UNION'S ANTI-STRESS POLICY GOES TO POT

Cannabis is being promoted as a calorie-free alternative to a glass of
wine or a bar of chocolate by women in Britain's biggest trade union.

Female public service workers believe the weed offers a healthier and
less fattening way to chill out.

Unison's eastern region is presenting pot as as a "women's issue".
Calling for legalisation of cannabis, a joint motion to be debated at
the union's women's conference in Cardiff next month, when delegates
will represent 900,000 women, says it is crucial that women can escape
the growing tensions of working life.

"Cannabis can be used for women to relax without calories, in contrast
to alcohol or chocolate," says the motion.

The Chelmsford-based region even proposes a solution for those who do
not smoke. Non-smokers can use cannabis by incorporating it into
recipes and cooking with it," adds the motion, in possible
contradition of the calorie-free argument.

Unison's women's committee has asked the eastern region to remit the
call so as to allow the matter to be considered more fully before the
union adopts a formal position.