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'Prince of Pot' Marc Emery poised for return to Canada

Transfer from U.S. prison rests on approval by Ottawa
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Jodie and Marc Emery pictured in 2010

B.C.'s Prince of Pot could be on the verge of an epic homecoming.

Marc Emery has been imprisoned in a U.S. jail since 2010 for selling marijuana seeds and recently applied to return to Canada to serve the rest of his five-year sentence.

His wife Jodie Emery broke the news on Twitter Wednesday that the U.S. government has now approved his transfer.

"Oh my god!!! Now Canada has to make a decision!!" she tweeted.

She urged Emery's supporters to write to the federal public safety minister to urge Ottawa to approve his transfer back to Canada.

It's not yet clear whether he would continue to serve time in jail here or if he could be released on conditions.

If Emery is freed it could have big implications for the budding marijuana legalization movement in B.C.

Sensible BC campaigners who aim to force a provincial referendum on pot reform are poised to launch a petition campaign this fall.

Elections BC has given the initiative the green light to begin registering canvassers next week.

Emery sold pot seeds by mail order from 1994 to 2005 in an effort to raise funds to end marijuana prohibition.

He was arrested in Canada by U.S. agents in 2005 and originally faced a 30-year sentence before a plea-bargain gave him a reduced five-year term.

Emery was extradited to the U.S. when the Canadian government refused to let him serve his time in this country.

His supporters have always considered him a political prisoner.

Much has changed while the leader of the B.C. Marijuana Party has been behind bars.

The biggest milestone was last November's vote in Washington State to legalize marijuana possession and set up a government system for sales.