On Saturday, Oct. 10, leaders from across the cannabis industry will trade grow rooms and boardrooms for the fairways of Las Vegas Country Club. Golf is the occasion. Justice is the cause.
The Las Vegas Vlasic Classic, presented by GrowGeneration, will raise funds for The Forgotten Prisoner, Freedom Grow and the family of a man the industry has rallied behind: former pro basketball player Jarred Shaw, now serving 26 months in an Indonesian prison over cannabis gummies.
Shaw, a former NCAA standout, ordered a small amount of the gummies to manage Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition he was diagnosed with in 2010 and has long treated with cannabis. He was playing in the Indonesian Basketball League when he was arrested in May 2025. According to organizers, he did not know how severe the country’s drug laws are. He first faced trafficking charges carrying a possible death sentence, but was convicted of a lesser possession charge and sentenced to 26 months. Cannabis Now covered his case in June, ahead of the Michigan Vlasic Classic.
His supporters say his health is getting worse behind bars. Prison conditions and limited access to proper nutrition and his doctors have worsened his Crohn’s symptoms, and he has lost more than 30 pounds.
“Every day, I’m thinking about getting home to my family and getting my health back,” Shaw said in a statement. “Being separated from the people I love while dealing with Crohn’s in these conditions has been incredibly difficult. Knowing that people in the U.S. are telling my story, supporting my family and continuing to fight for me means more than I can put into words.”
PHOTO Court Shutter
A Tournament With a Mission
The Las Vegas Vlasic Classic is hosted by Michigan-based Vlasic Labs, the hemp wellness company founded by the family behind the iconic pickle brand.
“This is our second year bringing the Vlasic Classic to Las Vegas, and we think it will be our best one yet,” said Willy Vlasic, CEO of Vlasic Labs. “This wouldn’t be possible without the immense help from our sponsors. This year’s event is presented by GrowGeneration, and their support has been instrumental.”
Vlasic said the turnout grows every year, and so does the sense of purpose. “Every year more people from across the cannabis industry come out, and you can feel how much they care about why we’re there. This year that’s Jarred Shaw,” he said. “We’ve been telling his story since he was sentenced, and I can’t wait to spend the day at Las Vegas Country Club with people who want to help get him home.”
The day is built to balance competition with purpose, starting with a noon shotgun start on the club’s 18-hole course and closing with an Awards Gala.
“We’ll have some fun on the course, but by the end of the night I want his family to know just how many people are in their corner,” Vlasic said. “They say it takes a village, and we are so proud of our community for suppor
