Toronto mayor admits he has smoked a lot of pot

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford. Photo / AP

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford admitted Wednesday that he has smoked a lot of marijuana.

Taking questions from reporters after a campaign address Ford was asked if he had used pot.

"Oh yeah," he said chuckling. "I won't deny that. I smoked a lot of it."

Ford did not answer when asked how recently he had smoked it.

The Toronto mayor made world news earlier this year amid allegations that he was caught on video smoking crack cocaine. The video has not been released publicly and Ford has refused to leave office.

He has denied the allegations saying, "I do not use crack cocaine, nor am I an addict of crack cocaine."

Three years ago, Ford admitted he was charged with driving under the influence and marijuana possession in Florida in the 1990s. At first he denied these allegations, but later pleaded no-contest to the impaired driving charge and the drug charge was dropped.

Ford was pressed about his pot past Wednesday after Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau admitted that he puffed on a joint three years ago, while a member of Parliament. Trudeau has said pot should be regulated and legalized.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne also said Wednesday that she smoked a little pot about 35 years ago.

- AP