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The Prince of Pot

October 11, 2007 1:47 PM

Canadian Marc Emery, Canada's most prominent marijuana legalization activist, is at the top of the U.S, Drug Enforcement Agency's 'Most Wanted List' and now faces extradition to the U.S. and possible life imprisonment. His crime - selling marijuana seeds over the Internet.

Canadian Marc Emery, Canada's most prominent marijuana legalization activist, is at the top of the U.S, Drug Enforcement Agency's 'Most Wanted List' and now faces extradition to the U.S. and possible life imprisonment. His crime - selling marijuana seeds over the Internet.

Tell us what you think of this film and the debate on pot laws in Canada.

Comments

Jodie Giesz-Ramsay wrote:

October 15, 2007 9:32 PM

I hope everyone will tune in -- this is so important for all Canadians who value sovereignty.

Justin wrote:

October 16, 2007 2:29 AM

Marc Emery should not be Extradited to the U.S. to face 10 to 30 years for something he did with the tacit approval of the Canadian Government, I mean at one point when patients started asking Health Canada where to procure seeds they pointed them in his direction and he has paid major taxes to the Canadianfederal government and what did he put on his tax documents Marijuana seed vendor.

I believe this fact alone should clear him of any wrong doing but the United States is a power hungry country at the present time willing to stick its nose into anyone's buisness if they think it serves their purpose and unfortunatley they usually get what they want and if they don't,well we've all seen what's been goin on for the past 6 years.

Anyways I think what needs to happen is that the Canadian Government just needs to charge Mr. Emery in Canada and dish out the punishment they think is best for the crime.

jocelyn blais wrote:

October 16, 2007 9:55 AM

In fact, it is very simple....
If Harper and his gang ship Marc to the americans...it means that we are living under american laws!!!

The government took taxes from his work and, many years later, want to give him to the stupid american assholes!!!???
Come on!!!

If Harper do it, he will send a VERY STRONG MESSAGE TO ME...SORRY FELLOW CANADIANS...YOU ARE NOW AMERICANS!!!!!!

John wrote:

October 18, 2007 12:36 PM

Marc Emery is one of the few people on this planet that will stand up to the authoritarian rules of cannabis prohibition. I live in the US and am afriad to do what he is doing for fear of being in jail. Thanks Marc. I hope you stay in Canada and keep doing what you do!!

John wrote:

October 18, 2007 12:36 PM

Marc Emery is one of the few people on this planet that will stand up to the authoritarian rules of cannabis prohibition. I live in the US and am afriad to do what he is doing for fear of being in jail. Thanks Marc. I hope you stay in Canada and keep doing what you do!!

Brent wrote:

October 19, 2007 12:36 AM

I beleive these issues should be put to referendum. 43% of canadians use cannabis as a social drug, more than 70% of canadians see it as a non issue and should be decriminalized.

This is a plant...the Harper Regime is taking $43 Million out of our Sovereign health care systems, from hospitals, doctors, nurses,rehab clinics etc..and putting our tax dollars into harsher pot laws and penalties. These do not curb usage. He should use his little brain and realise the only true way to help this issue is through education and our health care system.

This is against our constitutional rights as canadians...its harms the individual, not others in society.

I feel ashamed to think that this man was elected into such an honerable possition in such an honerable country. it is clear he is either controled by the american gov. or is just so ignorant to beleive that our canadian people will fall for such silly behaviour.

Gale Leitch wrote:

October 19, 2007 3:06 AM

I resent the power-hungry American government having a presence in Canada - be it immigration offices in the Port of Vancouver or in the two DEA offices that are maintained here in Canada, one of them here in Vancouver.

When Monsanto, a power-hungry international company based in the US can successfully sue Canadian farmers for seeds of theirs planted by the wind on their soil, anything is possible. But it should not be.

Our prime minister and premier kowtow to the big bully south of us.

There used to be a time, so I understand, when citizens stood on the shores and at the borders of their countries to fight off invaders. What happened to us? We live in an era of blind acceptance while we, witless, lose our rights to the authority of the United States.

We cannot allow the United States DEA to take Marc Emery away - not without a fight. The United States should not be allowed to expropriate our citizens - for any reason whatsoever.

The DEA must be expelled from Canada.

Gale Leitch wrote:

October 19, 2007 3:08 AM

By the way, this film is great! Informative, intelligent, entertaining, and depressing. Depressing and fun at the same time, if that is possible.

|Alex wrote:

October 21, 2007 12:44 AM

By not legalizing pot we promote the gangs, the illegal gun trade with the US and the creation of all these synth drugs that ruin so many lives. The only way to deal with drugs is to legalize them and take the money out of it. Similar to what happend when alcohol was prohibited in the states.
All the drug pushers must love Mr. Harper. I wouldn't be surpised if he gets donation from them. (unoffically of course)

Peter Schramm wrote:

October 21, 2007 6:24 PM

I was not at the Vancouver Film Fest, so I am looking forward to seeing the film on Newsworld.

Keith Fagin wrote:

October 22, 2007 3:39 PM

We will be watching The Lens Tuesday evening in large numbers in Alberta Jodie.

The USA government is totally out of control world wide. They want to force their backwards views on the whole globe. The worlds population must be controlled at all costs appears to be the agenda.

Just think the people the USA call terrorists are wanting to force their views on the world as well.

What does that make the USA? The worlds biggest terrorists organization.

Ron Boucher wrote:

October 22, 2007 3:57 PM

Pot use should be managed as a public health issue, much the same as alcohol and smoking.

When people are presented with good science (versus the rhetoric from the various Bush/Harper like regimes) they are more likely to make up their own minds about whether to smoke, how much to puff, and the health impact.

Tens of thousand more Canadians die each year from alcohol and tobacco than pot. It seems our government officials are hypocrites by allowing legal deaths when they know the definitive science of these addictive substances versus the moral diatribes claiming that pot is evil without giving Canadians a rational argument to convince people to stop.

When we charge and convict CEOs of cigarette companies and Liquor boards with pushing harmful substances then I'll support throwing Emery into the same cell. Until then, leave Emery alone and in Canada.

Prof. Doug Hutchinson wrote:

October 22, 2007 7:33 PM

I saw an early screening of the film yesterday in Toronto at Vapour Lounge. I thought it was excellent. Best of all is the timely focus on issues of Canadian sovereignty.

William wrote:

October 22, 2007 11:33 PM

Good luck Marc, stay free brothers. I love your work and look forward to catching this doco.

Jennifer McRae wrote:

October 23, 2007 4:38 PM

This film will be must see. I hope educators will show it in the classroom and use it as a tool to discuss politics (both domestic and international) and the importance of sovereignty of our governments.

Please check out this link for more:
http://www.rethos.com/news/view/492-BC-3-Extradition-Hearing

Prof. Doug Hutchinson wrote:

October 23, 2007 9:05 PM

I saw an early screening of the film yesterday in Toronto at Vapour Lounge. I thought it was excellent. Best of all is the timely focus on issues of Canadian sovereignty.

Mr. Baker wrote:

October 23, 2007 9:34 PM

Even hemp is not a legal crop. That illustrates just how ridiculous the pot laws are.

With the US economy in the tank, now is a easy time for the Canadian government to show leadership and legalize the herb. What is the US going to do. Stop buying our oil?

Sandra wrote:

October 23, 2007 10:07 PM

Would love to watch this but live in usa anyone have a copy or where can I buy a copy. Would love for it to air in USA or will it be aired in USA?

Stephanie Jones wrote:

October 23, 2007 11:02 PM

What can we, the "little people" of Canada do? There is obviously a helluva lot of us that care about this issue. There IS power in numbers....

Christopher Goodwin wrote:

October 23, 2007 11:05 PM

I had to email the CBC for an excellent broadcast on The Lens. I hope more Canadians feel inspired to help Mr. Emery. I will be supporting the sponsors of the CBC and plan on watching Let's All Hate Toronto next week... Thanks CBC...

bj irving wrote:

October 23, 2007 11:08 PM

We should be very nervous with the DEA actually having offices in Canada, where they should have NO RIGHT to be. Why are we as Canadians letting the U.S.A. dictate what is or isn't good for Canadians? They are like a Big Brother...watching over us...Our country, our citizens, and our laws!! Stay out of our business, DEA. We are intelligent enough to make our own minds up about Pot and what constitutes a criminal action. It is my opinion that Pot does not lead to harder drugs, and there are so many more worse crimes being committed out there. De-criminalize it!

John Torrey wrote:

October 23, 2007 11:11 PM

It would absolutely shock and ashame me as a Canadian if our government allowed the US to extradite this man.
It would be a blow to our already lacking Sovereign Laws here in Canada. And Canadians should not only look at this as a "Marijuana Issue" but should see through the smoke and realize this is about all of us as Canadian's being controlled by an outside parasitic entity.

Our people are far too forward thinking and i can only have fait in the people who protect our laws in canada to make the right descission on this... THIS MAN SHOULD NOT GO TO JAIL IN THE usa.

This case affects all Canadians on all very different levels.
great show!

Frank Pot wrote:

October 23, 2007 11:16 PM

Check out YouTube CIA Cocaine conspiracy - learn how the CIA has been behind drug smuggling in the USA for decades. This is all connected - Harper is granting his legal buddies a windfall of millions to prosecute marihuana smokers while they rake in millions in legal fees. We live in an out-of-control Police State and it is about to get worse. Educate yourselves before it is too late!

Jack R. wrote:

October 23, 2007 11:27 PM

Just finished viewing the documentary and I must say I was very surprised that the DEA has offices in Canada. Their policies don't work concerning marijuana, it's a proven fact. This just shows how money and power are misused in the fight against pot. I'm not a fan of legalization but I do agree that pot doesn't harm anyone and its use should be tolerated, as it is in some parts of the country.

Marc, I hope you change your mind about becoming a pot martyr because unfortunately for you and your cause, people forget rather quickly. You will be forgotten in not too long. It's sad to think that all your efforts will be lost. You can do a hell of a lot more for outside of jail than inside, and you know it.

Been smoking pot for 30 years now, quit cigarettes 5 years ago. I've never been happier in my life. The only way for me to relieve stress is to consume 2 or 3 hits off my pipe and voila, instant stress relief. My doctor tells me if it works, why stop. He's a doctor!

DEA GO AWAY!

Good luck Marc and if you do end up in some American jail, I hope someone will take your place to continue your work. Give me a call, I got an even bigger mouth than you and am not afraid to say what needs to be said. I hope i'm not the only volunteer.

Dean Wilde wrote:

October 23, 2007 11:43 PM

How do we as Canadians keep Mr. Emery North of the 49th? If the Americans want him that badly perhaps they should come and get Mr. Huss... Oh sorry Mr. Emery. Maybe we should have a "Referendum" to decide if we'd like to separate from the good old US of A! eh! At least try and declare ourselves a distinct society! I mean come on, seriously people what's the Justice Ministers e-mail address, perhaps a petition. We ARE a sovereign state.

Marc Emery has not committed an act so heinous as to deserve such cruel and unusual punishment. Would the Canadian Government turn over Mr. Emery if Capital Punishment were a possibility. Capital punishment is still practiced in some states, isn't it? Imprisonment in the American penal system could very well be fatal.

In any event it will certainly end Mr. Emerys life as he currently knows it. This is as much of an infringement upon our sovereignty, as Russian flags in the Artic, if not more so. Marc Emery is a Canadian, he lives in Canada, Canadians don't feel a need to imprison Marc Emery for the rest of his natural life. Why would we let Someone else do it?

sara wrote:

October 23, 2007 11:52 PM

Marc, know that your not alone. that many, including myself believe in you and support your efforts. keep up the good work for us all.

Ps. don't we have a little thing known as sovereignty? what happend to that? i mean if draft dodgers can do it, and their american.

john shavluk wrote:

October 24, 2007 12:37 AM

Very well done documentary

THE GREEN PARTY OF Canada HAS ACTUAL POLICY TO ADDRESS CANNABIS PROHIBITION

Their policy "treat cannabis like alcohol and cigarettes"

VOTE GREEN !!

