messaged teammates saying he planned to share some of the gummies.A medical gummy in one country can become a capital offense in another.Authorities said the delivery contained 132 candies weighing 869 grams, and under the nation’s strict drug laws, he could face either life imprisonment or execution.In May, he was arrested in Indonesia after collecting a package of cannabis-infused gummies from the lobby of his apartment.Shaw’s supporters hope his story will gain the same level of international attention and pressure before it is too late.In a significant legal development, American basketball player Jarred Shaw has been sentenced to 26 months in an Indonesian prison after being caught with THC-infused gummies. Shaw, who was arrested in May, claims he uses cannabis to treat Crohn’s disease, an incurable inflammatory condition. However, his most recent club has reportedly suspended him, and the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) has issued him a lifetime ban. Shaw, originally from Dallas, played college basketball at Oklahoma State and Utah State before embarking on a professional career overseas. "There is no room for drug users in the basketball world." "We don’t tolerate players, administrators or anyone in the field involved in drugs," Djiwandono added. The Indonesian Basketball League has issued a lifetime ban against Shaw, according to league chair Budisatrio Djiwandono. Indonesia and Its War on Drugs Donte West, a prison reform advocate known for working to free incarcerated individuals — especially those jailed for cannabis offenses — is currently in Indonesia with Shaw’s legal team.I don’t use it for fun or to party,” explained the basketball player, who was arrested by a group of undercover officers.Both cases highlight the uneven global approach to cannabis.Indonesia enforces some of the harshest drug laws in the world, including for marijuana."We don’t tolerate players, administrators or anyone in the field involved in drugs," Djiwandono added.I’d love to continue my basketball career,” he emphasized.“I use cannabis as medicine,” he told the outlet from a prison on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital.Get notified of our the latest cannabis news, exclusive brand deals, events updates and more!For seven months, American athlete Jarred Shaw sat inside Indonesia’s prison system, wondering whether a package of THC gummies sent from Thailand would cost him his life. The court's decision marks a departure from Indonesia's typically harsh stance on drug-related offenses, particularly for foreigners This sentence comes as a relief to Shaw and his supporters, as he initially faced the possibility of the death penalty. The nation’s last known executions for drug crimes occurred in July 2016. The total weight of these cannabis-infused edibles was nearly two pounds. Juvenile arrested in connection with October 2025 Mesquite shooting Shaw admits that importing cannabis gummies was a mistake, but he emphasizes that the intention was personal medical use. In May, he was arrested in Indonesia after collecting a package of cannabis-infused gummies from the lobby of his apartment. Jarred Shaw built a reputation as a skilled basketball player and a dependable teammate. The 34-year-old basketball star faces a potential life sentence, with the death penalty reportedly not off-the-table, as convicted smugglers have been executed for similar instances. American basketball player could face death penalty after drugs arrest The countdown toward a possible execution has intensified calls for international advocacy, with petitions and campaigns urging Indonesian officials to choose compassion over punishment.He received a lifetime ban from the Indonesian Basketball League and the national basketball federation, PERBASI.Several convicted drug smugglers have been executed by firing squad in the past, according to a FOX News report.Shaw described his early detention as the darkest period of his life.Jarred Shaw built a reputation as a skilled basketball player and a dependable teammate.Shaw, who uses THC products to manage symptoms of Crohn's disease, was arrested in May after receiving a package from Thailand that contained the gummies.Tikky Suwantikno, his former team's manager, told reporters on Thursday that the team were disappointed by Shaw’s actions and stated that he'd been fired.Prayer, faith, and access to a prison gym have given him a measure of stability.Now, the league has also issued a lifetime ban, with its chairman reiterating the organization’s strict no-tolerance stance on drug use. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty. “We have zero tolerance for drug use in basketball—whether by players, officials, or staff,” said Chairman Budisatrio Djiwandono. During his first court appearance, police chiefs displayed the cannabis gummies, which together weighed 869 grams. According to an interview Shaw gave to The Guardian, he now faces the death penalty or a lengthy prison sentence on drug trafficking charges. According to The Guardian, Shaw illegally imported a package containing 132 cannabis gummies valued at $400, which he says was due to the worsening of his illness. American basketball player Jarred Shaw, 35, has been detained after being caught with cannabis gummies. When one society recognizes that certain cannabis extracts can ease pain, while another punishes possession of an edible with the death penalty, the conversation extends far beyond one player or one league. Police claim that the package’s gross weight constitutes a significant amount of drugs, and allege that Shaw had messaged teammates saying he planned to share some of the gummies. US born basketball player Jarred Shaw, a standout in Indonesia’s professional league, was arrested in May for importing 132 THC-infused gummies to treat his Crohn’s disease. This level of diplomatic intervention is rare in active criminal cases, reflecting the seriousness of the situation and the potential implications for international relations. Embassy in Jakarta was also noteworthy, as it provided humanitarian support and facilitated Shaw's access to medical care during his detention. Donte West, a humanitarian advocate involved in the case, highlighted the importance of the court's acknowledgment of medical evidence. However, the court recognized the medical context of his THC use, which played a crucial role in reducing his sentence There’s no medicine apart from cannabis that stops my stomach from aching… I don’t use it to have fun and go party… With my stomach condition, sometimes it’s hard for me to keep food down or go to the toilet. Even if he made a mistake, he says, his mishap should not warrant the death penalty or a long sentence. The 35-year-old athlete —a former IBL champion with Prawira Bandung who also played in Argentina, Japan, Turkey, Thailand, and Tunisia— is currently being held in pretrial custody in Jakarta after collecting a $400 pack of THC gummies. Shaw described his early detention as the darkest period of his life. Basketball player Jarred Shaw faces possible death penalty over cannabis gummies Still, Shaw remains hopeful and dreams of returning to basketball someday. “They want to make me look like a drug trafficker, but why would I bring candies here to sell them? Initially, authorities accused him of possessing one kilogram of cannabis. Apart from cannabis, there’s no medication that eases my stomach pain. “People are telling me I could spend the rest of my life in prison over some edibles. I don’t use it for fun or to party,” explained the basketball player, who was arrested by a group of undercover officers. “I use cannabis as medicine,” he told the outlet from a prison on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital. GloRilla Arrested for Cannabis at Home After Break-In in Georgia Indonesia enforces some of the harshest drug laws in the world. In 2021 alone, the same year the country received such funds, Indonesia issued 89 death sentences for drug-related crimes. Authorities charged Shaw as if he possessed nearly a kilogram of marijuana, as the gummies weighed 869 grams in total. Shaw told The Guardian in an interview from pre-trial detention in Jakarta that he made a “stupid mistake” but emphasized that he relies on cannabis for medical relief. This verdict forces that contrast into focus and raises new questions about how cannabis derivatives are treated under Southeast Asian narcotics laws. He has been coordinating with prosecutors, visiting Shaw in prison, and ensuring the case receives international attention. The Guardian, Inside Edition, and Marijuana Moment have already have already covered the case, sparking debates on fairness, proportionality, and global cannabis laws. Even behind bars, he tries to imagine a future where he can resume his basketball career and rebuild his life. Authorities say the package contained 132 pieces of THC-laced candy, weighing nearly 870 grams. What counts as medical treatment there translates into a serious criminal offense in Indonesia. A report by Harm Reduction International revealed that several countries —including the United States— have spent millions of dollars funding Indonesia’s punitive drug enforcement policies. Shaw’s supporters hope his story will gain the same level of international attention and pressure before it is too late. Griner’s ordeal ended after ten months through a prisoner swap. Shaw counters that claim, insisting the gummies were only for himself. Officials suggested that he had offered the candies to teammates, framing the case as an attempt at distribution rather than possession. Police presented Shaw at a press conference soon after his arrest, parading him in an orange prison shirt with his hands cuffed. The case highlights how quickly foreign nationals can move from everyday life to catastrophic legal stakes in countries with aggressive narcotics laws. His legal team is preparing medical evaluations as part of the next phase in the process. “Jarred was wrongfully pushed toward a death penalty narrative over THC gummies used for medical treatment. The case of Jarred Shaw is part of a broader narrative involving international cannabis-related detentions, where legal misunderstandings can lead to severe consequences. American basketball player Jarred Shaw was arrested after he allegedly attempted to bring illegal drugs into Indonesia, where he plays professionally. American basketball player Jarred Shaw could face the death penalty after allegedly bringing in drugs to Indonesia Shaw is now facing serious legal consequences under Indonesia’s strict narcotics laws, which classify marijuana as a Class I drug. At the same time, cannabis-infused edibles have increasingly become a focal point of legal and public safety concerns in the United States, as seen in recent domestic cases involving accidental ingestion and