PM DODGES DISCUSSION ON DECRIMINALIZED DOPE

'Not My Generation,' Says Chretien

OTTAWA -- Decriminalizing marijuana might be a "first step" in reforming
drug laws which seem out of date, Justice Minister Martin Cauchon said
yesterday.

The marijuana law needs to be changed, he said, and decriminalization --
which would let people possess and use small quantities of cannabis without
facing a criminal record -- is a logical option.

"It probably would be feasible as a first step," Cauchon said outside a
cabinet meeting.

"I feel that there is a strong support. I feel that the population is there.

"To keep it the way it is now doesn't make any sense to me in the year 2002
... The legislation in place is sort of disconnected with Canadian reality."

Prime Minister Jean Chretien, asked yesterday for his position, said he's
not getting into the marijuana debate because it's "not my generation." But
he added he won't try to snuff out talk about legalizing marijuana in the
wake of Wednesday's Senate recommendation.

Cauchon's musing didn't sit well with Canadian Alliance Leader Stephen
Harper, who told reporters he'd rather see his kids drinking booze than
smoking pot.

Harper, father of a three-year-old girl and five-year-old boy, said he
doesn't buy the argument that alcohol is more harmful than marijuana.

"As a parent, I would be more concerned about pot use than alcohol use by
my children, even in moderation," said Harper, an asthmatic who has never
smoked.

The Senate report was welcomed by marijuana activists, but condemned by the
Canadian Police Association, which said pot is a dangerous drug.