LAYTON 'PRINCE OF POT'

OTTAWA -- NDP Leader Jack Layton has been dubbed the "prince of pot" by
marijuana activists for his pro-grass stand. Layton pledged to fight for
legalizing dope in a recent interview with B.C-based Pot-TV, inviting
viewers to join his party because it favours a "legal environment" where
people can enjoy smoking weed at home or in cafes.

"We'd like to see it be the sort of legislation that essentially allows
people to smoke marijuana -- particularly that they might grow themselves,"
he said, adding that Canadians should be allowed to buy pot safely and be
assured of its quality.

Layton said yesterday the "prince of pot" title likely referred to him
taking a leadership role on the issue -- not to him being a regular consumer.

"I'm about as occasional as the definition of occasional would allow. Once
every few years would be my lifetime experience," he told Sun Media.

Marc Emery, the TV interviewer who is a former federal and provincial
candidate under the Marijuana Party banner, believes Layton's stand should
trigger electoral co-operation between the two parties. The Marijuana Party
should not challenge NDP candidates in at least some ridings across the
country, he said.