FOR A RETURN TO SANE POLICY
RE-LEGALIZE CANNABIS !!

Corolla Driver wrote:

October 24, 2007 12:47 AM

Oh my God!!! I voted for Harper and just watched The Prince of Pot. I too am an idiot like Mr. Bush and his henchmen.

When I was a teenager, I experimented with liquor even though it devastated and shortened the lives of three of my family members.The drug pusher was the NS Liquor Commission and my government got a cut of the action. How many destroyed lives and horrendous vehicular accidents have I seen and been in ,that were caused by alchohol during my lifetime. Lots! Yet,luckily, I am not dead or alcholic. Smoked lots of pot too in my younger years. AND I DID END UP AN ADDICT. I am addicted to cigarettes. Who is my pusher. Every store I walk into, except the pharmarcy who used to sell smokes not too long ago.

My government dips it's beak in profits from this drug industry also. Am I worried that I will suddenly relapse into pot smoking again? The States tells us it is as addictive as crack (lies).Only two things really do worry me. One is that I have shortened my life by smoking cigarettes and two the United States.

If the Prince of Pot is shipped to the States, I will never vote for Harper again. Do the smart thing Harper and legalize pot. I guarantee the scarey pot addicts will drain less tax dollars than the cost of health care and rehab programs that are necessary for alcholics and smokers. That would free up big bucks for the really important stuff like my hospital stay when I get diagnosed with cancer.

Get a spine PM and join the ranks of very few politicians in our history to say no to our power-drunk Southern ,not-so-friendly neighbor. CBC News should debunk the myths and expose the lies the Yanks are spewing by airing a progam with real statistics and real medical info on pot-smoking vs other drugs like cigarettes and liquor. Andrew Nichols would do a good job of sifting through the lies to get to the real facts. Please make sure the American public sees it too. I don't want my identity known cause I want to take advantage of our strong Canadian dollar and shop across the border next week.

I did smoke that pot years ago and I am afraid if the States knows who I am, then I could get hassled at the border. I like my little red Corrolla and would be horrified to see it torn apart at the US border crossing before I could make it to the mall.

Adam Navarro wrote:

October 24, 2007 2:28 AM

I loved the documentary.So inspiring and moving. A real tear jerker.You covered alot of aspects of this case. One of the best documentary I've seen.

Bradley Armstrong wrote:

October 24, 2007 2:43 AM

If the D.E.A Thinks sending Marc, Michelle, And Greg to jail is going to stop the Legalization movement they are nuts!! This will only make me and other Canadians fight even harder! Marc has taught us so much and has taken us so far!! IT'S UP TO US TO CONTINUE THAT FIGHT! SELL THOSE SEEDS! GROW THAT POT!!! OVERGROW THE GOVERNMENT! STAND UP CANADA AND FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHT! DONT LET U.S IMPERIALISM DESTROY OUR SOVEREIGNTY

Shamsun wrote:

October 24, 2007 3:58 AM

Based on the laws in Canada there is no way that Marc can be extradited to the US. Firstly, there is clearly a political agenda which nullifies any extradition agreement and secondly, whatever 'crimes' Marc has comitted have been already addressed by the Canadian legal sytem. The US has no business in this case.

It is my hope that Marc does not cop a plea as I believe there is no way that he can legally be extradited to begin with.

My argument for legalization/ health issues of marijuana can be simply stated as follows. Tobacco starts a plant. It grows in nature. We harvest it, alter it with other products, package it, market and tax it and it's legal. It is however proven to cause significant deaths.

Alcohol starts as a plant (rye, sugar cane etc...). It grows in nature. We harvest it, alter it with other products, package it, market and tax it and it's legal. It is however proven to cause significant deaths.

Marijuana starts as a plant. It grows in nature. We harvest it, dry it, roll it up and smoke it..No other products or mass marketing campaigns, no real determined health concerns yet this is ILLEGAL!!!!

If Canada allows Marc Emery to be extradited to the US it will be a sad, sad day and proof and that we are but minions to the almighty US. I fear what will come next...
Just my opinion.

Jim Drummond wrote:

October 24, 2007 4:09 AM

Marc Emery is at the mercy of the Canadian federal government, the Ministry of Justice and the will of the Canadian people. We have to stop this right here, right now, BEFORE Marc's efforts end him in a place he doesn't deserve to go to.

Our feds have to develop a backbone and conduct our own domestic policy and make our own independent laws autonomously. The US has no right to impose its will on another sovereign nation!

The minister of justice has to look at the laws and jurisprudence without political prejudice and do what is right for the sovereignty of our country. Failure to do so would be collusion with a foreign policing agency to have a person extradited for an offense that warrants marginal punishment in our own country compared to harsh and unreasonable punishment in the US. Complying with this would amount to a cultural sell out, which would be contrary to our own national rights, an act of TREASON against our citizens.

Our Canadian public must rise against this injustice and do everything we can within the constraints of due process to make sure that we are properly represented. We can do this with public rallies and demonstrations, letters and phone calls to our Members of Parliament, and by voting for candidates in our municipal, provincial and federal elections that will not support this policy.

We are an independent, sovereign nation. We need to stand up for ourselves NOW on THIS matter. Today our right to live and choose how we live is being challenged, tomorrow it will be our energy and water. Then we will have tanks parked in our backyards. It's time to stop this now!

Keith Fagin wrote:

October 24, 2007 8:45 AM

Beside the USA stomping on Canadian sovereignty, ignoring scientific facts and the numerous studies mentioned in the documentary the DEA has only created a huge mass of new pro cannabis activists around the world since the arrest of the BC 3.

Our group enjoyed the documentary and most stayed for hours afterwards and we discussed the issues raised in the film. I know we all will be talking about this film for some time to come.

Thank you to all those involved in the documentary!

Robert wrote:

October 24, 2007 9:22 AM

In bars across both these great nations booze mixed with a high octane caffeine liquid is being pushed on the public. Just what the world needs at closing time, wide awake drunks racing in the streets while the users of Marc's product are in bed dreaming of Lucy in the sky. Another fine example of stepping through the looking glass and entering hypocritical land.

PS
There seems to be a degree of anti-Americanism in the previous comments. Please remember that it is not the majority of our American brothers and sisters that are prosecuting Mr. Emery but a few hirelings of a fanatical right-wing regime that has entered the bunker and lost it's grip on reality. Fear not, the armies of the middle earth have rebounded, Hillary and Obama will toss the ring into the Potomac and zealots and hypocrisy will be forever removed from the planet(along with green house gases).
Thanks Marc, this year's crop was primo.

Al Graham wrote:

October 24, 2007 10:06 AM

i watched the this show last night. it hit the nail on the head several times through out the program.

very truthful and very honest

its a must watch for all.

the crew who put this together deserve to win one of canada's production awards.

in the program david m says in the program... "where are the bodies?". this statement is so true.

lets hope resent court rulings in ontario, that state marijuana is legal, helps keep marc, michele and greg (the BC 3) and marijuana free in canada forever.

Prodan wrote:

October 24, 2007 11:42 AM

I applaud the CBC for the excellent documentary , and would like to thank Marc Emery for his activism.

All of us Canadians should be worried about the U.S. interfering with law enforcement in our country. If what Mr. Emery did was not a crime in Canada, he should not be given over to the Americans.

I believe that he would be a political prisoner if sent to the U.S.A., I'm so glad I don't have to live in that fascist pseudo-democratic country.

I would hold the Harper government, and its christianic fundamentalist and hard-line capitalist agenda responsible if Mr. Emery is to be extradited.

J Harany wrote:

October 24, 2007 12:31 PM

It's wrong, albeit not surprising, that the US would like to get their hands on Emery.

Consider the Bush Administration's 'War on Terror' and previous attempts at the 'war on drugs' - it's ALL politically motivated. See Woody Harrelson's documentary, Grass. Politically motivated, and, like others have said here, backwards.

OK so the US wants a war on drugs. Meanwhile, their neighbouring country and largest trade partner, Canada, being the liberal nation it is, has already researched and discovered medicinal uses for a substance the US is desperately trying to eradicate. Anyone see a problem here? It's a clash just WAITING to happen.

IMHO what we watched last night is overdue; not that Mark Emery himself is overdue to be observed, as it were, by the US - but -Canada- is overdue to be observed by the US on this topic.

And so, when a rather radical and ballsy fellow like Mark Emery (quite a likable fellow) pokes the US right in the eyeball with a big stick...heh, right or wrong, they're going to want to talk with him.

Personally I hope he stays in Canada...but I really believe he's playing with fire, even though he's fighting the good fight.

Just my opinion, but I think it'll take considerably more than Marc and his friends to sort this out with the US - as he himself said, "David and Goliath". I wish him well, and will support him, but I fear the worst.

Heidi Przepiora wrote:

October 24, 2007 12:44 PM

I was pleased to see that the media has finally taken an active interest in exposing some truths about the Canadian (Americanized) government. Marc Emery did not commit any crimes on US turf, therefore, it should be up to the Canadian legal system to prosecute him.

I am furious to learn that the US government has such control over Canadians. What purpose does our system hold if it allow our citizens to be sent elsewhere for prosecution? what rights do we as Canadians get to keep? How can the US control so many countries through bullying and manipulation?

I hope this matter will be settled in a way that will allow me to continue to feel pride in my country!

charlie wrote:

October 24, 2007 12:54 PM

thanks to cbc for this informative documentary film featured on the lens.

Allowing any other country to affect our political affairs is a failure of the representatives of the people to protect basic democratic rights. It is made quite clear by comments made in seattle by DEA representatives as to why mr. Emery was targeted. It was his efforts to promote and support a political agenda, the legalization of cannabis.polls show many canadians also support this position.

His rcmp assisted arrest by dea authorities is an intrusion into canadian political affairs not appreaciated by this voting canadian. the question of seed selling should be dealt with by canadian and canadian only authorities if need be , where the voting public can oversee and affect the outcome in the next election if unsatisfied. once mr emery is in usa hands, the canadian people have lost their ability to determine their own political destiny.

Mark Montagano wrote:

October 24, 2007 1:08 PM

I have not seen the film/documentary yet. I am however sickened!!!to read, that Marc Emery and his 2 friends are on the "most wanted" list of the DEA. For selling seeds! compared to the hard drugs of underworld & blackmarketeers, who ravage our people and communities world wide.

The point of selling/buyings seeds is finally a way to 'grow your own' pot and keep the hell away from the dangerous criminal element, the unknown poisons or additives from blackmarket vendors and not contribute to the this criminal blackmarket.

The arguements of marijuana being good or bad or gateways or better than booze, is so much about personal opinion, experience and choice; the freedom of choice. {As exercised & evidenced by US Presidents & leaders of the USA/Canada and others, world wide.}

I strongly believe that Marc Emery and his friends have been effective, giving voice and expression to this freedom of choice. The opponents (DEA and others) are terrified that this voice is getting through and challenges their viability and tired rhetoric. If they would focus their energies & resources into the much more dangerous drugs and those dealers, I would support those efforts.
The money wasted on policing, courts and jails, for POT alone, could go a long way to educating children & users on how to make better CHOICES for their health and well being.

Finally, this 'life threatening' attack on the 3 {of many }activists fighting for our Freedom of choice and creating the platforms of education and debate on the issues of prohibition and human rights.... Should be applauded in the same verve of other important Canadians, who too, have historically, stood up (at great personal Risk & suffering) for both, human and democratic rights of others.

OUR! Government! and all peoples should be standing up vehemently! against this obstruction and threatening reach, being imposed by this US agency and policy. Let us trust in our own policies and our own direction as Canadians, as we always have and I hope, always WILL.
The urgency of contacting OUR government bodies/decision makers, to end this fear and intrusion into the personal lives of the
3 BC activists (and all their families and friends) has never been more important.

