B.C. judge OKs bail for pot activist

VANCOUVER, B.C. — A judge rejected a U.S. request that a Canadian marijuana activist be held without bail yesterday in a case that is likely to ignite debate over the countries' diverging drug policies.

U.S. officials say Marc Emery illegally sold millions of dollars' worth of marijuana seeds, but Emery's supporters say his business activities were well-known for years and tolerated by groups that included Canada's federal health ministry.

Emery is a founder of the pro-legalization B.C. Marijuana Party and his arrest comes as the Canadian government is pushing a measure to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, drawing the ire of the U.S. government. Vancouver has a few cafes where marijuana is smoked openly, including one near Emery's downtown business.

Associate Chief Justice Patrick Dohm ordered Emery, 47, freed on $41,000 bond to await hearings on a U.S. extradition request — a process that could take years to complete. Two others arrested with Emery also received bail.

Emery was arrested Friday, the same day that Vancouver police, acting on a warrant requested by the United States, raided his seed business and bookstore.

The location also serves as the political party's headquarters.

A U.S. grand jury in Seattle has indicted Emery on conspiracy to distribute marijuana seeds and marijuana as well as for money laundering. He would face up to life in prison if convicted in the United States.

U.S. undercover agents bought seeds from Emery in Vancouver and asked how to smuggle them into the United States. Seeds sold over the Internet also were used by illegal marijuana growers in several states, according to U.S. prosecutors.