Marc Emery Faces Extradition to U.S. on Drug Charges But Some Argue Emery Should Be Tried in Canada Instead VANCOUVER--The B.C. man wanted in the United States to stand trial for selling marijuana seeds by mail thinks a jail term south of the border could be his springboard to a political career in Canada. "I get elected to Parliament, I become the justice minister and finally get rid of these marijuana laws," is how Marc Emery sees his future on return from a prison term in the U.S. if convicted there on charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, distribute seeds and launder money. [continues 1249 words]
City Wants Home Buyers To Know If Building Was Used For Growing Pot Three bedrooms, two baths, central air and vacuum - and a former illegal marijuana grow house. Soon that last crucial bit of information will be something potential homeowners and occupants will have available to them, as a part of the City of Toronto's beefed up procedures for dealing with grow houses. "This will protect people from occupying properties that are not healthy or safe," said Ann Borooah, Toronto's chief building official. "And it may protect them from purchasing a property they don't know is a potential health hazard." [continues 175 words]
Over the past few days, Greater Sudbury Police have closed in on the largest marijuana production operation local police have ever uncovered. Police discovered another two marijuana grow operations Friday on The Kingsway. Since Thursday, police have busted a total of six indoor grow operations and seized "millions of dollars" in marijuana and grow equipment, Sgt. Peter Orsino said Monday. The exact amount of drugs and equipment seized is still unknown. Police plan to hold a press conference on Thursday to provide further details of the investigation. [continues 384 words]
Cops' Sniffer Dogs Find Cannabis In House Of Defence Secretary - --- RED-FACED Defence Secretary John Reid was last night forced to deny taking drugs after police sniffer dogs found cannabis in his home. Reid, 58, said the drugs did not belong to any of his family adding: "I have no idea where it came from... or when." Special Branch officers on antiterrorism duties found a small amount of cannabis resin, claimed to be worth just 85p, at his house in Bellshill, Lanarkshire. [continues 985 words]
Having an honest discussion about drug policy remains extremely difficult in Vancouver, says the former head of the Vancouver police drug squad. Insp. Kash Heed, police commander for the southeast portion of the city, states his frustration in an article in the March 2006 issue of The International Journal of Drug Policy. The journal will be distributed at an international conference on reducing drug-related harm April 30 to May 4 at the Hyatt Regency and Fairmont hotels. Up to 1,500 delegates from around the world, including local police, politicians and health workers, will discuss drug addiction at the 17th annual conference. [continues 437 words]
So the scourge of crystal meth is approaching Nova Scotia like a hurricane on the horizon, is it? Well not everybody thinks so. Some folks say it's just the same old amphetamine that we've known, in various forms, since before time was measured. Western culture has been soaking in speed, seriously, since right after the Second World War, when governments started selling civilians the supplies they had earlier stockpiled for official use. Crystal meth is a faster and more intense way to get high because it is smoked, but it's the same old substance. [continues 120 words]
The Temecula City Council sidestepped California Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act, at last Tuesday's meeting and voted unanimously to amend the city's municipal code and prohibit the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries within city limits. Despite an impassioned plea to council members by Martin Victor, Sr., an advocate for the dispensaries, the council opted to follow City Attorney Peter Thorson's advice to implement the ban. Citing a "very substantial conflict between the [California] initiative measure and federal law," Thorson's argument centered around the "land use ordinance" prohibiting the establishment of such dispensaries. The ordinance "in no way deals with an individual's rights to use medical marijuana," Thorson said. [continues 537 words]
We were happy to open NOW's Spring Guide (NOW, April 13-20) and find information about the Global Marijuana March at Queen's Park on May 6. Unfortunately, the website listed for contact info is incorrect. It should be www.cannabisweek.ca. The Global Marijuana March is a peaceful celebration of hemp and cannabis culture taking place in more than 200 cities worldwide. Toronto hosts the largest gathering in North America. Hope to see you all on May 6, and don't forget to bring a bud! Global Marijuana March, Toronto [end]