MARIJUANA 'WONDERFUL SUBSTANCE':LAYTON

NDP Leader Says Drug Should Be Legal

Marijuana is a "wonderful substance" that should be legalized, not
just decriminalized, says NDP leader Jack Layton.

Canadians must be able to freely purchase or grow their own pot, Mr.
Layton said in a recent interview with Pot TV, a Vancouver-based
Internet site.

He accused the Liberal government of "not going nearly far enough"
with its current plan to ensure simple possession doesn't result in a
criminal record.

In a videotaped segment on the site, Mr. Layton appeals directly to
marijuana smokers, encouraging them to join the NDP and help create "a
legal environment in which people can enjoy their marijuana in the
peace and quiet of their own home or in a cafe."

Justice Minister Martin Cauchon, the man steering the government's
legislation, told Global National it would be "irresponsible" to do as
Mr. Layton suggests and remove all penalties for marijuana.

"He should consult with Health Canada and he would understand cannabis
is a harmful product and people shouldn't be using cannabis."

"Maybe he's trying to take over the Marijuana Party," joked Canadian
Alliance MP John Reynolds, who also accused Mr. Layton of making
"irresponsible" comments.

"I think everyone knows Jack Layton well enough to know he often blows
smoke to make a point," said New Democrat MP Alexa McDonough, the
former party leader.

In Saskatoon yesterday for an NDP rally, Mr. Layton acknowledged that
his use of the word wonderful to describe marijuana was
"sensational."

But, he insisted his comments would not alienate the party's
grassroots.

"The current law being proposed is going to make it a criminal offence
to pass a joint from one person to another," he said, adding that
without providing for a legal supply of marijuana, the government
could actually be boosting organized crime.

"That's not decriminalization by anyone's definition."

Marc Emery, the marijuana advocate and seed salesman who runs Pot TV,
certainly seemed convinced, telling Mr. Layton, "We're looking for
someone -- I don't want to use the word "saviour" -- but we're looking
for someone like yourself."