MARTIN MULLS POT-LAW MESS

Hints Wife Made Hash-Laced Brownies

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."

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.

"I think it's important to make clear to the Americans that we are not
talking about legalization and that there are going to be heavy fines
(based on quantity) and we're going to go after the grow-ops. We're going
to go after those who distribute it."

The PM reiterated that he doesn't think somebody should have a criminal
record for possessing a tiny quantity of marijuana.

Martin also waded into the controversial 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 that all sides would be heard.

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

The PM said there would be a vote and MPs won't be bound by party discipline.

"It's certainly going to be a free vote. Absolutely."

Also yesterday, Martin said he doesn't believe Saddam Hussein should face
capital punishment and feels the deposed Iraqi dictator's trial should
include international involvement.

"I personally do not believe in the death penalty," Martin told CHUM
television.