Jarred Shaw, a former standout for Utah State and Oklahoma State, is still locked up in an Indonesian prison. Shaw, 35, was arrested in Indonesia after ordering 132 cannabis gummies to his home in the country.
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Indonesia has some of the toughest drug laws on Earth. Cannabis is treated the same as heroin, crack, or methamphetamine. Shaw had been spending his offseason in Thailand, where Cannabis is legal, before making the error in judgment.
It's important to note that Shaw wasn't ordering the gummies for recreational purposes. He suffers from Crohn's disease. Cannabis is widely accepted as a way of treating the painful symptoms.
"I can wake up any moment and be hospitalized," Shaw told USA TODAY Sports. "Some days are better than others. It's not where it needs to be. I still feel sick quite often. I am asking for sympathy, and hopefully a miracle can happen."
Unfortunately, Shaw's health has begun to decline while in Indonesian prison. People who suffer from Crohn's disease are typically at higher risk of colorectal cancer. According to The New York Post, he was recently treated by a doctor after dealing with "abdominal pain, mild anemia, and he tested positive for an E coli infection, causing diarrhea, bleeding and fever."
Shaw is yet to be taken to a hospital, as it would mean being temporarily released from jail. His hospital visit would be a minimum three-day stay.
Jarred Shaw Is Trying To Return to the USA
In Indonesia, being arrested on a drug charge could potentially carry a death penalty. Fortunately, Shaw has avoided such harsh measures. However, USA Today has reported that he's in a small cell with 11 other inmates.
"Shaw's legal team is petitioning Indonesia's minister of health to consider a compassionate release, pointing out his cooperation in court and lack of criminal record prior to arrest," The New York Post reported.
United States officials have also spoken on the matter. A source close to the State Department released a short statement to The New York Post.
"The Trump Administration has no higher priority than Americans' safety and security," the source said. "We take seriously our commitment to assist Americans abroad, and the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta is providing consular assistance to Jarred Shaw."
Shaw was sentenced to 26 months in jail, along with a $50,000 dollar fine. His sentence will take into account the time already served. Hopefully, a release can be negotiated so he gets the medical attention he needs.
