POT PARTY LEADER DEFECTS TO GRITS

OTTAWA (CNS) -- Political defections to the Liberal party aren't unusual,
but the announcement today to confirm the issuance of Liberal membership
No. 766001 is bound to turn heads.

Marc-Boris St-Maurice, the founder and former leader of the Marijuana
party, is the latest convert and won't be satisfied to sit on the sidelines.

St-Maurice said Monday he wants to help the Liberals become the party that
completely legalizes marijuana and he believes there is already substantial
support for such legislation among party members.

"They may be silent supporters, but I know for a fact that it's very strong
support and I will try and -- without trying to make any puns - smoke them
out, identify them and work to try and come together and make (new
legislation) work."

St-Maurice, 36, has helped organize parties dedicated to reforming
marijuana laws. He's also been been arrested seven times for possessing
small amounts of marijuana.