Marijuana legalization supporters – known more for their dry mouths than wet eyes – let the tears flow Monday as their champion, “The Prince of Pot”, handed himself over to authorities.
Marc Emery sobbed and hugged dozens of supporters before stepping into B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, officially beginning the extradition process that will see him spend time in a U.S. jail cell for selling marijuana seeds from his Vancouver office.
“This is my last day here as a free person in Vancouver,” Emery told supporters and media. “I’m proud of everything I’ve done. I won’t repent. I won’t be asking for forgiveness in front of a judge.”
Emery is facing up to five years in U.S. jail, but hopes to be transferred to a Canadian prison at the first opportunity.
With his distraught wife, federal Green Party candidate Jodi Emery, by his side, the long-time advocate milked his pre-custody press conference for all it was worth.
“This isn’t about marijuana, this is about my politics,” Emery said. “I’m the Prince of Pot for a good reason. I started a revolution that didn’t hurt anybody. There is no crime here. There is a legal offence, but no crime.”
