Pubdate: Tue, 22 Jul 2003 Source: London Free Press (CN ON) Copyright: 2003 The London Free Press a division of Sun Media Corporation. Contact: http://www.lfpress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/243 Author: Canadian Press Related: Marc Emery's "Summer of Legalization" Tour 2003 http://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/3026.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?196 (Emery, Marc) ACTIVIST EMERY ON POT CRUSADE MONCTON, N.B -- An activist campaigning for the legalization of marijuana was arrested yesterday after lighting up in front of an RCMP detachment in Moncton. After spending about 20 minutes preaching to the mainly converted, former Londoner Marc Emery, now of Vancouver, fired up a large bong and within seconds, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. "Marijuana is a wonderful substitute for all things," Emery told about 30 onlookers shortly before the arrest. "I've been smoking for 23 years. People should be growing it in their backyards." Emery said marijuana provides a certain enlightenment alcohol and other drugs don't. "Passing a joint is a signal of universal peace. Is there anything wrong with feeling good? Something that's good for you, you should be doing all the time." RCMP Cpl. Terry-Lee Kennedy said police will interview Emery before deciding whether to ask the Crown to lay charges. Emery was in Moncton as part of his Summer of Legalization Tour. He publishes Cannabis Culture magazine, runs a store that sells marijuana seeds, and heads the B.C. Marijuana Party. While he wasn't arrested during a similar protest in Halifax on the weekend, Emery was charged with possession in Winnipeg and Regina. The federal government hopes to have its new marijuana legislation passed by year end, making possession of up to 15 grams of pot -- enough to roll about 15 to 20 joints -- a minor offence that would not involve a person getting a criminal record. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake