“I’m calling Lethbridge the most supportive marijuana place in Canada, possibly the stoner capital of Canada.”
Those words came from Marc Emery at a speaking engagement at BOB Headquarters in downtown Lethbridge on Sunday. One the world’s most notable activists for cannabis policy reform, and a symbol for marijuana users around the world, Emery was finally able to thank those who helped him through a tumultuous time.
In the mid 90’s, Emery starting shipping marijuana seeds, from his Vancouver-based business, all over the world. He made millions of dollars, donating most of it to the marijuana legalization movement. In 2005, the United States had had enough.
“The DEA became threatened by this and had me extradited to the United States and sentenced me to five years in a federal prison,” said Emery.
The trail and resulting sentence ignited protests around the world. Nowhere was the support for Emery as steadfast as it was in Lethbridge. During his nearly five years in prison, local supporters held fundraisers for the ‘Prince of Pot’, raising nearly $6,000 to give him access to things like email and more food while serving his sentence.
“The fact that a Canadian businessman who had broken no laws in Canada could be extradited to a foreign country was appalling to us and we wanted to do something,” said Fiona Doherty, who organized annual fundraisers for Emery. “Whatever he needed to use it for. Just to make what was happening a little more bearable.”
The generous donations did not go unnoticed and Emery was sure to express his gratitude to a store full of his waiting fans.
“That money was absolutely essential to help my wife avoid not going into bankruptcy but also to make sure I could live at least a reasonably good life in prison,” he said. “Lethbridge came together with heart and soul for someone, a fellow kindred person like me, and it was just amazing. I’ve always told people Lethbridge is the most supportive city in Canada for the marijuana movement.”
Released just six months ago, Emery is now heading to Spain as a keynote speaker at the world’s largest marijuana expo. He is planning a Canadian tour this summer, as he continues his push for marijuana legalization.
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