POT DEBATE AT FULL BOIL IN HOUSE

Canada's new pot bill came under continued attack yesterday, with some
backbench Liberal MPs questioning their own government's priorities.

A handful of frustrated Liberals lashed out against the plan to
decriminalize small amounts of marijuana -- a move they say sends mixed
messages to youth and fails to address the dangers of drug-impaired drivers.

A fuming Scarborough Liberal MP Jim Karygiannis suggested the marijuana
bill is one more signal Prime Minister Jean Chretien should vacate his post
early -- and "the sooner the better."

"After 10 years of being in power, he's forgotten the dynamics of
democracy, the dynamics of listening to the caucus," he said.

OPPOSITION GRILLING

In the House of Commons, Justice Minister Martin Cauchon was grilled again.
His plan to decriminalize up to 15 grams of weed would result in fines of
$150 for adults and $100 for youth.

London MP Joe Fontana called drug-impaired driving a "serious concern" and
raised concerns the bill would encourage marijuana users to toke and drive.
Cauchon stressed that drug-impaired driving is already a serious criminal
offence, but admitted there is no valid test to measure impairment.

"Work in progress" tests are under way in British Columbia and will be
speeded up to result in amendments to the Criminal Code, he said. Tests on
blood and physical behaviour will help enforce the law, but Cauchon
couldn't say if they would be in place by the time legislation is passed.

In Athens meanwhile, Chretien said he has never inhaled. The revelation
came during a news conference following meetings with European Union leaders.

After Chretien shrugged off a question about whether he would allow a free
vote on the proposed legislation, Greek PM Costas Simitis, seated next to
Chretien, looked over and jokingly asked, "You don't smoke?" A stunned
Chretien replied, "I don't smoke, no."