MARTIN MADE A HASH OF IT

OTTAWA -- The prime minister was never a pothead but he admits to nibbling
on a hash brownie or two in his youth. Paul Martin, in a year-end interview
with CTV, was asked whether he ever smoked marijuana.

"I never smoked anything," said the PM. But he did say his wife, Sheila,
once baked some tasty brownies.

"I will tell you that there was an earlier time many years ago when Sheila
made brownies and I must say they did have a strange taste."

TV Interviews

In several wide-ranging television interviews yesterday, Martin vowed to
reintroduce a Chretien government bill that would decriminalize possession
of small amounts of pot.

The issue has become an irritant in Canada-U.S. relations. Martin, however,
said Canada would make its own decision based on its own values.

Martin also waded into the issue of same-sex marriage, saying his support
is based on court rulings that are based on the Charter of Rights and
Freedoms. But he declared nothing would happen until all sides are heard.

"People are entitled to have a national debate," he said.