Pubdate: Mon, 20 Apr 2015
Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Matt Kieltyka
Page: A1

WE'RE STILL POT CAPITAL, SAYS EMERY

Weed advocate set to make return to 4/20 smoke-up

The "Prince of Pot" says Vancouver still leads the charge toward
marijuana tolerance as he gets ready to celebrate his first 4/20 since
being released from a U.S. prison.

More than 25,000 people are expected to attend the annual smoke-up
outside the Vancouver Art Gallery, first started 21 years ago by
activist Marc Emery and his Cannabis Culture enterprise.

Emery, released Aug. 12, 2014 after serving a five-year sentence for
selling marijuana seeds to American clients, told Metro that he's
returned to a Vancouver that remains one of the most pot-tolerant
cities in North America, despite the fact several U.S. states and
districts have moved toward legalization and regulation during his
incarceration.

"I've been back eight months now and I've noticed a rapid expansion of
our exclusive Vancouver 'legalization' scenario. It's much further
along than I though it would be when I was released," he said.

While marijuana is not yet legal here, Emery says Vancouver's stance
on decriminalization and tolerance has created a safe environment for
marijuana-related businesses to thrive. Cannabis varieties and price
points are more competitive here than in states like Washington and
Colorado that have legalized the drug, Emery says.
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MAP posted-by: Matt