Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
Free Marc Emery' supporters made themselves comfortable in Abbotsford MP Ed Fast's office on Tuesday, to protest the extradition of the Vancouver pot advocate.
While the pungent odour of dried marijuana filled the waiting area, about nine of Emery's supporters strummed guitars, sang activist songs, took photos and rolled joints on the table in the MP's waiting room. The sit-in had the air of being relaxed and fun, but the protesters said they were there to make a serious point.
"We're here because we're angry they are sending Marc Emery across the border into the United States to serve five years in prison, for something that would be a $200 fine in Canada," said Jacob Hunter, a medical marijuana user and a Free Marc Emery campaign organizer.
"At first they were very welcoming," he said. Fast said the protesters were peaceful, but was disappointed they wouldn't leave so his office could close for lunch. The small group was one of five that occupied Conservative MPs offices in B.C. on Tuesday. The campaign's goal is to visit every MP's office across Canada, said Hunter.
For 10 years, pot advocate Emery sold marijuana seeds through his company Marc Emery Direct Marijuana Seeds, including to U.S. customers. While he was raided and fined from time to time by police, in July 2005 he was arrested by Vancouver police acting on the request of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
U.S. authorities wanted to extradite Emery to face three charges, including conspiracy to distribute marijuana seeds, money laundering and conspiracy to manufacture marijuana.
Emery, known locally as the 'Prince of Pot,' pleaded guilty to the first charge, which the U.S. accepted. He and his lawyer worked out a deal for him to serve five years stateside, with the possibility he could serve part or all of the sentence in Canada.
On May 10 Justice Minister Rob Nicholson ruled Emery should be deported to the United States.
"The justice minister, for reasons unknown to us, decided to extend the extradition order on all three charges," said Hunter, which opens up the possibility that Emery could, if found guilty on those charges, be sentenced a minimum of 10 years per indictment.
The issue goes beyond the freedom to smoke pot to matters of sovereignty and free speech, said the activists.
"It's an attempt to chill free speech and the right to expression," said Nicole Seguin, national director of EndProhibition. They also fear a proposed bill introducing maximum minimum sentences for growing six or more plants would impose hardship on medical marijuana users.
"Complete hogwash," said Fast. "They could grow up to five plants [three times a year] without facing mandatory minimum," he said, and medical users can apply for permits.
There also must be aggravating factors such as violence and selling to minors for a minimum sentence to be imposed.
"It would be reasonable to assume if you grow more than six plants, you're into trafficking," he said.
NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: canada.com
Author: Christina Toth
Copyright: 2010 Canwest Digital Media
Contact: Abbotsford Times | Contact Us
Website: Emery's Army rolls into MP's office
While the pungent odour of dried marijuana filled the waiting area, about nine of Emery's supporters strummed guitars, sang activist songs, took photos and rolled joints on the table in the MP's waiting room. The sit-in had the air of being relaxed and fun, but the protesters said they were there to make a serious point.
"We're here because we're angry they are sending Marc Emery across the border into the United States to serve five years in prison, for something that would be a $200 fine in Canada," said Jacob Hunter, a medical marijuana user and a Free Marc Emery campaign organizer.
"At first they were very welcoming," he said. Fast said the protesters were peaceful, but was disappointed they wouldn't leave so his office could close for lunch. The small group was one of five that occupied Conservative MPs offices in B.C. on Tuesday. The campaign's goal is to visit every MP's office across Canada, said Hunter.
For 10 years, pot advocate Emery sold marijuana seeds through his company Marc Emery Direct Marijuana Seeds, including to U.S. customers. While he was raided and fined from time to time by police, in July 2005 he was arrested by Vancouver police acting on the request of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
U.S. authorities wanted to extradite Emery to face three charges, including conspiracy to distribute marijuana seeds, money laundering and conspiracy to manufacture marijuana.
Emery, known locally as the 'Prince of Pot,' pleaded guilty to the first charge, which the U.S. accepted. He and his lawyer worked out a deal for him to serve five years stateside, with the possibility he could serve part or all of the sentence in Canada.
On May 10 Justice Minister Rob Nicholson ruled Emery should be deported to the United States.
"The justice minister, for reasons unknown to us, decided to extend the extradition order on all three charges," said Hunter, which opens up the possibility that Emery could, if found guilty on those charges, be sentenced a minimum of 10 years per indictment.
The issue goes beyond the freedom to smoke pot to matters of sovereignty and free speech, said the activists.
"It's an attempt to chill free speech and the right to expression," said Nicole Seguin, national director of EndProhibition. They also fear a proposed bill introducing maximum minimum sentences for growing six or more plants would impose hardship on medical marijuana users.
"Complete hogwash," said Fast. "They could grow up to five plants [three times a year] without facing mandatory minimum," he said, and medical users can apply for permits.
There also must be aggravating factors such as violence and selling to minors for a minimum sentence to be imposed.
"It would be reasonable to assume if you grow more than six plants, you're into trafficking," he said.
NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: canada.com
Author: Christina Toth
Copyright: 2010 Canwest Digital Media
Contact: Abbotsford Times | Contact Us
Website: Emery's Army rolls into MP's office
