Pubdate: Fri, 12 Jul 2013
Source: Nelson Star (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 Black Press
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/4kNvY8sy
Website: http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/nelsonstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4866
Author: Jeff Nagel
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?196 (Emery, Marc)

MARC EMERY COULD RETURN TO CANADA

B.C.'s Prince of Pot could be on the verge of an epic homecoming.

Marc Emery has been imprisoned in a U.S. jail since 2010 for selling 
marijuana seeds and recently applied to return to Canada to serve the 
rest of his five-year sentence.

His wife Jodie Emery broke the news on Twitter Wednesday that the 
U.S. government has now approved his transfer.

"Oh my god!!! Now Canada has to make a decision!!" she tweeted.

She urged Emery's supporters to write to the federal public safety 
minister to urge Ottawa to approve his transfer back to Canada.

It's not yet clear whether he would continue to serve time in jail 
here or if he could be released on conditions.

If Emery is freed it could have big implications for the budding 
marijuana legalization movement in B.C.

Sensible BC campaigners who aim to force a provincial referendum on 
pot reform are poised to launch a petition campaign this fall.

Elections BC has given the initiative the green light to begin 
registering canvassers next week.

Emery sold pot seeds by mail order from 1994 to 2005 in an effort to 
raise funds to end marijuana prohibition.

He was arrested in Canada by U.S. agents in 2005 and originally faced 
a 30-year sentence before a plea-bargain gave him a reduced five-year term.

Emery was extradited to the U.S. when the Canadian government refused 
to let him serve his time in this country.

His supporters have always considered him a political prisoner.

Much has changed while the leader of the B.C. Marijuana Party has 
been behind bars.

The biggest milestone was last November's vote in Washington State to 
legalize marijuana possession and set up a government system for sales.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom