TRIED POT: JUSTICE MINISTER

OTTAWA -- Justice Minister Martin Cauchon says he's no pothead, even if he
enjoyed a toot in his youth.

Cauchon, who is considering decriminalizing the illegal drug, candidly
admitted yesterday to having previously smoked a joint.

"I'm 39 years old. I was elected first when I was 31 years old. Yes, of
course I tried it before, obviously."

Cauchon added he no longer smokes dope, but refused to say whether the drug
negatively effected him.

Prime Minister Jean Chretien sidestepped a direct question on whether he's
ever smoked pot.

"I don't know these things. I cannot comment on the value," Chretien said.