(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Canada believe Marc Emery should not face trial in the United States, according to a poll by The Strategic Counsel released by CTV and the Globe and Mail. 58 per cent of respondents oppose the extradition of the Canadian citizen on drug charges.

On Jul. 29, Emery was arrested in Canada at the request of U.S. authorities on charges of conspiracy to manufacture marijuana and distribute marijuana seeds, and money laundering. Emory—who is currently free on bail—faces extradition to the U.S. If convicted, he could be sentenced to at least 10 years in jail.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) claims that Emory sold marijuana seeds over the Internet to American customers. The DEA also alleges that Emory's business is worth $2.5 million U.S. a year.

In November 2004, the Canadian federal government re-introduced a controversial bill that seeks "alternate penalty frameworks" for the possession of small amounts of marijuana. If the bill passes, any person caught with 15 grams of the drug or less would face fines instead of criminal charges.

In July 2002, Canada became the first nation in the world to regulate the consumption of cannabis for medical reasons. In the 2004 federal election, the Marijuana party—which seeks the outright legalization of the substance—received 0.3 per cent of the popular vote.

Polling Data

You may be aware that a Canadian was recently arrested in Canada at the request of U.S. police on the charge of illegally exporting marijuana seeds to the U.S. via the internet. While this is a crime in the U.S., Canadian police are not currently enforcing similar laws on marijuana. Do you strongly support, support, oppose or strongly oppose this Canadian to be extradited to the United States?

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