WOMEN VOTE FOR CANNABIS

THE middle-class Marlow National Women's Register has voted in favour of legalising cannabis.

The 20-strong women's debating group, which includes shop assistants, librarians, and an anaesthetist among its members, voted by a majority of one when they met at a member's home.

The vote was taken last month after members prepared notes from both sides of the argument.

Organiser Isobel Momber said: "We listened to the pros and cons and had a vote at the end of the evening."

She was not surprised by the result. She said: "I never thought Marlow was particularly reactionary. I think there is a broad spectrum.

"Most people have moved into the area at some stage and there are a lot of different opinions. The sort of women the National Register attracts you would expect would have come across cannabis some time in their lives." The register began life as the National Housewives' Register following a series of letters to the Guardian by bored young mothers.

The vote does not represent a policy on cannabis but it comes at a time when the question is being widely debated and the Government launches its new anti-drugs White Paper - Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain - which is staunchly anti-legalisation.

A spokesman for the Government Cabinet office said: "The Government's position has never been in question. The Misuse of Drugs acts are not up for discussion."

Dr Vasco Fernandes, a consultant at a drug and alcohol misuse service in Milton Keynes, said of cannabis: "There are harmful effects after prolonged heavy use. There needs to be an informed debate if one is talking about medically prescribing cannabis."

Do you believe cannabis should be legalised? Vote on our special hotline, or write to Midweek Letters, Midweek, Gomm Road, Bucks, HP13 7DW

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