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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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MPs miss out on drugs generation Chris Weeks This Is Essex Tuesday 10 Oct 2000 South Essex MPs revealed how they had never been tempted to smoke cannabis. They spoke after seven members of William Hague's shadow cabinet admitted to using the drug when they were younger. Campaigners were left fuming after the revelations, just days after Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe called for a £100 fine for drug users. The row prompted Sir Teddy Taylor , MP for Rochford and Southend East, to call for their sacking earlier this week. Today he said: "I've never even been offered it, so the answer is that I haven't tried it. "However, I've seen plenty of people whose lives it has ruined." Billericay Tory MP Teresa Gorman said she had never tried cannabis but agreed everyone else seemed to be experimenting with it. She has long argued that decriminalisation of the drug should be considered perhaps even with the introduction of Amsterdam-style coffee houses. Mrs Gorman, 68, said: "It's a generation thing it missed me out completely. I don't smoke and I don't drink, apart from the odd glass of Champagne when it's offered." "I have never been tempted people already think I am on speed all the time." Angela Smith , Labour MP for Basildon and East Thurrock, said she had never smoked dope, but had been present when it was being passed around. She said: "It was during my college days which was quite a while ago." "However, I don't think it adds to any intelligent debate to have newspapers picking off every MP in the area and asking them this question. The debate should be far more serious." "I understand there are a number of trials under way at the moment to determine the medical benefits of cannabis, but that is an entirely different issue from the legalisation and decriminalisation debate." "I think the shadow Home Secretary's words were a play to the gallery. People have to be realistic. The real scourge is hard drugs." David Amess, MP for Southend West, and Dr Michael Clarke, MP for Rayleigh, were unavailable for comment but Castle Point MP Christine Butler said today she had never smoked cannabis and had never wanted to. She said: "I accept the current legislation on cannabis but perhaps there is a need for review if sections of the police are suggesting otherwise." "I think it would be important to look at what they are saying and to find out if there is really anything in it." She said: "I have always felt it should remain as a classified drug but I must admit I don't know enough about the subject to comment properly."
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