Marc Emery

Marc Emery, known as the Prince of Pot is a Canadian cannabis and libertarian activist, Vancouver retail store owner, editor of Cannabis Culture Magazine, as well as a former cannabis seed seller. The U.S. government considers Marc to be a drug dealer and want him extradited from Canada and behind bars. Over several years Marc negotiated a plea deal for a five year sentence in US Federal Prison and this month it's expected that the sentence will be handed down in the Seattle Federal Court of Ricardo Martinez.

In his own words, from "Why I'm Cutting a Deal" Marc explains why he accepted the guilty plea.

lawyer framed my options thusly: To challenge the extradition would be a lost cause and result in my extradition to Seattle to stand trial on three counts: conspiracy to manufacture, conspiracy to distribute, and conspiracy to money launder. Even waiting for my trial in Sea-Tac jail would take approximately 6 months to a year. Sentencing on the money laundering involves a mandatory minimum 10 years in federal prison. It also comes with the possibility of a substantial financial penalty, perhaps as high as $250,000 or up to $1 million in fines. If there is a financial penalty attached to my conviction, I cannot be transferred to a Canadian prison while any amount owing is outstanding. To challenge all three charges involves a potential jail time of 10 years plus 5 years plus 5 years plus $250,000 or more in fines.

Marc Emery recently completed a "Farewell Tour of Canada" and spoke to groups in major cities all across the country. Talking to people about the madness of the prohibition and the consequences on our society. Marc's efforts for cannabis activism are outstanding , he's been a true maverick for changing the way people think about the prohibition of marijuana and we should all do whatever we can to help his cause by joining in or promoting any of the protests listed on Cannabis Culture.

Free Marc Emery: Rally For The Prince of Pot - Saturday, September 19, 2009