Alison Myrden wrote:

October 24, 2007 1:50 PM

Congratulations Marc for standing up to the bully next door. As a medical patient and a cannabis activist in Canada I too, am considered a Terrorist in the U.S.

I can only hope and pray that the work we ALL do here in Canada along with the work Marc has done - is recognized around the World before it's too late.

We have all learned something from this Documentary - the BC3 should NOT be extradited - Marc hurt NO ONE - our sovereignty HAS been severely compromised - and that ultimately full and regulated legalization of cannabis and all drugs should be our Population's end position.

Sincerely,


Alison Myrden
Federal Medical Marijuana Exemptee in Canada
Speaker for LEAP
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
www.leap.cc

Amber Mapes wrote:

October 24, 2007 2:01 PM

I'm so glad to see that there isn't one anti-pot comment in this thread. You can all make a difference by writing a letter to the Justice Minister and expressing your views. Go to this website for more information: www.noextradition.net. Keep up the good fight!

Shawn wrote:

October 24, 2007 2:05 PM

Can it be viewed online? I missed it!

Patricia wrote:

October 24, 2007 2:20 PM

Sovereignty is the issue here...not Emery's seeds, he has been selling for years. As a 50 year old woman crippled by arthritis, who has tried all the legal alternatives for pain management..such as the drugs pulled off shelves for links with heart attacks. I can not believe we are still demonizing pot.

I never smoked pot as a teen nor was part of the drug culture. But I smoke it now, it is the only thing that allows me to be mobile and still be active. It is time for our Gov't to grow up and stop pandering to the US. This is all tied into the growing loss of out Canadian identity thru back door trade policies and blurring of sovereignty...Wake up CANADA.

It is our duty as loyal Canadians to make sure these people do not end up as pawns....whether you smoke pot or not...stand up and fight for this group of people.

Josh wrote:

October 24, 2007 4:41 PM

just like to thank CBC for airing this awesome documentary. I agree like many here, that the prohibition of not just cannabis but all drugs creates a problem. We have 3 possible ways to achieve the most ideal sense of control over state-altering substances, that is, we could 1 hand it over to private enterprises, 2 we could have it legalized and regulated and taxed by the government, or 3 keep it illegal creating margins of billions of dollars for organized crime to continue to profit from. And thats what we've done and thats what the conservatives want, they want to keep it illegal, all the while it is actually the worst of all 3 options.

Its not very comforting to know that the sovereignty of one's country is in the hands of someone who's willing to sell chunks of it away south of the border much like our water and oil resources currently.

Jean-Sebastien Fallu wrote:

October 24, 2007 5:56 PM

What a documentary!

Pathetic Drug War!

cathy Moss wrote:

October 24, 2007 6:19 PM

Hi I tuned into CBC yesterday and saw the documentary Prince of Pot. I think it's great that CBC aired it. It was really interesting and I have to say it changed my mind about a few things - mostly that the US is too involved with our policy making! Also, it was very entertaining. And although I live in the Lower Mainland, I had no idea this colorful egomaniac walked among us!

S. Bennett wrote:

October 24, 2007 6:33 PM

As soon as people hear about Marc's story they usually react the same way: How can they do that? He's Canadian, they can't take him away for selling seeds! (Can they?)

The American political motivation behind all this is very obvious in Karen Tandy's public statements, yet McKay flat out denies that it was political! I wonder why they don't go after other people selling millions of seeds in Canada, and abroad, right now. As the film says, because they are not politically active.

Federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson is known to be against cannabis and since he's Harper's man, I'm sure he'll ask 'How high?' when the Americans order him to jump.

If Nicholson allows this extradition, he will be loathed by any Canadian with the slightest concept of rights and sovereignty.

Thank you, CBC for airing this great film!

Amelia wrote:

October 24, 2007 6:40 PM

I find it very disheartening to see that the Canadian Government so easily succumbs to the demands of the USA. Marc's conviction has nothing to do with the seeds themselves, but is a power struggle with the states, and it is upsetting to see that as Canadians we are allowing our sovereignty to be compromised by threats from the USA. The statements are all hugely political. How dare we let the USA dictate how we run our country? Thank you CBC for showing this documentary, though it has made me queasy about the type of power we allow the states to have over us.

Robert Way wrote:

October 24, 2007 6:40 PM

The documentary was very well done! I am so upset with the way my country is pushing it's weight around.

I also loved the way you and Jodie act when you are together! It is truly Love! Please stay true and good luck with your future.

Evan wrote:

October 24, 2007 6:48 PM

it's so awesome to have people like Marc Emery to stand up and speak out on marijuana prohibition. It's very inspiring.

Matt Brodhead wrote:

October 24, 2007 6:52 PM

Every American/Canadian should watch this movie.

North wrote:

October 24, 2007 6:56 PM

I am female, 51. I have glaucoma, 7 degenerative discs, sciatica, dead stomach since 98, tendonitis, arthralgia, exposed nerve in elbow since 93. Docs gave me cocktails of 27 pills a day to take between 98-2002. I quit every drug in 2002--I was toxic from them. I am in pain 24/7.

The BC3--are human rights activist, fighting for the likes of me--we cannot allow the DEA from another country; to extradite them to the USA!! I don't understand at all, why the government wants me addicted to narcotics, when pot is a natural herb?

3 cheers for the BC3--Canadians MUST fight for them to keep their freedom; as they have fought for our civil rights!! Let us not fail them!!

Luke Connelly wrote:

October 24, 2007 7:01 PM

I really liked this video about Marc Emery Vs. The US. And I hope that he will stay in Canada. We need Marc to help fight for the legalization of marijuana. Even though there are other organizations that help with the legalization of marijuana, its Marc Emery who is best known for his efforts with the legalization of marijuana.

queenspade wrote:

October 24, 2007 7:15 PM

While I think the whole case is just digusting and embarassing to the USA I would encourage to accept the best deal possible to avoid becoming the Mandella-of-Pot and to remain the Prince-of-Pot!!!!! Good Luck BC3!!

Mark Lacaria wrote:

October 24, 2007 7:15 PM

Great documentary, Marc Emery is my hero!
Great job Nick! I want a DVD!

Jeremy wrote:

October 24, 2007 7:52 PM

The documentary was very well put together, and it raised a lot of interesting points. I think we as Canadians really do need to stand up for our sovereignty and send a clear message to the USA that their laws are not our laws. We should not be participating in their war on drugs. We should not, in fact, be participating in ANY war on drugs. The war on drugs is a complete fallacy, and a tremendous waste of resources that could be much better spent elsewhere.

If prohibition didn't work with alcohol in the 1930s, how the hell is it any different with Cannabis? The drugs are not the real problem, as the prohibition is what creates the black market for them in the first place.

Mr. Harper: I'm not interested in starting a US style drug war up here either, and I suspect that neither are most Canadians. You should check with us before you start bowing to US pressure. Remember who's working for who. I didn't vote for you, but you still work for me. Think before jerking your knees in such a manner. You should be ashamed.

Stop prohibition _NOW_. We need to spend this money elsewhere. Yes, the USA will be annoyed at first. They will get over it, and perhaps even come to their senses on this subject. I can only hope.

aaron wrote:

October 24, 2007 8:02 PM

Marc....im going to support you by telling everyone about this documentary! P.S My S.N on Youtube is Iloveallecchianime so I will be giving you some ideas on commercial pro-pot parodies mabey you can make and star in?

John Fowler wrote:

October 24, 2007 8:04 PM

Am I the only Canadian appalled as the pusillanimous behaviour of our politicians? The will of the people has not been accorded the proper respect it deserves . ALL the studies have consistently reached the same conclusion. Our own Senate 's recently completed is a masterpiece, yet has been ignored no less than the Shafer was by Nixon. The time has come to throw down the gauntlet, for all the millions of cannabis users in our home and native land to come out of the metephorical closet our forefather's repressive rascist laws created for us. The American fascist movement must be stopped at all costs.Let us elect politicians with courage, such as Larry Campbell, who alone had the strength of character to call the drug czar what he is, an idiot. Rise up and be counted. Your country needs you!

LibertysLegacy wrote:

October 24, 2007 8:05 PM

Outstanding journalism. Do not rollover from U.S. government pressure, it just encourages them.

Howard wrote:

October 24, 2007 8:38 PM

Just the hint that an extradition request from a foreign government has a political motivation should be enough to disqualify that request from consideration by the Canadian government.

In the Emery case there exists far more than a hint, there's a smoking gun: an official statement issued by DEA administrator Karen Tandy in which she crows that their prosecution of Emery will weaken the political movement to change cannabis laws in the United States.

This is proof that the U.S. Department of Justice was at least partially motivated to pursue Emery and his employees because they see them as a threat to the well-being of an American narcotics enforcement industry that thrives on prosecuting over 800,000 people a year for cannabis offenses, and which resists all political attempts to decriminalize and legalize cannabis.

The Canadian government should therefore reject the request to extradite Emery and company.

David Frank Gomes wrote:

October 24, 2007 9:08 PM

In morals what begins in fear usually ends in wickedness; in religion what begins in fear usually ends in fanaticism. Fear, either as a principle or a motive, is the beginning of all evil.

We don't need to fear Marc Emery or Pot. What we need to fear is the idea that the "WAR ON __________"(fill in the blank) can ever lead to a successful outcome.

This approach never has not worked in the past, nor is it working NOW. War always creates more War.

I suggest another approach. A healthy respect and appreciation of the power and responsibility of what drugs can and cannot do for us and an education system to help people make their own choices about what they choose to put inside their bodies.

History teaches that grave threats to liberty often come in times of urgency, when constitutional rights seem too extravagant to endure. I'm mad as hell to see the DEA have anything to do with Canadian Sovereignty. It's outrageous, and every Canadian should be writing to Stephen Harper to tell him that!

Lets build bridges, not cages.

Marc is a rebel, not a criminal. Frankly we could use a few more good people like him to keep democracy alive and well, and this is a much larger issue than whether you smoke a little weed or not.

Zachariah Langley wrote:

October 24, 2007 9:24 PM

In the end it all boils down to choice. You should have the right to choose.. to smoke or not to smoke, reguardless of country. The US pushing it's laws up North further shows the bully scenerio when it come to our "actual" freedoms, and the freedoms they say we can have.

Thank you CBC, and most importantly thank you Marc Emery for taking a stand. If only there were a million like you just a strong. We'll keep fighting the good fight with our fists raised high until the day this insanity ends.

jared swift wrote:

October 24, 2007 9:45 PM

wonderful documentary, very informative and I want to give my support to the B.C. 3.

Dave Mollloy wrote:

October 24, 2007 10:37 PM

I am now 50, well almost 51, and believe me, there was a time when Canadians could be proud of our National Police. But this thing where the RC's and Canadian police in general shop for jurisdictions that are perceived to have more favourable 'punishments' has got to stop.

Most people I spoke with, first mentioned how they were thrown by the RC in Reds singing the American Anthem. -When Marc walks down the street he is accompanied by many followers, but not many are prepared to stand behind him when right-wing- punishment is dished out.

I hope Canadians will save Marc from falling on the very sword we've asked him to carry into this war on cannabis! On Canadian, actually!

Kyle Postlewait wrote:

October 24, 2007 11:35 PM

It's so sad to see the blatant political drive behind this whole ordeal =[ I sincerely hope that is enough to convince the Canadian government that handing over Mr. Emery would be a grave mistake. Living in Seattle, most of the people I am in contact with agree we feel more like unwanted foreigners in our own country than dutiful citizens. I don't know anyone in my part of nation that would condone such a brutal sentencing for something most of us don't even believe should be a crime =[ best of luck to the team at Pot-TV! We're not all evil in America! they just don't listen. Perhaps if we had proper news coverage like in Canada!

Herb wrote:

October 24, 2007 11:46 PM

Thank you CBC. The documentary was well done!

I think it was a good mix of Marc's personal and political life. Hopefully, many "average Canadians" will watch the show. The documentary clearly points out that Marc was targetted because he is an activist.

Marc is, also, correct. It's time to legalize and regulate marijuana. Prohibition has already caused enough harm.

Christopher Monty wrote:

October 24, 2007 11:52 PM

The Prince of pot is such an incredible story. Perfectly captured an amazing history. Incredible tale. This movie is good on multiple levels and makes me want to do something immediately. It invokes action, urgency, and compassion.

-Christopher from the USA
Godbless
www.FreeAlltheSlaves.com

Mike C wrote:

October 24, 2007 11:55 PM

Wow. This makes me so angry. The DEA, the whole world is watching and we are not happy. Ron Paul 2008! FREE THE BC 3!

FrankD wrote:

October 25, 2007 12:17 AM

Canadian sovereignty *is* at stake and will continue to slip away until the public stands up in opposition.

Google "Joint Police Operations Erode Border"
(Montreal Gazette - Aug. 21, 2005) to see how U.S. police forces have been working together.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has had offices in Ottawa and Vancouver since 2001. U.S. "law enforcement hubs" exist in Vancouver and Toronto, with another planned for Montreal. The total number of U.S. agents in Canada remains classified.

Speak out Canada! If we let our sovereignty slip away we will NEVER get it back.

-FrankD

P.S. - Visit www.CannabisFacts.ca for more information on cannabis.

Thomas Scotland wrote:

October 25, 2007 12:23 AM

I really enjoyed it. Its a real eye opener, and inspired me to write an article for a local media outlet of mine. I'll be posting it in the forums on www.cannabisculture.com once its up.

Justin wrote:

October 25, 2007 1:12 AM

Herb increase knowledge and expands wisdom. Emery is one of our many defenders for what is right!

excellent documentary!

Kris Kross wrote:

October 25, 2007 1:30 AM

Loved the movie..It is obvious that the DEA has based their case on political motives. The American judicial system will hopefully find marc innocent and set a new precident when it comes to extroditing people. The Canadian attourny general and others within the system should be ashamed of themselves for selling him out.
If he does get extrodited,I can assure you more people will be waiting to take his place and they will have to come arrest us all eventually.

Jim Wheaton wrote:

October 25, 2007 1:42 AM

Good documentary. I can't believe that cannabis isn't legal yet. It just seems so obvious what to do.

Hope Marc doesn't end up in prison, but I think it's inevitable.

Marijuana Man wrote:

October 25, 2007 2:24 AM

As an American taxpayer, I am SO PISSED OFF that our taxes are being wasted on criminalizing somebody who obviously is not a threat to the general public. By definition, the DEA is a terrorist organization, they use fear and intimidation to get what they want.

What makes me even more mad about the whole situation, is that so many naive people here in the states actually believe the garbage the DEA spews, so there is little chance for salvation for Marc in our politicized justice system. The only hope rests with the Canadian people to stand up and JUST SAY NO TO DEA!!

BenJammin wrote:

October 25, 2007 2:47 AM

Marc Emery is a modern day hero. He has fought for the cause for so long and not EVER given up. I respect and admire him for this. I have epilepsy, and use marijuana illegally in Georgia, USA to treat my chronic illness. If I lived in another state, like California it would be easier to obtain because it would be legal under STATE law, but the DEA or the FBI could still come and arrest you because it is still illegal under FEDERAL law - even if you have AIDS or CANCER - THIS IS WHAT MARC IS FIGHTING FOR - THE RIGHT FOR EVERYONE TO BE ABLE TO USE THIS PLANT.

bee wrote:

October 25, 2007 5:21 AM

I believe that what is happening with Marc Emery is wrong. It is a waste of resources, infringement on personal freedom and goes against basic common sense. Studies show that prohibition laws are more harmful than helpful. Canada needs to be able to stand separate from the U.S. and this would be an excellent opportunity for us to do so.

Covey wrote:

October 25, 2007 7:35 AM

What can we do, how do we fight this atrocity. How do we open the eyes of people to see what is going on right before our own eyes. Where will it stop, when the DEA can enter OUR COUNTRY and arrest only politically motivated people who are fighting for a change. We are naive if we think this will be the end because if they have their way this will be Pandoras box on Canada. We all might as well start calling ourselves Americans, Phtah!!

BugZap98 wrote:

October 25, 2007 7:58 AM

I'm ashamed of my country for all of this.
I'm sorry Mark for all the people that are in charge here.
They all should be fired and tried in court as war criminals.

Andrew M wrote:

October 25, 2007 11:23 AM

There is so much at stake here I think most people have a hard time grasping the severity of the issues. I honestly believe Marc is doing right by every person who looks for personal freedom to be part of their lives.

If we look at the focal point of this situation what we see here is a man who, against his own fears, sought to challenge a broken system of misinformation and punishment. (And do all this without violence or harm to any person.)

I smoke cannabis and I have for a long time and it simply has never had any of the ill effects that I was told it would have on me nor have I ever seen (or heard through a related first or second hand account) any negative affects that would lead me to conclude that it should removed from private consumption.

Any articles I have read or studied that weren't part of an obvious campaign or agenda support that it has been demonized. Drawing my own conclusions from what I've learned of the history of prohibition (the very racist history) I am happy to say I support Marc Emery and Jody and their friends in their battle against American bully-ism.

It's very simple. People who smoke cannabis and harm no one should be left alone and not placed in a cage with real criminals. Of course they should certainly never be extradited to the United States to further aid the political strategies of the Drug Czars office. (and make no mistake the heart of this is political in nature.)

The American people have a real battle on their hands if they want to win back their freedoms. The only thing we can be certain of if we follow their example is that Canada and everything that makes her great will face the same troubles and will be in the same state of social and moral and financial ruin.

As I see it this is clearly a situation where Canada should stand on her own two feet and break off from the pack, and in particular the United States, in order to do whats best and needed for her people.

The end of prohibition and the legalization of Cannabis will not destroy us but it will make us envied and stronger.

Mike Baranik wrote:

October 25, 2007 11:28 AM

I missed the documentary , but it will be repeated this Sat Oct 27/2007 @ 11:00pm . The USA has no right coming into our country & extraditing Mr Emery . Unfortunately Harper & the rest of his henchmen are chomping at the bit to send him as part of the whole neo con movement.

Andrew M wrote:

October 25, 2007 11:32 AM

Marc Emery needs support now.

I have always believed that we Canadians were less prone to the mass cattle prodding that our neighbors down south have fallen for again and again. This is a situation that calls for us to not only come to his aid but to come to his aid before he becomes a martyr.

Should he be imprisoned Marc Emery would be a rallying cry for this movement but I know we're smart enough and strong enough to do the right thing without the need of a martyr.

We need someone up their in the spotlight but we don't need to hand him over to the Americans before we wake up and realize that one out of every four or five of us DOES NOT belong in a cage.

A non violent cultural movement like this is exactly what Canada needs to remind herself that we are not an American puppet state but a sovereign nation of people who will do what they know is in their best interests regardless of which way the wind is blowing the American flag.

Esteban wrote:

October 25, 2007 1:38 PM

Marc Emery is a hero! I am a tax paying American citizen. If you send him to jail I am going to jail with him! Why should you allow USA put him in a cage? He is not violent, we don't have room in our prisons for victims of the failed war on drugs.

We arrested almost 800,000 people for marijuana last year, that is an marijuana arrest every 38 seconds. That is similar to shooting ducks in a pond, but only easier! It is like shooting ducks in a kiddie pool! We have violent crime and sex crime rising, and we are releasing violent offenders for a second chance to make more room for the non-violent offenders, is it me or doesn't that seem backwards? Leave Marc Emery and the BC 3 alone!!!!!

chris pufnock wrote:

October 25, 2007 2:30 PM

I am a U.S. citizen, among many who think that the actions of my govt. are completly out of control. The DEA is very agressivly enforcing laws that were created as a result of false information and RACISM.

The word Marijuana itself is a word created by the U.S. govt. specifically to sound Mexican, in a very negative way. There is no scientific infromation supporting the fact that this is a harmful substance. Marijuana is still catagorized the same as Heroin, and cocaine. Prohibition is not a success!

The war on drugs makes no sense. We dont treat alcoholics this way. Sending drug addics to prison costs piles of money. Prisons are littered with drugs. The Billions of dollars that we waste on further worsening society, could do much more good being spent on rehab facilities.

The fact of the matter is, there are too many jobs being selfishly supported by such a corrupt and negative way. This system propigates and breeds more and more crime in a pertetual cycle that supports its self. People need to stop letting society convince us that we are criminals, or stupid.

Diana wrote:

October 25, 2007 4:24 PM

The Last thing our FED's need is more people to bully. You would think they had enough people to pick on right here in the US. I certainly hope Canada does not accept this type of action. If Canada allows this to happen, they will have many regrets on just how far the US will take advantage of this situation. Good Luck to the BC3! You certainly don't need to do time or die to be a Marter!
D

Rebecca wrote:

October 25, 2007 5:52 PM

Why do we have politicians that are so afraid of our southern neighbours. We need leaders like Mark Emery to stand up for our rights to spark up a joint. The science is clear as a blue sky, the substance is harmless, like coffee. Are Americans politician that stupid that they can't read the medical research done by their own American scientist? Marijuana helps those in medical need, wow what more can I say, Mark I know you reading this and your a heroe don't give up my friend we are standing behind you.

Tamara Cartwright wrote:

October 25, 2007 6:16 PM

I am a strong supporter of the BC 3.. to me as a Canadian I am disgusted that it has gone this far. I am so Happy that someone at CBC had the jam to have this done...and to TELL THE TRUTH.. These are real people, and Nick Wilson did a wonderful job with this. Our sovereignty is at stake.... really has nothing to do with wether you are a cannabis user or not..it has to do with your FREEDOM~
peace and ganja
Tamara

Connie Littlefield wrote:

October 25, 2007 8:14 PM

This isn't about weed; it's about sovereignty. Good job, Nick. Good on ya, CBC. Good luck, Marc. You'll need it.

John Elliott wrote:

October 25, 2007 8:31 PM

As long as we have the Conservative government in charge, nothing will change, but regress.

Sadly the Liberals have the right idea, but no spine whatsoever.

That leaves the Greens and the NDP (which are also anti-prohibition officially).

If enough awareness occurs to make this a political issue, maybe the Liberals will find their guts on this issue. But the message has to reach the politicians first.

Jef Tek wrote:

October 25, 2007 9:17 PM

Show me the bodies!
Thanks to CBC for broadcasting this poignant and timely documentary. Immense thanks to Nick Wilson for bringing his vision to life. Cannabis is medicine, plain and simple. This needs to be seen by everyone.
Peace,
Jef Tek

Matthew Spahic wrote:

October 25, 2007 9:22 PM

It's disheartening to think that even after a national broadcast, this isn't seen as a crisis. In fact it's a disappointment that no politicians or public figures have even addressed this issue yet, how easily do we forget Mahar Arar? And now another one of our own is being thrown to american watch dogs and we aren't even protesting.

How many times do the americans have to by-pass out laws and disprespect our sovereignty before they just absorb us as the 51st state?

Emery may have committed a crime but he is our citizen, it was comitted on our soil and they have no right to even ask for him. BC chose to give him a fine, that's all, if the DEA and America doesn't like the punishment then tough! it was never their choice to begin with.

America needs to learn that bullying will only get them so far and by pressuring us they are going to burn one of the few bridges they have left in the global community.

We forgot about syria and Arar, if Marc is extradited we'll forget about him over time too, and it will only happen again.

It's about bloody time we stand up for ourselves.

CBC thank you for showing the film, and I hope you continue coverage on this story, for all of our benefits.

Old Geezer wrote:

October 25, 2007 10:28 PM

Gr8 documentary. Thank you for it.

I thought the DEA had gone lightly on Marc.

I was shocked the DEA only counted one seed equal to one plant! One plant can produce hundreds of seeds and thereby hundreds of plants.

Maybe the math was too much for them.

