'PRINCE OF POT' GETS BAIL

Activist, Co-Accused, Appear In Vancouver Court

Marc Emery, the B.C. Marijuana Party Leader wanted by the United States on
drug charges, was granted bail in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver yesterday.

But due to difficulties securing sureties, it was unclear just when the
47-year-old activist might be freed.

Emery was arrested in Halifax on Friday for allegedly selling marijuana
seeds for use in U.S. grow-ops. He also faces a charge of money laundering.

Dubbed the Prince of Pot by U.S. authorities, he was transferred to
Vancouver and appeared in court along with co-accused Gregory Keith Williams.

B.C. Supreme Court Associate Chief Justice Patrick Dohm ordered Emery
released on $10,000 in cash and four sureties of $10,000 -- at least three
of them from B.C. property owners.

Late yesterday, Kirk Tousaw, campaign manager for the party, said the judge
had approved one surety from a relative of Emery in Ontario but they were
having trouble finding three B.C. land-owners.

"It's not easy, especially when you've got the [U.S. Druge Enforcement
Agency] pulling the strings on the investigation. People tend to get a bit
nervous."

He said he expected Williams, 50, of North Vancouver, to be released on
five sureties worth $5,000 each.

Under the conditions of his release, Emery must cease operations of his
marijuana seed-selling business, which is partly operated through the
Internet. He will be allowed to attend premises on West Hastings Street
that include a bookstore, a magazine and the political party.

Outside court, Emery's lawyer, John Conroy, noted that Emery has been in
business for nine years and Canadian authorities had done nothing to stop him.

"Here we have a situation where they turn a blind eye locally and now they
turn around and assist the U.S."

He said Health Canada has been counselling people seeking marijuana for
medicinal purposes to check out the Internet, where Emery's website has
been offering the seeds for sale.

Conroy said while "a lot of money" moved through bank accounts controlled
by Emery, the funds didn't stay there and were not used to acquire assets
for his client.

"Mr. Emery does not have substantial assets."

Tousaw said the use of DEA agents on Canadian soil was a "political
persecution" rather than a valid criminal prosecution.

"Anybody that cares about the independence of Canada should be outraged by
this prosecution," he said outside court. "We should not become the tools
and puppets of the U.S. drug war."

Dozens of friends and supporters of Emery crowded inside the courtroom.

Health Canada could not be reached. The federal justice department, which
is handling the U.S. extradition request, could not be reached.

Emery faces up to 21 years in a U.S. jail if convicted. He and Williams are
to appear next in court Aug. 25 to fix a date for an extradition hearing.