NORML New Zealand: working for marijuana law reform

NORML News, Winter 2007. By Harry Cording.

The extradition hearing Marc Emery, Michelle Rainey and Greg Williams, known as the BC3, has been postponed till November 5. The three Canadians - arrested in Canada at the behest of the US Drug Enforcement Administration - face 10 years to life in a US federal prison, and Marc could even be executed by the US Government. They are now on bail while the legal system decides their fate.

Under America’s “Drug Kingpin” legislation, Marc could be sentenced to death or life imprisonment for trafficking in marijuana seeds, production of marijuana, and money laundering.

Manufacture or distribution of more than 60,000 seeds is included in death penalty provisions of the law. Emery is the first person arrested under this law who could qualify to be executed.

According to his lawyer, Emery is “98% doomed”. America claims he was largest marijuana producer of all time and say his seed business was responsible for 1.1 million pounds of pot, worth US$2.5 billion.

Marc did run a successful business and he used the profits to fund cannabis activism - the real reason the Americans are out to get him. His donations included funds towards New Zealand J Day and the ALCP’s election campaigns. He also founded Cannabis Culture magazine and www.Pot-TV.net.

Marc says, “I am proud of my activities, and wish I did even more. I am in no way repentant.”

Emery listed his occupation as “Marijuana Seed Vendor” on his tax returns, and Revenue Canada was happy to take his money. Health Canada even referred licensed medical marijuana patients to his seed company.

DEA administrator Karen Tandy has admitted that the actions against Emery have been taken to stop him funding cannabis legalisation campaigns.

If the extradition hearing goes against them, the BC3 can appeal to the BC Court of Appeal. A decision would be expected around November 2008, the month of the US elections. A Canadian election will also be held by then.