JUSTICE MINISTER ADMITS HE SMOKED MARIJUANA

OTTAWA - Federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon admitted to reporters on
Tuesday that he smoked marijuana during his youth.

Cauchon was asked about using marijuana the day after he mused about
decriminalizing the drug.

"I'm 39 years old .. and, yes, of course I tried it before, I mean obviously."

Cauchon says that he no longer uses the drug.

The justice minister says he's waiting for the results of two parliamentary
committees before making a decision on decriminalization.

Prime Minister Jean Chretien says the debate has been going on for a long
time. He says it's up to Cauchon to make recommendations.

Chretien said he's never used marijuana and can't comment on its value.

On Monday Cauchon hinted he's considering decriminalizing marijuana.

Canadians caught with small amounts of marijuana usually face fines of
about $1,000, or six months in jail and a criminal record.

Cauchon wants to change that. "If you look at the system we have in place,
keeping it criminal is something that is not very efficient."

Cauchon and others say the courts and the police are spending too much time
and money on minor marijuana offences. In 2000, 30,000 Canadians were
accused of possessing marijuana.

Cauchon has promised to consult widely with Canadians on the issue. That
will include consultation with Canada's police forces - which appear to be
mostly against the idea.

Marijuana "is the first drug kids see in school, not only secondary school,
but elementary school, so there is a possibility for marijuana to be used
as a stepping stone for other harder drugs," said Mike Niebudek,
vice-president of the Canadian Police Association.

But a Senate committee recently reported it could find no strong evidence
that marijuana led to harder drugs. That committee and another from the
House of Commons are scheduled to deliver reports on the issue this fall.