Good luck Marc and all, I'd pray for you but apparently God is an honorary DEA informant.
(Bush told me that)

Jodie Emery wrote:

October 25, 2007 10:36 PM

Thank you to CBC, Real 2 Reel Productions, director Nick Wilson, and everyone involved in getting this made and put on TV! Soon it will be available on DVD, which we will heavily promote in our magazine Cannabis Culture and on Pot-TV. Hopefully it will also be shown at more film festivals, as the Vancouver International Film Festival generated a great response.

If you want to know more about Marc Emery's history and personal mission, as well as ways you can help try to prevent the extradition from happening, please visit www.NoExtradition.net -- it's full of information and even videos.

Thank You!

George wrote:

October 25, 2007 10:57 PM

Prince of Pot was a great documentary, and I applaud the CBC for airing it. I hope they rebroadcast it so that more Canadians can be made aware of the frightening sovereignty issues raised. It was truely sickening to watch foreign DEA agents bragging about having officies within our borders. It was a pathetic spectacle watching red-serge mounties singing a foreign national anthem.

I don't believe Harper and his crew have the guts to stand up to these foreign bullies and defend our citizens, and even more appallingly, I don't believe they are interested in defending our citizens. It is very saddening.

I don't believe there are very many heroes in our modern world, but with his willingness to take on the biggest bullies in the world, Marc Emery has surely become one of my personal heroes.

I urge my government to Free the B.C. 3.

Ian wrote:

October 26, 2007 12:00 AM

So, my question is..

When are we all rallying in protest on the hill?

Seriously, this topic needs some serious protest. It's time to be angry Canada.. We need change, and we need it now.

d4a2n0 wrote:

October 26, 2007 1:23 AM

very informative, to tell the truth i wish canada would step-up and legalize marijuana in hopes this will be a stepping stone to defeating the DEA - i am a us citizen fed up with the simple ignorance our government employs in its enforcement of drug laws - i personaly have a "strike" against myself for possesion of "parafanalia" and 3 strikes "you're out" aka life in prison (once again a blanket law laid out by ignorant government officials) . please continue to educate the people from "the other side of the fence". thank you imesnsly. we will never give up the fight - stay lighted and united brothers and sisters

Corolla Driver wrote:

October 26, 2007 1:30 AM

I am still protecting my identity in case the DEA is trying to figure out who I am. What I said in a previous comment was very unflattering to them and their president. They don't seem to be very intelligent though, so I am going to leave a little helpful hint. Yes, you guessed right DEA, I am a relative of Minnie Driver. You just have to figure out which one.

No seriously,another commenter asked what the little person can do to send a message to the States that their global bullying and meddling won't be tolerated. I know I said I would not vote for Harper again if he gives in to pressure from Bush and his henchmen. He should stand strong on all other important issues with the Yanks too, like our Arctic sovereignty . I feel so strongly about this ,that I am going to cancel my previously mentioned cross-border shopping trip. Also, I will change my holiday plans to go to Hawaii. Instead, I may go to Mexico. I hear the Mexicans appreciate Canadian business and are very warm and friendly.

Snack wrote:

October 26, 2007 8:04 AM

I think Marc is a hero. I'm currently in China, and tokers back in Canada and the US got it easy. Here we have 1950's reefer madness of turn in your parents and best friends for their good and the country. And they -do- it, its not talk. You mention the m-word here and they spook like a horse on fire. If Marc gets jailed it's another step closer to the Asian version of prohibition, and let me tell you, you don't want it. Down with fascism, trust me on that one.

Loretta Nall wrote:

October 26, 2007 10:13 AM

Love you Marc!

I have a long history with Marc Emery. He started me on the legalization/activism path back in 2002 and I brought it back to Alabama. What started out as letter writing to editors here in Bama about marijuana laws landed me in jail, got me a 5 year court case and spawned my 2006 run for Governor. While I did not win the election I did win my case. It was dismissed on 4/20 of this year in Tallapoosa County circuit court.

Without Marc I have doubts that I would ever have been able to persevere for those long years with the law breathing down my neck, threatening to take my children and totally disrupting my entire life. Whatever I needed, be it money, love or advice Marc has been there for me from day 1. I love him dearly and knowing how horriffic the American prison system is (I now work in prison and well as drug policy reform) I literally fear for his life if he is extradited. I hope that Canadians do wake up and stand up and that they do it NOW. Once the US Govt. has their claws in him and over the border y'all will never see him again. He is a national treasure and he deserves your support.

RAISE HELL!!

Loretta Nall
Alabama

Wendy goring wrote:

October 26, 2007 11:03 AM

The liberals were on the brink of legalizing cannabis for certain applications. Now the USA wants to throw a man in jail for "seeds". Who controls our government? It appears the USA does.

Nicky wrote:

October 26, 2007 11:03 AM

Cannabis should be legalized and regualted in canada, prohibiton of any kind simply does not work. Marcs case should be laughed out of court. To consider every seed as a plant is a completely ridiculous notion. We really need to protect our sovereignty in Canada so we can move forward with progressive laws without outside interference.

Andrew Johnson wrote:

October 26, 2007 11:11 AM

Thank you to everyone who has submitted comments about this film. They're much appreciated.

Please note - PRINCE OF POT will air again on THE LENS on CBC NEWSWORLD at the following times (** please adjust for other time zones **):

Fri. Oct. 26 at 4am Eastern (= 1am Pacific)

Sat. Oct. 27 at 11pm Eastern (= 8pmPT), 2am Eastern (= 11pmPT)

It will air again in the new year.

Andrew Johnson, Commissioning Editor, The Lens

Tom J wrote:

October 26, 2007 11:46 AM

I'm a British legalisation advocate who is deeply moved by Emery's plight. I'll be promoting this show to all the like-minded people I can find. It's not only an excellent story but very well produced and delivered. I can only hope that it got enough press with the Canadian people to inspire them into greater action. Even if some have no love for Emery or the cannabis legalisation fight, they must certainly care about their own nation's sovereignty.

M. Riggio wrote:

October 26, 2007 12:08 PM

For a nation based on 'judeo-christian' values (I'm "christian", even aside the 'leadership' hypocrisy and double-standards), the policy against hemp/cannabis is peculiar.

Pronounced as 'kaneh-bos' in Hebrew (or 'kaneh-bosm' for the female plant), it is a major ingredient in the 'Holy Oil' GOD instructed Moses to make for annointing (ie.'christening') the high priest or 'Messiah' (ie.Christ) with (Exodus 30:22). When did Genesis 1:29 become illegal?
Put aside the judeo-christian crap, how come we allow 'leadership' to toss off hemp as a dangerous substance when it's benefits far outweigh it's negatives? Especially when we are faced with growing potential for environmental disaster? Where is their high horse if we should suffer unprepared and refusing to exchange polluting technologies with cleaner and fortifying alternatives?

Why do we allow stupidity to reign over us?
Get the USA out of our country threatening our reason with their force.

Mahara Sinclaire wrote:

October 26, 2007 3:28 PM

Kudos to Nick Wilson for focusing main-stream media on Marc Emery and the plight of the BC3. Why were they not charged and arrested in Canada? Sovereignty indeed!

As a middle-aged, middle-class grand-mother who has never feared being arrested for her daily usage of cannabis (they don't arrest middle-aged middle-class white grandmothers for smoking a plant) i tip my hat to Mr. Emery for doing the hard work for all us cannabis users -- because 'they' could change their minds anytime and this grandma could still do time -- if Harper has his way. Shameful!

Repeal, Educate and Regulate ... keep it off the streets and out of the hands of criminals and tax the bejeezus out of it.

George Cowell wrote:

October 26, 2007 6:23 PM

It would be a shame that this politition /activist would be a so-called martyr in a lost so-called 'war'. The only reason the Nixon administration started this 'war', war to take the American eyes off a war in southeast asia. Failed policies then, failed policies now. As world citizens, it is a shame that countries yield to the U.S..

I am a person that needs medical use of the product. I do not need anyone's permission to say no to morphine and yes to pot in my baking. I cannot smoke it. Because of Mr. Emery and his Political Party, views, I feel confident that our country should remain unmolested by U.S. internal issues.

So, I ask you all, Where is our 'True patriot love'? and do we truely 'Stand on guard for thee'? In Ottawa, Mr. Emery is one insignificant head of a marginal Party. But to those of us, that he represents, he is a hero. He is already a Canadian flag waving person that has chosen to help those of us shut-ins that are ignored by main-stream Politicians. Mr. Emery has put alot more than his money where is mouth is.

We as Canadians should support him. Even if you do not support his cause...you should think about the implications of having the U.S. government having this free-reign in OUR Country.

It is time to say 'NO' to Mr. Bushes foriegn policy in OUR Country.

Maleika wrote:

October 26, 2007 11:13 PM

Thanks to CBC for broadcasting this film. I feel this will offer a way of clarification of what is really going on in Marc's case, and highlight the wider political issues. It shows what a tremendous political influence the US still presents in so many countries today. I found it very refreshing to see that most Canadian politicians/officials do not share opinions and values of their US counterparts.

I hope it will go some way to clearing the distortion of facts around the BC3's case, and indeed, the distortion of facts around Marijuana in general.

Go Canada!

cletus wrote:

October 27, 2007 1:07 AM

ok hears what i think of this siuation, i think no one's lookin at the real picture here. There is way far more drugs than just seeds going like crack cocaine herion and of course pecription drug not only them but meth, made in some ones back yard so go get them people, so go watch this movie and find out why your really watching it,cause the goverment does not have anything else better to do with every tax payers money beside messing with pot there more at stake here people our lives with the deadlier drugs are kids are doing.t hank you for your time.

Joe wrote:

October 27, 2007 5:21 AM

Free the BC3

Keep the US lies and threats out of our country

Andrew R wrote:

October 27, 2007 8:27 AM

where can I get a copy of this feature? I'd happily pay. Please advise.

hempire wrote:

October 27, 2007 10:17 AM

thank you for focusing on this important issue that effects the future of Canada. when will this end? stop the NAU!

Riley wrote:

October 27, 2007 3:36 PM

The Prince of Pot was great! I was so glad and suprised that the CBC actually aired something like it. I really hope that this Documentary can help people realize whats really going on out there

Free the BC3!

KEN MEZERECKY wrote:

October 27, 2007 4:20 PM

wow we let the DEA come in to our country and arrest people - no way - CANADA first

Paul wrote:

October 27, 2007 7:11 PM

Legalize Pot. And leave Marc Emery alone. Let him get high in peace.

josh wrote:

October 27, 2007 8:11 PM

i already commented earlier but i feel like sharing some more, the fact he sold seeds through the mail is quite clever. I think the DEA are using his as a scapegoat for misinformed stats ... i mean really, at the very heart of it a seed can turn out to be either a male or female, and in the cannabis consuming world there is no place for male plants... they pollenate the buds and then its not very good buds for smoking, so i'd cut that statistic down in half of what it was, however much pot Emery is being accounted for producing based on the number of seeds he sold, that is what they are basing this statistic off of ?

anyway we all know that marijuana doesn't lead one to take other drugs etc.. i mean the most an average user gets is a sore stomach from all the chips they ate after the joint, bong or whatever.. perhaps the DEA is truely looking out for the health of Americans if more than half the population was overweight it would be a bad idea to legalize a drug that stimulates the appetite that could lead to an even much bigger waistband measurement for the US average adult to further embarass the US internationally for their poor health care along with the other assorted problems that becomes of their country due to lack of good leaders.

Mike wrote:

October 27, 2007 11:43 PM

Great documentary! What can we do to help Marc's cause? We can't hand him over to the US DEA. Who is the judge in his case?

mark ironside wrote:

October 27, 2007 11:44 PM

the war on drugs/people is a powerful tool formed by a collective of weak, and fear-addled minds. May these archaic policies and those whom created them one day see a mirror and realize all these pots that they label black, are no different than the reflection of the kettle they'd see looking back at them.

George wrote:

October 28, 2007 12:21 AM

Excellent review of how our Federal Government is a branch office of the Americans. Marijuana is a medicine and is being used across this country by tens of thousands of people. I absolutely agree with former Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell, lets legalize marijuana and tax the hell out of it.

Logan wrote:

October 28, 2007 12:22 AM

This documentary was an absolute must see for anyone who believes in democracy and freedom of speech. Whether or not you smoke marijuana, the fact that a foreign government can try to bully their way into our own judiciary system is absolute nonsense.

To classify marijuana in the same categories as cocaine and heroin is a farse. Do they also wish to bring back the prohibition on alcohol? Look at the statistics on alcohol related deaths, along with deaths caused by cocaine and heroin overdose. The numbers are staggering. Now try to find numbers that would even remotely compare to that in the marijuana category. Not likely.

If our government is so easily swayed by the "bully" nature of the U.S government, perhaps they should pull up stakes and head on down south with the rest of the rednecks. We will glady put some real Canadians back in office.
Steven Harper, its time to pull the Bush poster off your bedroom wall and get back to doing business the Canadian way EH!!!! The dark ages need to stay exactly where they are, in the past. Praise Marc Emery!!! A real man standing up to the ignorance of U.S policy.

Jake wrote:

October 28, 2007 1:07 AM

What is "Steve" Harper smoking if he agrees with this infringement of of our sovereign rights?

Gabe Fink wrote:

October 28, 2007 1:49 AM

Ah, where to begin? Well first I gotta say great documentary. It was very well done and it shows just how far cannabis has come thanks to Mr.Emery.

However, its hard to swallow the fact that the murderous and completely unjust organization, with no compassion, the DEA, has places here in Canada. I mean having monsters like the RCMP wasn't enough? Further more the DEA's own Administrative Law Judge Francis Young has
declared that "marijuana in its natural form is far safer than many foods we commonly consume."

What made me laugh the most though was saying each seed equals one plant. Considering that environment effects the sex of the plant, along with the light spectrum, etc, how can one claim this? Oh I forgot we have a Prime Minister that likes to take advice while being influenced by the worst person of our time, Gegore W Bush. How could this be?

Hopefully all Canadians will take up an interest and see that cannabis is no longer a factor, now its a question about our sovereignty. Three of our fellow Canadians lives are at stake, this isn't something we should just take lightly.

Mary-jane Blunt wrote:

October 28, 2007 2:47 AM

We need to keep the influence of the American government at bay in Canada. This is OUR country and OUR values are a lot different than America. It's wrong to send someone to jail for so long for something that is not considered to be a crime by most Canadians. What is criminal is how the U.S. administration has led the world in the wrong direction the last few years.

Shaun wrote:

October 28, 2007 3:09 AM

The US has over-stepped its boudaries once again. Legalization of marijuana should be fought for and won by majority on Canadian soil without input from the DEA/US Government. Kudos to Marc for opening our eyes to the fact that sovereignty is, at its basics, non existent in Canada.

jocelyn blais wrote:

October 28, 2007 9:56 AM

WOWWW!!!
Nick Wilson realised a true MASTERPIECE on 4 subjects at a time;
1-Marc Emery
2-Marijuana
3-The hypocrisy behind the canadian government.
4-The incredible stupidity of some americans (the DEA's peoples are among the bests in that field...) who think that ALL THE EARTH MUST BE LIKE THEM!!!!
SHAME ON YOU!
Pot people are peace people and the truth will emerge within few years.
With the help of Marc Emery (and his friends)
and BARRY COOPER (in the US)with his 50|50 project, the liers and their BIG LIE will vanished.
After up to ONE TRILLION BUCKS in the HOLY DRUG WAR, I wish that some american citizens will said...: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
From the bottom of my hearth: Thank you Marc for this worthy cause and, thank you too Nick for having made a documentary that show Marc in all his splendor!,,,:THE GREATEST CANADIAN ALIVE!
Oh,,,By the way, Marc, if you read this message...I am the one (with my wife) who visited the DEA congress ammenity with you,Montreal...We appeared near you in the Montreal scenes...A great moment in our life.
THE TRUTH CAN BE MANIPULATE IN THE STATES...BUT NOT IN CANADA...THANKS TO MARC EMERY!!!

Jack wrote:

October 28, 2007 11:20 AM

Thumbs up for Emery.

When will we finally be able to smoke a joint on the street in Canada, without having to expose ourselves to so-called american ''justice''? We don't need republicans here.

Long life to Marc Emery and long life to marijuana, I say!

Kasmir wrote:

October 28, 2007 3:17 PM

Wonderfully witty documentary that tackles not only the issue of marijuana law but also the very sovereignty of our Canadian land. I am absolutely appalled that the DEA and the fascist Bush regime have extended their evil tendrils over the 49th parallel. Each and every day we are losing a little bit more of our freedoms and are more ever inching closer to becoming another part of the American Empire. Light my fire baby, overgrow the goverment!

Anonymous wrote:

October 28, 2007 5:44 PM

Excellent show CBC, well done on showing the salient problems with this issue, especially on the point of the obvious political motivations of the US, as people also sell seeds in the US.

I'd like to thank you also for exposing the 'denial machine', not discerning between hard and soft drugs (penal system is maxed, 1 trillion war on drugs, and how this is being mirrored in Canada.

This seems all to familiar, compare this to 2 other recent circumstances, as shown on the Fifth Estate show on the US denial of global warming, where the next day after the IPCC released the biggest ever collaborative group of agreed upon EVIDENCE, and the tactics here that mirror the fight against tobacco regulations.

This issue is about Sovereignty, whether you support marijuana or not, the US should not be able to extradite out of another country a citizen that is breaking US laws, when US citizens are doing the same.

Emery is a spearhead, laws are made for the people, people should be able to challenge them if they are not right!

corey wrote:

October 28, 2007 8:45 PM

what a great show. iv been aware of marc emery and his struggles to make this country a better place for a while. its completely stupid what the us and ppl like bush and walters are tryin to do. ther tried to have marc put away for life becuase hes sellin seeds even tho so many ppl even the police and government of canada knew hes been dopin that for like 10 years

I think that if they didnt agree with what he was sellin his shop wud have been closed a long time ago. so basically wot this is is the us tryin to put a message out to all us pot smokers if u want to support this illegal "drug" then well treat u just like marc emery.

Jaguar wrote:

October 28, 2007 10:42 PM

I am Ashamed at what my country is trying to do to these innocent people.....If ANYTHING we should be giving them an award for making an affordable, effective, NON addictive type of medicine readily available to the public. These are wonderful people and the IDIOTS supporting this action by the DEA should be put on trail themselves for tryning to ruin peoples lives

Buckpwnz wrote:

October 28, 2007 11:09 PM

I can't believe Canada may let this happen... and why is the DEA set up here? WTF? Harper has to go down this is just getting stupid.

ricky fusob wrote:

October 28, 2007 11:52 PM

I'm wondering about our PM's anti-crime bill and any possible ramifications for this case. I can't see Harper being supportive of Emery UNLESS there was a political reason for doing so; pretty derned sure he's never smoked more than salmon.

Justin wrote:

October 29, 2007 12:35 AM

Marc the Documentary was great, a real success if you ask me, a wonderful portrayal of a wonderful Canadian. As a Canadian raised in the US it really disheartens me to see one of my fellow countrymen being persecuted by the US government,things have really changed in the so called "Land of the Free" and if we as Canadians don't stand up for the sovereinty of our Country and Marc's Freedom I'm afraid our country as wonderful as she is will be heading in the same direction.

Keep up the good work and a Huge THANK YOU to Director Nick Wilson and producer Anne Pick, Real to Reel Productions and all those behind the scenes who made this wonderful film a reality.

Marc keep up the good fight and thank you for all you have done for the pot people!

Frank Firth wrote:

October 29, 2007 12:36 AM

I am insenced at the obvious infringment on our national soverinty. If the U.S. tried this crap in China it would be WWIII! Of that I have no doubt.

The plight of Marc Emery is just another example of the american administration dictating to others (particularly Canada) how they should live there lives ( And they wonder why they will never defeat the terrorists of the world. They make them!) The very idea that the DEA has offices in Canada, and activly persecutes Canadians for a "crime" they themselves endorse makes me sick! YANKEE GO HOME!!!!! LOL I wonder what kind of charges could be brought against an American in the U.S.A. by Canada oh ya NONE!

Perhaps we will be the next Iraq, I would not be surprised.

Brian wrote:

October 29, 2007 1:10 AM

Please Canada don't let my rogue government put Marc Emery in prison for selling something as natural as seeds. Especially when the sovereignty of your people is involved.This is a travesty of justice and it should not be tolerated.

Tim M. wrote:

October 29, 2007 3:35 AM

Although I didn't see this documentary, or at least all of it, I do know of the plight of Mr. Emery, and if he's extradited to the U.S. then I will have lost all hope for this country. It would be outrageous to hand him over to the americans for something as ridiculous as pot seeds. Only in the land of crazed right-wing christians wanting to turn the world back hundreds years with their ridiculous ballyhoo would they dream up something like this. We mustn't bend to the will of the united states. They're wrong and we must be rightious in our refusal to play ball. Keep US laws out of Canada. Legalize Marijuana. Because it's the right thing to do.

marc jordano wrote:

January 17, 2008 11:11 PM

George Bush is 100 times more criminal than Marc Emery could ever be, and has done more harm to humanity than Marc Emery ever could.

Barb wrote:

January 20, 2008 11:02 AM

As a proud Canadian, I am outraged that our Government would allow extradition of one of our own to the US for any reason. Marc Emery is a tax paying citizen who's beliefs are his only crime. The guy sells pot seeds - so what! He doesn't plant them, he doesn't care for them, he doesn't sell the matured plants, he doesn't make the people that buy his product use guns or weaponry.
The US DEA should clean up their own back yard and stay out of ours.
Leave the guy alone, his politics are his business, just like religion.
Don't allow the extradition!

Barb wrote:

January 20, 2008 1:42 PM

I hope Marc Emery stays in Canada. I believe pot should be legal. I work with people who smoke pot everyday and have for over 20 years. They lead normal lives and function just fine. The Canadian Government needs to make sure Marc stays in Canada.

will wrote:

January 20, 2008 10:43 PM

i personally feel that marijuana should be legalized and that Marc Emery should not be prosecuted. the US is over stepping their bounds on this and the canadian government should not extradite him...

Deanna wrote:

January 20, 2008 11:15 PM

Canada should not allow Marc Emery to be extradited to the USA, especially when our own government has tacitly allowed Emery to sell cannabis seeds for years. Our government should not allow the USA to govern us!

As Ian Mullgrew wrote (Mon. Jan.14/08 Vancouver Sun) "Emery challenged a law he disagrees with using exactly the non-violent, democratic processes we urge our children to embrace and of which we are so proud"

Why is marijuana considered to be worse than alcohol? Legalize marijuana and tax it. Didn't we almost do this in 1960's under Prime Minister Trudeau?

Mac wrote:

January 21, 2008 12:52 AM

We cannot as Canadians sit here and let Marc get sent to the US.

This isn't about the marijuana they don't even know how much actually came from his seeds. All they want is to quiet someone who has stood up and said "this isn't right and you know it."

People have to stop going to jail for living good charitable lives. Where does it end?

Michael Pearce wrote:

January 21, 2008 11:57 AM

The rebroadcast of the Lens (Tuesday January 22 at 10pm ET/PT on CBC Newsworld) is not to missed.

At the core of this issue is Canadian sovereignty ! The BC3 have committed no crime under Canadian law. If they have, they should be tried here, if found guilty to serve their sentence here, not in some US gulag. This is purely political , the Washington state DEA official, at the time of the bust stated for the record that the pursuit of Marc Emery is political. Based on that the Minster of Justice should quash this. Michelle Rainey and Greg Williams were taken in the bust as a dirty tactic. Free the BC3.

Please everybody do the following:

Contact the Canadian Justice Minister Constantly!

Canada's Justice Minister is currently Robert Nicholson of the Conservative Party. It is largely his decision whether Canada will extradite the BC3, and that decision could come in the next few months or years. No matter where you are in the world, please contact the Justice Minister every week - we definitely need consistent vocal and written support from Canadians, Americans and the international community. Weekly phone calls, faxes, and handwritten letters that are polite and concise are effective political pressure.

The goal is to keep the Justice Department aware of the BC3 and the opposition to the extradition. Always be very polite, and say it would "shock your conscience" for Canadians to be extradited to the United States, a country they never went to, especially when the alleged crimes would not receive a jail sentence in Canada - and, if they have broken the law in Canada, they should be tried in Canada. When sending a letter, ask for a response from the Justice Minister.

Phone: (613) 957-4222
Fax: (613) 990-7255

Mailing Address:
The Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
284 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K1A 0H8

Legalize,Regulate, Educate and Medicate

Charon wrote:

January 21, 2008 1:07 PM

Marc Emery should not be extradited to the U.S. When Bush declared war Mr. Chretian refused to send Canadian soldiers. He stood up for our country. Unfortunately we have Mr. Harper as a 'patsy' for a Prime Minister. He does not stand up to the U.S. and THEIR laws.

I'm Canadian and I don't appreciate the U.S. deciding what we should or shouldn't do. Stand up to the U.S. Government, Mr. Harper. I too am sick of our 'Nanny Police State' type of Government. Whatever happened to our freedom of choice. We're Canadians, we need to stand up and push for our rights. We don't need others telling us what to do for our own good.

Janet McGaghey wrote:

January 21, 2008 1:25 PM

I hope Mr. Marc Emery is taken by the USA and charged for the parasite that he is. He, and those who believe his words, are murdering our people by killing their minds. He feeds on, and perpetrates, weakness, insecurity and degradation. Smoking "pot" is not going to cure anything. It can only destroy and lead to more destruction.

Andrew Ellement wrote:

January 21, 2008 6:12 PM

My question is why hasn't the dea charged the canadian and british columbia government with conspericy or laundering money or proceeds of crime. There how corrupet this whole prohibition policy works. Achol,gambling and lotteries were prohibeted also?????????

gerald wrote:

January 21, 2008 7:00 PM

if our goverment sends marc to jail in the us, than we should have the right to put on trial all the gun shop owners, where all the firearms oringenated that have clamed canadian lives right across this country.

mary shepp wrote:

January 21, 2008 11:18 PM

Marc Emery has paid substantial income and business
taxes as a result of his thriving seed business which the tax department is quiet aware of and has been for years --- so what are we going to think of the present government when they look the other way while US enforcers come up here, grab him and throw him into a US jail?

The whole issue would evaporate if the plant was legalized, regulated and taxed and we all know it.

Peter King wrote:

January 22, 2008 10:51 AM

The U.S. dosn't have a right to come into our Country to impose there very outdated ridiculous laws that have hurt many families and people for much too long. 86000,000.00 hand guns in the U.S., the War, the Economy, you would think they had more important things to worry about then some guy selling seeds. Really think about this please. All you can do is to educate people on the truth about pot. Canada needs to take a stronger stand on what they really believe and stop acting like a scared State. When is this ridiculous waste of peoples lives and money going to stop? Enough is enough we all have so much more to worry about. To actually put someone in jail for this is so unthinkable. What is wrong with these people. What is wrong with us for allowing this?

Peter King

Pierre Quesnel wrote:

January 22, 2008 12:04 PM

Hemp is one of the most beneficial plant on Earth and its interdiction flows only from ignorance, racism and shameful financial motives from the US petro-chemical cartel.

Ecologically, hemp should be used for food, paper, textile, renewable fuel, insulation material and so on, almost ad infinitum.

But do not expect our puppet federal governement to do the right thing about it.

The only peaceful solution is to get rid of these buffons.
CBC has done a good job about it and should inform Canadians about the virtues of that plant.

Lewis Cudo wrote:

January 22, 2008 3:27 PM

I am sixty years old. I've seen the beginnings of the current popularity of marijuana back in 1968 or 1969. Today, almost 40 years later, things are actually worse than in 1968 or 1969. I can remember working in Syracuse, NY in the early seventies and seeing pot plants in windows on the SU campus as well as on balconies. Today, these people would be stormed by militanty type police.

There is no question that pot is relatively harmless. If weed killed one person a year, there'd be havoc, but it's OK for tobacco to kill 250,000 Americans a year. Alcohol; when you factor in all the lost work time due to alcoholism and the family viloence and the highway deaths as well as the toxcity of the alcohol itself, how can our government continually put small time users or anyone in jail for pot? There's no reasonable explanation, other than just political and it's just sad that this is still going on.

Next, we have the legidimate aspects of pot for medicine. The legidimacy of it's use as a medicine can't be denied. Several states have seen this and provided assistance to those in need, but Uncle Sam just comes in, disregards the intelligence of the top politicans of the state and rises havoc amongst it's citizens for this a herb that causes no problems.

No victim, no crime.

Thank god, people who see the reality of this are becoming creative in their approach to get this drug to a point where people are not made into criminals for it's use. Like the above "No victim, No crime" and political activities which are creative in their endeavors. I hope in my lifetime, that somehow we can get the government to truly be a government of the people and by the people, cause for the past forty some years, I haven't seen it.

Sheree M Krider wrote:

January 22, 2008 7:59 PM

The whole idea that the U.S.A. could extradite the BC3 for the given charges is absolutely sickening...JUST SAY NO!

Don't let the U.S. dictate to you...


JUST SAY NO!

Jim Sinclair wrote:

January 22, 2008 8:10 PM

Marc's extradition hearing has been postponed to February 6th...How convenient for Harper's government; this gives it time to have the USA removed from the (currently accurate) list of countries that torture.

If the extradition hearing had not been postponed, Canada would have been bound by policy not to extradite Marc to the US.

Quite obviously, Marc is being railroaded by a "Canadian" federal government that doesn't give a damn about Canadians, preferring to pander to (and model itself on) the USA and the undemocratic, neo-fascist regime it has become.

Anthony Ferns wrote:

January 22, 2008 11:09 PM

My thanks too to CBC, the directors, Marc and everyone else in the making of this great doc. Marc, you have tough choice to make and accepting a guilty plee in hopes to save two lives, is understandable and compassionate. No matter what the outcome is, i think we as a nation, must carry on and put the issue out there. And as much as I hate saying this, its time to make it mainstream. Provoke thought, protest, acceptance, creativity, and ultimately, knowledge. But as the doc pointed out, a year from now, will it still be on all our minds??
In happiness.

John wrote:

January 22, 2008 11:18 PM

Why do people think Marijuana is so harmless? I am quite familiar with weed. I quit after experiencing
Paranoia. I've since read Medical information
linking Cannabis to Psychological problems in particular .

Generally, Doctors don't like Marijuana, This is a powerful
Drug. Lots of societies don't like Cannabis.
Asian countries control it. You don't find
15 year old Japanese or Taiwanese or Koreans smoking this junk and getting "fried". Is it
"Fascist" not to want kids smoking "weed". Most Europeans don't use it. Swedes etc. It is illegal in France. It isn't even that popular in Holland.

paula collins wrote:

January 22, 2008 11:22 PM

We need to stand up and say something!!
Mark emery shouldn't have to stand trial in the US. I can't believe they are just handing him over to them. This is medicine for many,helping everything from arthritis to MS. For people with HIV.it is truely a gentle blessing. If you have ever seen the ravages of Hiv and the way a small joint can improve their daily suffering you would change your minds as well.Please call

paula collins wrote:

January 22, 2008 11:27 PM

Mark emery is a canadian visionary who shouldn't be sent to the US. This is wrong wrong wrong on so many levels!!!
I hope we can change these out dated laws.

Arnie wrote:

January 23, 2008 12:04 AM

The US has for years been spending massive amounts of money on their failed war on this relatively harmless substance not to mention the vast amounts spent on their other less than successful wars as well as well as who knows how many other little ventures around the world and has finally managed to over extend itself both physically and financially.

Now the US is in a recession. Does anyone think they might seriously consider the financial argument of legalizing and "taxing the hell out of it" as a way out of the current economic mess?

Jean wrote:

January 23, 2008 12:16 AM

I don't want to enter into the legalization vs. criminalisation debate in this comment. All I want to say is that the best part of the whole movie was when the Right Honorable Jean Chretien was announcing that his government would decriminalise marijuana - the audience applauded, and then he said, "okay now, don't start smoking now." Hillarious.

Carol Koellmel wrote:

January 23, 2008 1:42 AM

When the Cdn Govt accepted Marc's taxes and accepted his way of income, it automatically makes the Cdn Govt as guilty as Marc of selling seeds. Let Marc go unless you are up to charging the Cnd Govt along with Marc for aiding and abetting.

Dean Connerton wrote:

January 23, 2008 6:02 AM

i am glad. I managed to get in front of the TV to see " Prince of Pot " Excellent !

Donald Clark Charest wrote:

January 23, 2008 9:57 AM

It's almost been a century now and we still have silly laws managing our intake of a substance less destructive that Ethyl Alcohol.

Marc Emery isn't a tyrant. Marc has more initiative than any of us. He knows how unreasonable the laws are and will not step down because some stubborn idiots at the top of the ladder cannot comprehend scientific data.

Our government needs to smarten up.

cheryl k wrote:

January 23, 2008 10:29 AM

See what happens when you're honest, pay you're taxes and voice on opinion? You make the news, you provoke thought and discussion and you make enemies. Our neighbours south of the 49th should be looking in their own backyard and leave the BC3 alone - I'm sure the Georgia pot growers are feeling quiet snubbed about now and let's not forget all those entrepreneurs in their basement labs at home. If you can't bring yourself to smoke a joint, have a beer. There are more evil, pressing crimes to deal with. GO HOME YANKEE AND LEAVE OUR CITIZENS ALONE!

Jerry Bush wrote:

January 23, 2008 4:24 PM

It appears that Canada has finally become a full blown puppet state to the United State of America. Why do we even need a Canadian government? Puppet states require only a dictator to adequately function. Why have we as Canadian's allowed ourselves to stoop to this level of indignity? What is the DEA doing in Canada or is this really just another Columbia, Venezuela, Nicaragua or just another third world non-descript country??? Does the RCMP have offices in Washington DC or Seattle Washington? Are we allowed to enter into the USA and talk about gun control and demand they change their flawed laws? I think not. Why hasn't the US government arrested the drug lords in Afganistan?

Gabrielle wrote:

January 23, 2008 5:36 PM

As I understand it, from the Show this last Sunday's CBCs News; (Jan.20,08) - (Must have been an old news broadcast) - That all the yrs. Emery operated his 'Pot Shop' ; He's PAID TAXES Even And the Police never Once Raided it...
So, in my opinion, If Local Authorities Don't Really Care, because let's face it, "There Are Bigger Fish To Fry" than going after Marc Emery for selling seeds to the US. 'We', here in Canada have 'dealt' with him - in our own Legal system -Then That Should Be That. "Case Closed", as far as I'm concerned. They've wasting a lot of Time, Resourses & Money on this Piddly-Little Fish (Emery), When there are Nastier, Meaner & Real Heavy Duds Out There Selling Crystal-Meth, Crack-Cocaine, etc. Why doesn't the United States Concentrate Their Efforts on These "Real Criminals" instead of harassing a Tax-paying Canadian Citizen???
I say, the United States Shouldn't Be Allowed to Extradite Marc Emery, to the their country to face Life Imprisonment for Selling "SEEDS" over the internet. That's Ridiculous!!! (They Really Must Have Nothing Better To Do With Their Time & Resourses, than to Waste Their Tax-Payers $$$ in this fashion/ method!!!) -God! Think of All the Homeless People, or Food Banks they could have 'Stocked' with the -$$$ they just 'blew' with all this BS!
--If they're So Concerned about Products Being Shipped, Ordered Over the Internet, etc. Into Their Country; - Then, FREEZE 'ALL' Shipment ('Red Flag' Goods from these Known Sources) and Stop Them From Entering the US at the Border. Place a Ban on Any + All Products Coming from Emery's Store from Entering the US. Problem Solved. -Plus, Here's also another 'Job Description' for a few Unemployed people to do at the Border, too!
(It helps their economy all at the same time, as well.)

And that's My 5 cents worth on this topic/ issue.

Rohit Krishna wrote:

January 23, 2008 7:44 PM

The movie was really informative. Shows how Americans as usual love sticking their noses into every possible issue. Cannabis should be legalized, there is nothing wrong with it. So many countries in Europe have legalized it.

Marc Emery has done NOTHING wrong. HE should not be jailed and Canada should NOT give in to US authority.

Allan Wilson wrote:

January 23, 2008 8:31 PM

Congratulations on a very fine program ! The sovereignity issues, the legalistic twists and turns were fascinating, and I thought it was a very important program in terms of Canadian law enforcement, and the influence Americans want to hold over us... the DEA is a nation unto itself. Canada needs to assert its independence on so many fronts including this one. Emery, for all his faults, is truly a martyr to his cause.

Spencer Johnson wrote:

January 23, 2008 11:05 PM

The Canadian branch of the U.S government aka Ottawa has soldout another Canadian. It's too bad the government won't fight for Marc Emery like they did for Charles Ng. It makes me wonder where their priorities are.

Ben wrote:

January 24, 2008 6:08 PM

I believe that we should be able to put whatever we want to into our bodies, as long as we don't hurt anyone else. Of course it is a lot more complicated than that, however pot has been used for religious, medicial, and recreational uses for thousands of years. It is also less toxic than alcohol, and on one has ever died from a overdose in recorded history.

Mark Emery is just a spokesperson for millions of Canadains and people thoughout the world who use marijuana and are too scared to come out in fear of prosiucution. It seems the only people in this country who are against decriminalization are those in Ottawa. I am very disappointed with the current government for not defending their own citizens, and being a puppet of the States drug war. All the current pot laws are doing is labeling peaceful citizens as criminals and which is putting more money into organized crime.

That's my little rant I'll be glad to hear anyone who disagrees.

Neil Peters wrote:

January 25, 2008 9:14 AM

It will indeed shock my conscience if Canadians Marc Emery, Greg Williams and Michelle Rainey were extradited to the United States to face what surely amounts to a cruel and unusual punishment, especially when a monetary fine of $200 for selling seeds, not jail time, was determined to be adequate punishment by the BC Supreme Court (R. vs. Hunter, 2000). If Canadians have broken the law in Canada, they should be given justice in Canada -- and if they cannot be found guilty in Canada, they should not be extradited to any other country for those same charges.

I find it outrageous that our government may be bowing to the will of our American neighbors and their current twisted drug policy, which is clearly a direct result of big money and special-interests, and has virtually nothing to do with trying to protect its citizens or improve their lives.

The misguided and clearly unwinnable war on drugs continues to cause much more harm than good and needlessly wastes millions of dollars in taxpayer's money. Our country's current policy of turning peaceful and harmless marijuana users into criminals is a completely senseless practice that destroys lives and diverts resources from addressing much more serious issues.

Our government's current position on this important issue amounts to a betrayal of all Canadians, and sets a very dangerous precedent regarding Canada's sovereignty and Canadian's rights as citizens of a free nation.

We owe a big debt of gratitude to Marc Emery and other brave activists for sacrificing so much in attempting to raise awareness and to change our current backward and counter-productive policies on marijuana. We can only hope that this issue will serve as a catalyst for change, and that the publicity generated from this current injustice will spur people to action.

If enough Canadians took the time to voice their opinion on this important issue we could overturn this current travesty of justice. Please take time to write directly to The Honourable Robert Douglas Nicholson -- Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada (email webadmin@justice.gc.ca ) and be sure to ask for a response from the Justice Minister on this issue. You may also want to CC your mail to Stephen Harper at the prime minister's office (email pm@pm.gc.ca ).

Rick Patterson wrote:

January 25, 2008 10:51 AM

I can believe my government would do this.
You should see how they treat their own people. I love my country but fear my government.
I think they are smart enough to know that pot smokers tend to see what is real and true.This is why we are hunted down and captured and locked in cages.(Betta getcha mind right boy!)

Gary Murphy American, not the Facist like Federal malarky! wrote:

June 8, 2008 11:40 PM

I've been reading CC for years, and its style of righting and presentation of factual matters that show the shape of the future and the way it should be is RIGHT ON!
I've been an advocate, activist for decades,had friends and loved ones visciously raided, incarcerated and their lives, once so full of promise crapped on by egomaniacle, pud measuring
really old men, any semblance of compassion ripped from them because of a war, recession and their lives are so convuluted that if they voted
for what's right they'd have to admit the bought into a lie and supported prohibition.
May all cannabis users, nurturers be free.

Matt wrote:

June 10, 2008 3:50 AM

When the Americans send Bush up here to account for his crimes against humanity, we'll send the BC3 down.

We then deny sending the BC3 because it's against Canada's policy to extradite people to countries that torture.

unknowncanadian wrote:

June 10, 2008 2:11 PM

The Conservative Party and stevie harper are betraying all Canadians when they adopt failed U.S. drug laws and allow the D.E.A. to freely operate in Canada.

Dav wrote:

June 11, 2008 1:58 AM

CBC, thanks for showing some balls...again.

Donna Young wrote:

June 11, 2008 5:55 AM

God Save Our Children: Accountability to the present generation as to our ancestors of the 1960's:

Truth in Education of ingredients of pot, as to its being fat soluble and a dangerous drug, not really so innocent any more then legal substances we may choose to use for recreation to get stoned. We are all accountable to our choices.

I wonder if Mr. And Mrs. Emery and the other two co-defendants (Michelle Rainey and Greg Williams) have a personal family, children, or ever want a natural family? Would they be wanting their children to be high on pot, as other children are users, and at an early age?

Pot was stored on the grounds of schools, the some teachers were thinking there was some sort of privilege of what was stored in rented lockers on taxpayers property. This was in breach of trust to the real guardians of the child, parents, that their children were not put into a permissive environment, that would not be encouraged in their own home.

Would they love unconditionally a destroyed child, born with birth defects, smaller organs, and with learning and behavior problems, if pot, being fat soluble can alter genetic information and cause these birth defects?

Truth in Education:
What kind of education literature is packaged with Mr. Emery�s pot seeds, for the consumer of his product? Does he include the pot products that they are fat soluble, and may permanently alter the genetic codes of users? That pot may cause internal birth defects? Are experiments on mice that reproduce quickly, sufficient to test the pot product�s side effects, for human consumption?

What duty is to the consumer of this product that Mr. Emery carries liability insurance for pot�s safety and to what daily dosages is safe, for those who may want a healthy family someday, in the future?

Infertility problems of those wishing a natural family:
How many couples seek fertility drugs, as they can�t conceive, normally, a child? Is Mark Emery sending a spin-off business to fertility clinics? Should he be compensated if a particular family has a history of pot users, and today, the present generation can�t conceive a healthy child? What reliable studies have been done if pot may be associated to the low fertility problem?

Did they know, from truth in education on pot, that it�s the ingredients may be blocking normal conception? If this be true, then those wanting population control, will be giving out pot, free, to children, at an early age. Many think there are too many people dwelling on this earth that do not do much good as their breathing in air, so many doing nothing positive to make this world a better place to live.

Those users of pot, as well as other substances, that do conceive, do they have normal children, without internal problems of the blood, brain tumors, leukemia, or smaller or missing organs?
What research data is missing?

Choices of Substances we may use: Alcohol is water soluble and with moderate use, not abuse of it, it is out of the system within hours. Not so pot. Pot is in the fat cells, brain tissues, muscles, organs, for 30-days, per joint. Is there a build-up in the fat tissues? If so, how many years will it take for a person to be normal? Can smoke be removed from the lung cells, crating carbon harden cells?

Those hyper persons, use both legal cigarettes and pot, and often alcohol. Substance abuse is not just to one street use, legal substance abuse, is our freedom of choice too, how we spend our earnings, by legal or illegal means for profits.

The abusers seek and use whatever is the most convenient. Smokers are often drinkers, and use many forms to get high, or relax. What are we doing to our genetic codes, if we want, some day, a family? In the womb, the mother subjects the developing fetus to whatever she uses, or is exposed to, smoke, alcohol, street or legal drugs. What is the evidence this is not good for their offspring? There is an increase of birth defects. That is estimated to be 1 in 16 births, from subtle to serious defects. Is this a problem more true to smokers, pot or legal cigarettes, or due to scanning of embryos and the fetus.

What is the cause of minor to serious birth defects, and the learning problematic children today, has increased to 1 in 150 children, as to autism? Prior to the 1960's, true autism was 1 in 30,000. Teenagers today, are problematic to 1 in 10.

Do we want to research the truth by questionnaires of lifestyles and choices, since the 1960's, to the present increase of sick children, and those who may look normal but have learning and behavior problems? The problems are given a bandage, narcotics, pot, as a medicinal aid. But the health problems are not cured. Pot has never been known to cure a health problem.

What will the pot smoking generation future children be like? Will the smokers since the 1960's, boldly state they were substance abusers, in their family history book or Bible? This for the purpose of the 7th generation, of the history of pot users, if their future offspring have the problems in health. What do we attribute to youth�s increase of brain tumors, and a variety of blood disorders? Are the grandfathers and grandmothers who were substance abusers in the 1960's, with their own children carrying on their habits, take full responsibility of their freedom of choice? Should a substance abuser be cut off the public health medical plans? Abusers pay, or go without medical aid, that is not paid out of their own pocket books. Do they have to steal to have a supply of their substance? Would they fair better on homegrown healthy food, growing good food, and not pot?

Was their choice harmful to their own seed, a good seed, that the Creator did not cause a birth defect, that may affect up to the 7th generation of the sins of the ancestors? Will their future grandchildren be born with smaller organs, or missing organs, and struggle to live? And this will be to the ignorance as to what their ancestors choose to use as to what they called a soft drug, a figment of their imagination, along with their denial that pot is not an innocuous drug.

There are no soft drugs, if we truly study the ingredients of either legal or street drugs. As to traffic accidents, I have known that the violator was on more than one substance that they were abusing. Urine and blood tests should be mandatory for substance abuse and getting behind the wheel.

From the 1960's, to the present time, what did the grandmothers or grandfathers do? How many of those 1960's ancestors will be burned in effigy for the internal problems caused to their grandchildren, and great grandchildren? God save our children because mankind�s laws of accountability and responsibility can�t, or so it seems.

Graham wrote:

June 11, 2008 8:58 AM

Excellent doc!

I'll be writing to the justice minister to support Marc, his cause, and our rights.

Marc I sincerely wish you all the best and want to remind you the support of many many Canadians is behind you.

R. Mackenzie wrote:

June 11, 2008 12:54 PM

Our government are way out of line on this matter. Emery is a Canadian ICON and soon to be martyr if the the DEA has it's way. They have to have a cause to justify their own means. If they didn't go after the pot trade, how many jobs would be lost. I dare anyone out there to name one incident where a person has died as the result of smoking pot. Booze, cigarettes & prescription drugs are the real killers. Why aren't people who push this prosecuted? In my own case the first drug I ever tried with wicked side effects was ALCOHOL. Wake up people! Are you all blind out there?

Braden wrote:

June 11, 2008 4:41 PM

I am 100% behind Marc. by the way, does anyone know where i can watch this whole documentary again?

Peter Kelly wrote:

August 10, 2008 9:08 PM

I'm glad I finally got to see this, I missed the original broadcast...but heard from friends how good it was.

Great stuff... I would love to see a follow up in a couple of years (after the hearing/appeals)


I would also recomment the doc "grass" to anyone wanting to know more of the history behind why the US targets pot so much.

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