Pubdate: Sun, 07 Aug 2005 Source: Province, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 The Province Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476 Author: Lena Sin Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?196 (Emery, Marc) EMERY READY FOR BIGGEST BATTLE YET Prince Of Pot: Calls His Fight Against Extradition 'Ultimate Moment Of My Career' Marc Emery Is Closing In On Marijuana Mission Accomplished. As the longtime pot activist braces for his fight against extradition to the U.S. -- something he calls "the ultimate moment of my career" -- he credits the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency for giving him the platform of a lifetime for his crusade to legalize marijuana. "They might have made me into something bigger than anything I could accomplish on my own," he says. "I get the ultimate opportunity to represent my people." Since his arrest in Halifax eight days ago, Emery has been bombarded with media interview requests. A steady stream of people has visited the Marijuana Party headquarters on Vancouver's West Hastings since his release Friday. But while he's elated to have both the Canadian and American public involved in the controversial debate over the two countries' differing drug policies, there's one person Emery is desperately trying to shield the news from: his mother. With tears in his eyes, Emery admitted in an interview with The Province yesterday that family and staff at a London, Ont., seniors home have been trying to hide the news from his 78-year-old mother, Eileen. "It's a shame that they have to hide from my mom what's happened, because they're very worried she'll get very agitated and anxious and I would feel bad if she died earlier of stress or something," Emery says, choking up. It is the first time Emery is known to have cried over the ordeal, but he's quick to point out that it doesn't mean he isn't prepared for his upcoming battle. During his seven days in custody, 47-year-old Emery said he spent much of his time thinking of his father, Alfred, who died seven weeks ago. "The last thing he said to me was, 'You're the greatest son a father could ever ask for,'" he recalls, breaking down again. An 18-month investigation by the U.S. D.E.A. led to charges against Emery of conspiracy to distribute cannabis seeds, produce marijuana and launder money. If extradited and convicted, he faces between 10 years and life in prison. While it's no surprise that those in favour of the legalization of pot have come to Emery's aid, even non-supporters have become outraged over what some see as the U.S. trying to exert power over Canada's lax drug strategy. The U.S. maintains Emery is a threat with an online business, Marc Emery Direct, that has allegedly sold marijuana seeds to people in 50 states. "The grows that sprout from those seeds are often protected by armed criminals or rigged with lethal booby traps," the U.S. Attorney's office said in a release. "They do significant environmental damage and fuel the organized crime and drug trade that destroys lives." U.S. authorities also allege that more than $5 million has gone in and out of Emery's bank accounts since 1999. Emery says he doesn't own any assets and that he's donated millions of dollars to pot-advocacy groups as well as political parties, including the federal NDP, whose leader, Jack Layton, met with Emery at his Vancouver home last year. The Beyond Prohibition conference held in Vancouver last year was also funded by a $15,000 grant he provided, Emery says. The leader of the B.C. Marijuana Party promises to release details of his finances in the coming days, adding that he will rely on charity to fight against extradition. But, although physically tired, Emery says he has "a great sense of clarity of mind and clarity of purpose -- and this is without the use of marijuana." - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom