cannabisnews.com: B.C. Pot Activists Ecstatic About Report B.C. Pot Activists Ecstatic About Report Posted by CN Staff on September 04, 2002 at 20:34:18 PT By Greg Joyce Source: Canadian Press There was more than the usual buzz happening Wednesday at the downtown headquarters of the B.C. Marijuana Party as news circulated -- along with the pungent aroma of burning pot -- that a Senate committee had recommended legalization of marijuana use. Marc Emery, perhaps Canada's best-known pot activist, was busy bouncing among media interviews at the store, which is also home to the party's extensive bookstore of how-to pot pourri. Emery was visibly ecstatic, admittedly stunned at the way the stereotypical stodgy senators had suddenly become, well, dudes. "It's a beacon of light from the Senate," said Emery, president of the Marijuana party and a candidate for the autumn Vancouver mayoralty election under the Vancouver Marijuana party banner. "It's wonderful," he continued to bubble as a few nearby customers thumbed through books on cultivating pot. "I was stunned by the enlightenment in this report." He was even more delighted given the reaction he received at his appearance before the nine-member committee and especially Senator Colin Kenny, its deputy chairman. "Colin Kenny gave me such a grilling that I found very intimidating," said Emery, who also publishes Cannabis Culture magazine and whose Web site touts him as having for sale the largest collection of marijuana seeds in the world. He now believes that the committee was "obviously willing to push people's buttons to get the information they were seeking." "It's the most far-reaching document of any western country or any place in the world in regards to marijuana," said the leader of a party who ran candidates in every riding during the 2001 provincial election and received more than 53,000 votes. "It goes further than Switzerland, further than Holland and is certainly light years ahead of the United States." The report said the current system of prohibition simply doesn't work and should be replaced by a regulated system, perhaps like that used for alcohol, with cannabis available to anyone 16 or older. David Malmo-Levine, another longtime pot legalization activist, said he was "ecstatic." He is heading to the Supreme Court of Canada, along with two others, in a few months on a pot conviction. "I'm euphoric. I'm blown away." He will argue his own case before the nine justices, as he did before the B.C. Court of Appeal, but now bolstered now by the Senate committee's pot pronouncements. "The senators have gotten us all high out here on the West Coast," said Malmo-Levine. "I'm glad that age does not seem to remove common sense from your brain." Malmo-Levine was found guilty of possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. The B.C. Court of Appeal upheld the conviction, but a dissenting judge stated the risk must be significant if Parliament is to intervene criminally in people's lives. The judge wrote that simple possession does not meet that test. He will be joined by two other Canadians -- convicted pot smokers -- who will argue that federal marijuana laws are unconstitutional. Scott Hearty, who works at the Marijuana party bookstore, passed a joint around as he too wondered at the Senate's work. "I'm in awe," said Hearty. "They were supposed to consider decriminalization options and they said legalization." Still, Hearty is wary of the reaction in the elected House of Commons and by the United States. "There will be a lot of pressure on Ottawa from the U.S. government and it's hard to say how they'll react." But Emery said the Senate report might help the Commons. "The Supreme Court will be greatly emboldened and empowered by nine Senate members unanimously saying legalize marijuana," reasoned Emery. "A lot of us suspect that all along the House of Commons wants the Supreme Court to rule on this so they can go to the Americans and say, 'It's not our fault. It was that Liberal-minded court.'" In Fredericton, criminal lawyer Daniel Watters hailed the recommendations as something whose "time has come." "It's a thing that has to happen," said Watters, who has long called for drugs to be legalized in Canada. "It's one of the most innocuous flowering little buds known to humankind and it's been a friend of humans for 20,000 years," he said. "It's politicians of the ignorance of George Bush and the rest of that ilk that have stopped it all around the world."Source: Canadian PressAuthor: Greg JoycePublished: Wednesday, September 04, 2002Copyright: 2002 Canadian PressRelated Articles & Web Sites:B.C. Marijuana Party http://www.bcmarijuanaparty.ca/Pot-TV News - September 4, 2002http://www.pot-tv.net/ram/pottvshowse1500.ramCanadian Senate Urges Legalization of Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13991.shtmlLegalize Marijuana, Senate Committee Sayshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13989.shtmlThe Special Senate Committee on Illegal Drugs http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13987.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #25 posted by FoM on October 07, 2002 at 08:54:50 PT herbdoc215 I hope it works out for you. I have found in life not to put my faith in any person because as soon as I do they will seriously disappoint me. People are people and have many short comings. Hang in there and please don't get discouraged now. [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by herbdoc215 on October 07, 2002 at 08:38:15 PT This isn't fighting over seeds, he destroyed me! FoM, Many saw what happened and it wasn't over seeds it was pure greed and power. He is a worm and snake and destroyed me cause he could. I even believe he was one who sent the cops to raid my house as him and his was only one who knew where it was and I had set up many for them and NOT ONE has went down? hhhmmmm? This is not just about me but many other Americans have been sorely abuse here by so-called "Activist" who lie and rob for a living. It's all about sex and who can screw who and me and my wife were happily married and didn't want to play fuck games with these animals is part of problem and then lets talk about all the shit that's been stolen from me. I brought two of the biggest u-hauls full of shit up here last year and they got me down to a 5x5 storage now, AND the gov't pays for all my drugs so I didn't spend it on them. It's even worse then all this but I have aired enough dirty laundry for one day, I am just waiting to see what those I have helped say? I have given 50 times more seeds away in last year than Marc thought about doing though and I'm poor as shit so money is his give because it doesn't produce more it just grows string back to Marc. I guess that maybe I really have wasted my life on a pipedream? Peace, Steven Tuck [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by FoM on October 07, 2002 at 08:23:51 PT herbdoc215 Hi herbdoc215, It is good to see you. I don't undersand what you are talking about though. I have seen people fight over seeds from reading different boards but is that what has people upset? I've never understood people fighting about seeds. It goes over my head. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by herbdoc215 on October 07, 2002 at 08:15:29 PT idbsne1 is right as rain! I have tried so hard not to enter this foray because of the duality of situation but all he says is true and then some. This has gotten out of hand so bad that it's going to mess us all up if we are not careful. The depravity here is beyond beleif and it all comes down to complete hedonism in all it's glory. It's all about power and control, with money being prime mover here. The only reason I haven't said much is because Marc still manages to help some people and until I have the power to replace what he does I don't know how to do this without making it worse, BUT I am sick of watching Americans come here to live at their bidding and get raked over coals by Marc and Co.. Allot of folks saw what happened we'll see what they say. I am about fed up with this so-called movement if we always allow bad people to run show and abuse folks though because nothing is worth this kind of betrayal. Peace, Steven Tuck in exile [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by FoM on September 05, 2002 at 22:44:17 PT Richard As I said below I don't know Marc Emery but I've always admired what he is doing to further Cannabis Reform. Pot-TV shows me how serious he is. That must cost a lot of money. It amazes me when I've seen wars over seeds. It goes over the top of my head as to why it would happen at all. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by Richard Lake on September 05, 2002 at 22:37:19 PT: Marc Emery is a real good guy I can hardly believe the b.s. posted below. Tell me even one seed salesman besides Marc (and there are tons of them) who so willingly gives away all that he makes?The fact is that there would be no Constitutional Challenge cases at the Canadian Supreme Court this year if not for Marc's donations over the years.And he has done so much more good that it would take me hours to write about it all.Don't believe b.s. posted by the moles within our movement elsewhere.Sure, Marc can be blunt at times. He and I are in frequent contact, and we have got in pissing contests from time to time.I do know him personally, and respect all that he does, even if we do not always agree. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by FoM on September 05, 2002 at 18:00:01 PT freedom fighter I didn't know how to answer idbsne1 and I read your comment and I agree with what you said. That's the best I can do because I really don't pay attention in that area. I just keep my eyes on news. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by freedom fighter on September 05, 2002 at 17:44:12 PT idbsne1 I understand and know what you are talkin about..This is what I call Seed Breeder War because of this stupid "drug war". I would never order any seeds from anyone through the mail until the people stop makin war over seeds and money.ff [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by idbsne1 on September 05, 2002 at 14:25:42 PT I understand.... Again, he HAS given much money to the movement....but please read my post again. I think I explain what his money is used for. Steve Tuck and many others that have worked for him have been screwed and had their lives destroyed. Ask Steve... he is homeless, broke, without his wife and son, without his 2 dogs which were murdered by the Irish Rose Seeds owner (I mean taken to the pound the NEXT day and put to sleep) even when Steve gave him 13 P1's (parents for breeding), people still owe him money for his genetics, he cannot work legally, he has no means to leave the country, yet his case and Ken's case are being fasttracked so they will have to leave Canada soon. He is sick and dying, and he has thrown him to the wolves. Because Steve saw all the BS going on over there.Marc is a salesman/actor. He is good at hiding what he truly is. Many people do not know the truth. But it will be known. I know that the media and our movement can make him out to be a "prince", but he is a wolf in sheep's clothing. These are the BEST of people that are saying this... and they worked WITH him.If you need to know what kind of person he is... go to Overgrow and talk to the seed buyers who have heard him threaten to turn in customers addresses to the authorities. His arrogance was amazingly clear....Marc is a good guy, kinda like President Bush is a good guy... people would like to believe it more than accept the truth....idbsne1 [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by FoM on September 05, 2002 at 13:22:38 PT idbsne1 Thank you for the compliment and I'll keep trying. I wanted to ask you about Marc Emery. I have never heard anything bad about him except when people post things on different boards that I have seen over the years. I don't know Marc Emery. Never emailed or talked to him or anything. I know this much. He has put tons of money into helping people in trouble and I only can guess about the cost of maintaining Pot-TV. I would like to see one other activist that has given money like he has to help others. I don't think there is anyone. He had a dream and is accomplishing that dream from what I observe. Maybe I'm missing something. [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by idbsne1 on September 05, 2002 at 13:14:42 PT Thanks FoM!!!! No one on this site would disagree with me when I say that you provide the MOST important service to our information movement. This website is one of the few that speak the truth about cannabis, and you, FoM, are the one helping spread the truth. And with the internet, the truth WILL be known...slowly but surely. Thanks again FoM, and please know that any help you need is here. Always.On another note, I am disturbed by Marc Emery and his behavior. Many fine people that have worked for him have some really dark horror stories of this man. I am afraid for the movement if he continues on his mission. To me, he is as corrupt as any of the Bush clan....using his money and influence strategically to gain more money and inluence....for HIS agenda. Control of MJ in Canada... The breeders/brokers in BC behave like gangsters...using lies or violence to get their way. Lately, seeing all the good things going on in Canada, Marc's name is turning up everywhere...this scares me. Marc and some of his breeder cronies have their own "good 'ol boys" network over there and they use ANY means to keep it that way. There are a few CannabisNews friends that have been screwed by Marc. Horribly. Enough to make any of us come to tears.There is no doubt that Marc does some nice things, but in review of his actions I have seen the REAL reason he does these things... to gain favor.... nothing else, so he may sit at the Round Table of Cannabis Reformers, because usually the help is in the form of money, which is hard to come by. And he has it. And he uses it. In no different a manner than a corrupt, powerful self-interest group.I am just afraid that Marc will become moreso our "freedom fighter" in the eyes of the media, representing us symbolically while selling us out to get his power. I have been speaking to many people that know personally about his dirty deeds, and there are many of them. Sorry for the negativity, but I am angry for what he has done to good, sick people, while playing the savior.....idbsne1 [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by tlspn on September 05, 2002 at 08:02:08 PT: TJ quote Thomas Jefferson has said "Enlighten the people generally and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day."FoM, you are helping to enlighten the people with the truth about cannabis. Do not ever stop doing what you do so well!t [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by TroutMask on September 05, 2002 at 07:04:10 PT This is the key! "The Supreme Court will be greatly emboldened and empowered by nine Senate members unanimously saying legalize marijuana," reasoned Emery. "A lot of us suspect that all along the House of Commons wants the Supreme Court to rule on this so they can go to the Americans and say, 'It's not our fault. It was that Liberal-minded court.'" Exactly! This report will be the end of cannabis prohibition in Canada!Even IF (big if) the Canadian government decided to consider the report and "study" it to maybe eventually act on it, it would almost certainly be years down the road before something MIGHT happen. But this report is going to be huge ammo for the impending medical- and recreational-use cases coming before the Supreme Court this month (medical) and in the months ahead. At the very best, we could see cannabis prohibition struck down in it's entirety within the next few weeks. That could happen if the Supreme Court agrees that the Canadian government did not go far enough to provide medical access to the sick and dying.Lovin it!-TM [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by 2Spooky on September 05, 2002 at 06:13:14 PT This is a great site Obviously the only harm that can be done to stop this site is psychological warfare, so dont buy into any negative BS, FoM!I always start my newsday here, then go to MAP for a breif reveiw and Drudge report (great links even if slow newsday) [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by The GCW on September 05, 2002 at 05:19:50 PT FoM = the imparative, place. Cannabis, RE-legalization is a freight train, that can not be stopped.Cannabis news, is where We feed that momentum for many people.Cannabis news is proving to be a signifant part of Our efforts.While I have almost nothing for money, as an activist to Re-legalize cannabis, C-news helps Me acheive Our United goal.FoM, Your portal is helping making it happen. Those who are a bit put off... come back and head to Our Ultimate goal together. We are in the midst of making history, RE-legalizing a simple single plant. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by freedom fighter on September 05, 2002 at 00:09:53 PT I'll second that Richard! As for the antis who are readin this...Legalize is not a dirty word..ff [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by FoM on September 04, 2002 at 22:00:25 PT Richard That is so nice of you to say. I really appreciate it. You are a person I depend on to help me understand when I don't understand. We've had many good talks and I consider you a friend. You've taught me what I know. I've told you that and I'm mentioning it here because it's true. Thank You! [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by Richard Lake on September 04, 2002 at 21:47:58 PT: FoM, You Rock! Please don't let any comments that you are not doing CNEWS right bother you. We all know better.There are tools out on the web that fairly accurately measure things like unique visitors, site visits, and page views to come up with a ranking from one to millions of websites. A couple I use, which are very independent of eachother but tend to produce very similar and thus verifying results is the data at http://www.trafficranking.com/ and that produced by the popular Alexa toolbar from http://download.alexa.com/Both confirm that CNEWS is the top cannabis news exclusive clipping service as well as the most popular cannabis news discussion forum. Within that criteria nobody else is even close!It seems clear to me that several times more folks just surf on in here and read than post. And overall those who post are very thoughtful. One can easily judge the views of our community well right here.So please, my friend, don't let a thoughtless comment from one or two get you down.My own view is that when someone doesn't like the hard labor of love of the "management" they are always welcome to go try and do it better themselves.Richard [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by FoM on September 04, 2002 at 21:27:03 PT BGreen I can't keep things together when I'm tired like I am but it's a happy tired. One where I feel good about the news. When life gets hard and it has been recently good news really helps. My husband is feeling better but our truck broke again today. It seems to break a lot recently. It's a poor old girl. It's an 86 conventional and has millions of miles on it. I shouldn't complain because it's paid for so repairs are to be expected or huge truck payment and we've been there and done that and once was enough. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by BGreen on September 04, 2002 at 21:17:20 PT Just the story about Canada I never get the threads right. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by FoM on September 04, 2002 at 21:08:39 PT knox42897 What a day of news. I feel like it can't be true to have come this far and I'll wake up tomorrow and it will have been a dream. I know that's not so but it's a miracle in my book that this is happening. Just a miracle. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by knox42897 on September 04, 2002 at 20:58:35 PT: 920 time in canada The senators vote was 9 to 0. 920 time. Here in Nevada NCOPS original vote was 9 to 0, 920 friendly. Its funny its almost 920 time!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on September 04, 2002 at 20:50:36 PT BGreen The story with Marc Emery? I can't post CNN without snipping it. Bummer. Is that what you meant? Good day of good news! I love it! [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by BGreen on September 04, 2002 at 20:47:28 PT I've seen this story on CNN Headline News That's the only one so far, but I haven't seen that much news today. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on September 04, 2002 at 20:38:46 PT Pot - TV - Video Senate Committee On Illegal Drugs Video http://www.pot-tv.net/ram/pottvshowse1501.ram [ Post Comment ] Post Comment