Pubdate: Tue, 11 May 2010
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2010 The Vancouver Sun
Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Ian Mulgrew, Vancouver Sun
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Marc+Emery

PRISON-BOUND PRINCE OF POT SAYS HE HAS 'NO REGRETS'

Federal Justice Minister Robert Nicholson has signed an extradition
order clearing the way for Prince of Pot Marc Emery to be imprisoned
in the United States.

The 51-year-old Emery surrendered to authorities Monday in Vancouver
after his bail expired, and his lawyer said he expects the marijuana
activist to be transferred to America relatively quickly.

He had been free awaiting Nicholson's decision on sending him south to
U.S. District Court in Seattle.

In 2005, Emery was arrested after the Americans indicted him on drug
production and money-laundering charges related to his longtime
marijuana seed-selling business.

After a legal fight to avoid extradition, last year Emery said he
agreed to a plea bargain that will see him sentenced to five years in
jail to avoid a potential prison term of more than 20 years.

His lawyer, Kirk Tousaw, said that Emery hopes to be returned to
Canada to serve his sentence under the prisoner-exchange treaty.

"I think of myself as a great Canadian," Emery said outside B.C.
Supreme Court, his wife Jodie at his side, her eyes brimming with tears.

His supporters cheered and waved placards that read, "Free
Marc."

"I've worked my whole life for individual freedom in this country,
I've never asked for anything in return," said Emery.

"And now I will be possibly handed over to the United States for a
five-year sentence for the so-called crime of selling seeds from my
desk.

"I'm proud of what I've done, and I have no regrets .... I have the
support of hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of Canadians."

Originally, Emery and two of his employees -- Michelle Rainey and Greg
Williams -- were charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute
marijuana and money laundering in connection with his
$3-million-a-year catalogue business.

Rainey and Williams pleaded guilty last July and were given two years'
probation as part of the sentencing deal.

The 38-year-old Rainey worked for Emery from 1998 to 2005, helping him
operate the B.C. Marijuana Party and the mail-order business.

The 54-year-old Williams took 
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