PM HAS NO POT LUCK

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Jean Chretien launched a campaign yesterday to
allay U.S. fears about marijuana decriminalization, but he succeeded only
in provoking the wrath of opposition MPs who say he's letting the Bush
administration make his policy.

The New Democrats, Conservatives and Bloc Quebecois all cried foul when
they learned Justice Minister Martin Cauchon was headed for Washington to
brief U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft on the government's plans.

The problem, they said, was that the Americans were getting the inside
scoop before legislation reforming the pot law is tabled in Parliament.

"There goes Canadian sovereignty up in smoke," complained NDP Leader Jack
Layton. "Here's the American government advising on what Canadian policy
will be before the House of Commons even has a look at it."

Chretien was unmoved, saying, "if the Americans want to know more on the
subject of our bill, I have no objection to telling them something that
Parliament will ultimately decide on."

The Liberals are expected to bring in legislation by next week that would
make possession of 15 grams or less of pot a minor offence.