Pot TV is a web-based video channel owned by Canadian cannabis activist Marc Emery. Gregory Williams is the manager of the station, who along with Marc Emery and Michelle Rainey was arrested in July 2005 by Canadian police at the request of the US government following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The three are currently facing extradition hearings to the US. Guests have included former Texas drug enforcement officer Barry Cooper.
The channel has been used as a forum for activism in the fight over the legalisation of marijuana by the renowned "Prince of Pot" Marc Emery and others. It has existed since the Spring of 1999, with broadcasts coming from Marc Emery's Sunshine Coast basement. Featured programs included:
The station was originally funded with revenues from Marc Emery's marijuana seed selling business. Following the arrest of Emery and the end of his seed sales in 2005 Pot.TV's budget was reduced dramatically, with staff and funding for new content cut. However, using user-generated content in conjunction with modern video tools like youtube and BitTorrent, the station has been able to reduce streaming costs and continue to provide access to new content.
Because both the owner and manager of the station are facing extradition to the United States (and Williams has recently applied for financial aid in the case, arguing he cannot afford legal representation) the station's future funding source is uncertain.