Pubdate: Mon, 09 Jan 2006
Source: Metro (CN BC)
Page: 1
Copyright: Metro 2006
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Jared Ferrie
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?196 (Emery, Marc)

'PRINCE OF POT' BEING INVESTIGATED BY ELECTIONS CANADA

Marijuana activist Marc Emery says he is under investigation for 
producing pro-NDP advertising in violation of the Elections Act.

He says he was unaware that his magazine, Cannabis Culture, needed to 
register as a third party in order to produce and distribute 
materials endorsing the NDP's pot decriminalization stance.

"I've run afoul of two regulations," said Emery, also known as the 
Prince of Pot. "I suspect I'll be fined."

Cannabis Culture magazine released pro-NDP posters and handbills on 
Saturday, and received a call from Elections Canada within 24 hours. 
The representative said Elections Canada would also look into posters 
endorsing the NDP for the 2004 election.

Emery said there is still time to register for this year's election, 
but he will likely face fines for the previous one. He added that 
violating the Elections Act could jeopardize his parole.

Emery is currently facing extradition to the United States for 
allegedly selling marijuana seeds in that country. He could receive a 
life sentence.

The current election materials are sponsored by Emery's magazine, as 
well as a Hamilton, Ont., pot cafe, and a group of anti-prohibition 
NDP members called eNDProhibition. They feature quotes from NDP 
candidates, including Leader Jack Layton, and link gang violence and 
gun crime to marijuana prohibition.

"This is our way of pushing the NDP to put the party policy it 
already has in place," said Emery.

The Elections Act states that any organization that spends more than 
$500 on advertising for a political party must register with the 
Chief Electoral Officer.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom