POT ACTIVIST MAY SPEAK AT WEED PROTEST IN HALIFAX

Pot activist Marc Emery may soon be back in Nova Scotia, where he was
arrested a month ago at the request of U.S. authorities for allegedly
running a marijuana-seed delivery empire.

Canada's Prince of Pot, now free on bail, is an unconfirmed guest speaker at
a "massive" protest planned for high noon Sept. 10 at Halifax's Grand
Parade.

It's one of a number of similar events planned in nearly 100 cities
worldwide.

Protesters will call on Canada to block extradition of Mr. Emery and his two
associates, Greg Williams and Michelle Rainey-Fenkarek, to the U.S.

Mr. Emery faces charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and marijuana
seeds and conspiracy to engage in money laundering.

A conviction south of the border could mean life in prison. Supporters say
the trio have always operated the seed business openly in British Columbia
and should be charged in Canada, if anywhere.

The protests are "mostly about this sovereignty issue," organizer Mike
Patriquen said Wednesday.

"It's mind-boggling," said Mr. Patriquen, the former Nova Scotia Marijuana
Party leader.

U.S. drug enforcers are "permeating our country and directing our police
forces."

"We're pushing it all the way. We expect a massive turnout."

A Free Marc Emery protest was originally planned for Halifax because Mr.
Emery was arrested in this province but has since grown into a global
Cannabis Liberation Day, Mr. Patriquen said.

Protests will take place at U.S. consulates in most large Canadian cities
and at Canadian embassies in the U.S. and in countries as far away as
Russia, New Zealand, Jamaica and Poland.

The Halifax event will feature guest speakers such as Marijuana Party
founder Mark Boris St. Maurice, NORML USA director Allen St. Pierre, and Jim
and Lynn Wood, former owners of the Cannabis Cafe in Saint John, N.B.

An event sponsor has purchased a plane ticket for Mr. Emery, but it will be
up to a judge whether he can come, Mr. Patriquen said.

Mr. Emery's bail conditions forbid him from leaving British Columbia, but
his lawyer is working on getting the court's permission.

Among other music acts, Ontario reggae singer Rick Reimer will be performing
a new song chronicling his July arrest at Hempfest in the Annapolis Valley,
the same weekend Mr. Emery was locked up.

Mr. Reimer has filed a complaint with the RCMP, alleging a Bridgetown
officer arrested him illegally and assaulted him and his girlfriend.