hospitalization. This incident highlights the critical importance of understanding and adhering to local drug laws, especially in countries with zero-tolerance policies. He received a lifetime ban from the Indonesian Basketball League and the national basketball federation, PERBASI. Authorities reportedly traced a suspicious package from Thailand to his residence in the Tangerang Regency, where they allegedly discovered approximately 132 pieces of “Vita Bites”—candies infused with Delta-9 THC, a psychoactive component of cannabis. He played college basketball at Oklahoma State and Utah State. He has been coordinating with prosecutors, visiting Shaw in prison, and ensuring the case receives international attention.He played college basketball at Oklahoma State and Utah State.Shaw had been an NBA prospect before going to play across the world, starring for both Oklahoma State and Utah State, hoping to make it into the league while being in the 2014 draft.Shaw admitted that he wanted to give the items to his teammates.Authorities said the package contained candies laced with a total of 869 grams (30.6 ounces) of illegal cannabis.The firing squad was last used in 2016 for narcotics cases, and today, hundreds of people —including nearly a hundred foreigners— remain on death row, most for drug offenses.US born basketball player Jarred Shaw, a standout in Indonesia’s professional league, was arrested in May for importing 132 THC-infused gummies to treat his Crohn’s disease.Attorney Richard Siregar told High Times that medical verification played a critical role. Now 35, Shaw said he still hopes to continue his basketball career, but his future depends on the outcome of a case that could leave him imprisoned indefinitely—or worse—under Indonesia’s strict anti-drug laws. For seven months, American athlete Jarred Shaw sat inside Indonesia’s prison system, wondering whether a package of THC gummies sent from Thailand would cost him his life. American basketball player Jarred Shaw has been sentenced to 26 months in Indonesia for THC gummies, avoiding a death penalty. Authorities said the package contained candies laced with a total of 869 grams (30.6 ounces) of illegal cannabis. On the table beside him sat the bag of gummies, treated as evidence of a major international drug offense. Police chief at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Ronald Sipayung had stated that a tip had come in to airport customs that Shaw had received a 'suspicious airway package from Thailand', where it is legal. Shaw's apartment was raided just outside of the capital of Jakarta, where over 130 pieces of 'cannabis candy' were found, more commonly known as 'gummies'. The former player is now raising funds to cover his legal and personal expenses. It also underscores the growing tension between medical cannabis use and punitive drug frameworks.The former player is now raising funds to cover his legal and personal expenses.He explained that he had tried to endure full seasons without cannabis and found the pain unmanageable.Shaw counters that claim, insisting the gummies were only for himself.He continues to fundraise for legal fees while the international spotlight grows brighter.During questioning, Shaw allegedly told police he intended to share the cannabis candy with his basketball teammates, according to Sipayung.He points out that the weight police used to charge him — nearly one kilogram — reflects the total candy, not the cannabis content inside. Shaw had been an NBA prospect before going to play across the world, starring for both Oklahoma State and Utah State, hoping to make it into the league while being in the 2014 draft. Tikky Suwantikno, his former team's manager, told reporters on Thursday that the team were disappointed by Shaw’s actions and stated that he'd been fired. Shaw has played for three different teams in the Indonesian Basketball League teams, including the Tangerang Hawks, who he spent the previous season with. Shaw admitted that he wanted to give the items to his teammates. A video on social media shows Shaw, wearing a black T-shirt and shorts, shouting for help as the swarm of officers move to apprehend him.The 35-year-old from Dallas, Texas, is facing the possibility of the death penalty or a long spell behind bars. Jarred Shaw Faces Death Penalty in Indonesia Cannabis Case I have nothing but respect and honor for the Indonesian legal system.”At the same time, cannabis-infused edibles have increasingly become a focal point of legal and public safety concerns in the United States, as seen in recent domestic cases involving accidental ingestion and hospitalization.This verdict forces that contrast into focus and raises new questions about how cannabis derivatives are treated under Southeast Asian narcotics laws.There’s no medicine apart from cannabis that stops my stomach from aching… I don’t use it to have fun and go party… With my stomach condition, sometimes it’s hard for me to keep food down or go to the toilet.Shaw, originally from Dallas, played college basketball at Oklahoma State and Utah State before embarking on a professional career overseas.