Julian Fantino, once a federal cabinet minister and four-time chief of police, has finally gone to pot.

Once a fierce anti-marijuana crusader who distributed leaflets saying "Justin Trudeau will make harmful drugs more accessible in Vaughan," prior to the 2015 election, it seems Fantino has mellowed.

The 75-year-old Vaughan resident, who represented the riding from 2010 until he was defeated in the 2015 election, is now a convert to medical marijuana and said he's seen its benefits "in terms of getting people off opiates," and with "dealing with veterans over the years (he was Minister of Veterans Affairs in the Harper government) and dealing with some of their issues."

Fantino is now executive chairman of Aleafia, a Concord-based company that among other things, is involved in the use of medicinal marijuana.

Asked if, over time, his attitudes toward cannibas have changed, Fantino doesn't deny it.

"That's a very fair statement. As time goes on things change... It's not an unusual circumstance that as you become more aware and experienced, you obviously develop different approaches to things," he said.

Asked if he could see himself investing in legalized pot when it becomes decriminalized on July, 1, 2018, Fantino didn't demur.

"Look, if the issue becomes one of legality, I don't see any impediment for me or any other law-abiding citizen to become involved in whatever area they choose. We'll have to wait and see how that unfolds. If it's legal, it's legal."