BAKER AVOIDS POT DEBATE

Justice Minister Michael Baker said it's not his job to weigh in on the idea
of legalizing pot.

"I frankly await to see what the federal government is going to do on the
subject," Mr. Baker said Thursday after cabinet.

On Wednesday, a Senate committee said smoking marijuana should be legal for
Canadians over age 16.

The senators suggested that a regulated selling system, such as the one used
for alcohol, should replace the current prohibition on marijuana use. They
also recommended improved access to medicinal marijuana.

As for how Nova Scotians feel about the idea, Mr. Baker said younger people
are probably more open to the notion of making marijuana legal. He wouldn't
reveal his personal feelings.

"No, it's not relevant," he said.

Premier John Hamm said he supports the use of marijuana for medical, not
recreational, use.

"Clearly put, any substance that can be used to reduce suffering is
something we have to look very carefully at."

Federal Justice Department spokesman Glenn Chamberlain declined to comment
on the Senate committee's recommendation except to say "it wouldn't be
appropriate for members of the department to talk about what is essentially
a political and public debate going on right now."

Pat Duncan, president of the Nova Scotia Criminal Lawyers' Association, said
having a debate on the issue is a positive thing, especially given the
substantial number of Canadians who have a criminal record from engaging in
the type of activity the committee is talking about legalizing.

"But without more detail (on the report), I'm not in a position to comment
further," he said.