“I use cannabis as a medicine,” Shaw said.This sentence comes as a relief to Shaw and his supporters, as he initially faced the possibility of the death penalty. Shaw expressed gratitude for the support he received, acknowledging the efforts of his legal team and the embassy Shaw, who uses THC products to manage symptoms of Crohn's disease, was arrested in May after receiving a package from Thailand that contained the gummies. Indonesia currently has approximately 530 individuals on death row for drug-related offenses, including 96 foreign nationals. New York Senate Committee Advances Bill Allowing Parolees and Probationers to Work in Legal Marijuana Industry Indonesia has long taken a zero-tolerance approach to drugs. He explained that he had tried to endure full seasons without cannabis and found the pain unmanageable. For Shaw, the gummies were not a recreational gamble but a desperate attempt at relief. “He was testing the product, and if it proved successful, he planned to place additional orders,” said police officer Michael Tandayu. According to Indonesian authorities, customs officials at Soekarno-Hatta Airport intercepted 20 packages containing the illicit candies. I’d love to continue my basketball career,” he emphasized. Overnight, his life as a celebrated athlete shifted into the nightmare of pre-trial detention and a lifetime ban from Indonesian basketball. After going undrafted, Shaw moved to Turkey to play in Ankara, before finding his way back to the United States while playing for the Golden State Warriors' G-league team in the Santa Cruz Warriors. Intriguingly, the team’s official Instagram account posted a picture of Shaw with the words “Thank You," giving the player a send-off. After the arrest, Shaw was immediately banned from the league with his team releasing him “I use cannabis as a medicine,” Shaw said. Get notified of our the latest cannabis news, exclusive brand deals, events updates and more! A medical gummy in one country can become a capital offense in another. Under Indonesian law, Shaw may qualify for remission credits, medical parole or other pathways to early release. I have nothing but respect and honor for the Indonesian legal system.” Under the country’s regulations, Shaw could face a life sentence or the death penalty if convicted. Cannabis was decriminalized in Thailand in November 2024, but Indonesia has some of the world’s strictest drug laws. Black Cannabis Magazine is your go-to platform for cannabis culture, news, and lifestyle content with a focus on diversity and inclusion. What is certain is that his case has exposed the sharp divide in cannabis laws and the peril of navigating those contradictions across borders. He continues to fundraise for legal fees while the international spotlight grows brighter. Police claim it contained nearly 869 grams of “cannabis” and have not ruled out charges carrying a potential life sentence… or even the death penalty. Indonesia enforces some of the harshest drug laws in the world, including for marijuana. Shaw’s case joins a growing list of international cannabis detentions involving Americans who cross borders unaware of stark legal differences. It also underscores the growing tension between medical cannabis use and punitive drug frameworks. “They’re making it seem like I’m this big drug dealer,” Shaw said. He says this greatly exaggerates the situation, noting most of the weight was from non-cannabis ingredients. There’s no medicine apart from cannabis that stops my stomach from aching.” However, his most recent club has reportedly suspended him, and the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) has issued him a lifetime ban.Shaw expressed gratitude for the support he received, acknowledging the efforts of his legal team and the embassyAmerican basketball player Jarred Shaw could face the death penalty after allegedly bringing in drugs to IndonesiaHundreds of people, including nearly one hundred foreigners, sit on death row for drug-related offenses.Shaw's apartment was raided just outside of the capital of Jakarta, where over 130 pieces of 'cannabis candy' were found, more commonly known as 'gummies'.Shaw has played for three different teams in the Indonesian Basketball League teams, including the Tangerang Hawks, who he spent the previous season with.“They’re making it seem like I’m this big drug dealer,” Shaw said.Without Donte guiding the legal team, I’m not sure if the Indonesian court would’ve accepted me being a user, not a distributor of narcotics. According to police, Shaw claimed the cannabis products were meant for personal use and to help him relax after training, but officials believe he may have intended to distribute them more broadly among athletes. Shaw reportedly admitted to ordering the items and told police he planned to share them with other players. Meanwhile, Shaw spends his off-season in Thailand, where cannabis laws have been significantly more relaxed in recent years. The firing squad was last used in 2016 for narcotics cases, and today, hundreds of people —including nearly a hundred foreigners— remain on death row, most for drug offenses. Without Donte guiding the legal team, I’m not sure if the Indonesian court would’ve accepted me being a user, not a distributor of narcotics. High Times reviewed messages showing Embassy officials were in communication with Shaw’s team and aware of key medical developments. Shaw’s arrest in May followed the delivery of a package authorities said contained THC-infused gummies. The decision marks a sharp departure from the death penalty framework that police and prosecutors had floated earlier in the case. His case underscores the complexities foreigners face when navigating drug laws in countries with strict narcotics regulations.