LAYTON ALL FOR LEGAL TOKING

Dubbed 'Prince of Pot'

OTTAWA -- NDP Leader Jack Layton has been dubbed the "Prince of Pot" by
marijuana activists for his pro-grass stand. The former Toronto city
councillor, in a recent interview with British Columbia-based Pot-TV,
promised to fight for legalizing dope and invited viewers to join his party
because it favours a "legal environment" in which people can enjoy smoking
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 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 -- not to him being a regular toker.

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

COOPERATION URGED

TV interviewer Marc Emery, a former federal and provincial candidate under
the Marijuana Party banner, believes Layton's stand should trigger electoral
co-operation between the two political parties.

The Marijuana Party should not challenge NDP candidates in at least some
ridings across the country, he said.

Boris St-Maurice, the Montreal-based Marijuana Party leader, did not rule
out a plan to resist fielding rival candidates, but insisted his party isn't
yet prepared to leave its fight for legalization in the hands of the NDP.