NDP COULD PAY FOR POT

TORONTO -- An NDP pharmacare program could pay for prescribed pot, Jack
Layton suggested yesterday. The NDP leader said marijuana that's required
as medication to help people suffering from AIDS, cancer and other serious
illnesses might be eligible under his proposed national drug program.

"It might fit. That's going to have to be a decision made as we look at the
particular medications in consultation with the medical profession," he
said. "I've drawn a lot of inspiration from those who are tackling
catastrophic illnesses and who are seeking the support for medical use."

Layton's proposed pharmacare program would be phased in, initially helping
low-income families or those saddled with massive drug bills. His plan also
calls for cutting drug costs through a bulk-buying program.

"The whole approach has been to help people who are struggling with
illness, and the medicinal use (of marijuana) is something a lot of people
are supporting across the country," he said.

NDP MP Libby Davies said pot should be treated just like any other medicine
under the pharmacare plan.