By Mercedes Fawns
He got up on to the stage under the dim lights at The Owl and began the tale of his latest sentence in prison. After four years of support from family, friends and followers, former leader of the BC Marijuana Party, Marc Emery came to Lethbridge last weekend to give thanks to members of the community for their contributions to his cause while in jail.
Known as the Prince of pot and the Duke of dabs, Emery has been heading the marijuana movement since the 1980’s. Now, after decades of activism, arrests and court appeals, Emery believes Canada might be on the fringe of legalization. He spoke about the upcoming federal election and the potential of the Liberals to legalize marijuana, as well the potential for Albertans to create an industry for the plant.
“Sixty-three per cent of Canadians support legalization,” he said as he explained that marijuana culture is no longer an element of radical politics, but becoming a norm within society. “Most of us can say we know at least one person who smokes pot. So even if you don’t use pot, you’re still affected by the law in some way.”
Emery plans to tour across Canada, not only to spread word about progress within the movement, but to encourage voters to support the Liberal Party in the upcoming federal election as well.
“The Liberals have promised they will legalize [marijuana] if they win the next election… I believe Justin Trudeau will be a great leader to this country. There’s no question he’ll follow through.” He noted that in his experience even members of other political parties want to see the drug legalized in order to focus on bigger problems.
“Even our enemies are coming over in large numbers,” said Emery, illustrating this with an anecdote about a judge who sentenced him to prison and then years later partnered with his wife Jodie to speak on behalf of the movement in parliament. “Every single major enemy I had… is now advocating for legalization.”
Emery believes it is in the forecast for Lethbridge to have a lounge and dispensary within the year. He expects positive changes to include a renewed respect for law enforcement who will then have more resources to tackle other larger scale problems within the community, as well as job creation through science and farming. “Lethbridge would gain a lot from cash crops like that,” said Emery. He also believes that money will be saved in court processes such as lab reports, court appeals, arrests and even lengthy prison sentences. “I think Alberta is on the cusp of some big changes made necessary by the oil economy.”
Emery went on to say that Lethbridge offered the most support during his time in jail through raising money and sending donations and letters.
“I think of myself as a spokesperson. I get my authority from the people of Lethbridge – that’s why I’m here.”
Emery’s goal is to gain feedback from supporters of his cause and gain favour for the Liberal Party of Canada.
Time tells many stories, and if Emery’s prophecies are accurate then Lethbridge could be looking at the opportunity to dip its toe into a new industry.