Editor of 'High Times' vs. former head of the DEA office in N.Y. (2003)

Here's an uplifting story...


Edu: Debate Hopes to Smoke Out Truth
Collegiate Times; September 17, 2003
by Phillip Comey

The Pros and Cons of Marijuana Usage Were Debated Last Night In Squires Student Center

The debate about legalizing marijuana burnt up the Commonwealth Ballroom in Squires last night.

Steven Hager, editor of High Times, debated for the legalization of marijuana.

In contrast to Hager's jean jacket and long hair, Robert Stutman, former head of the DEA office in New York, supported the continuation of illegalization.

"Bob needs to get high," Hager said.

Comments like "He wants to toke up" and "I'm here to support the feds" could be heard from the anxious crowd as Hager prepared his opening arguments.

Hager began with five key points about medicine, health care systems, hemp, prison systems and petroleum chemicals.

In defense of legalization, Hager explained marijuana has the potential to be a great medicine for glaucoma and multiple sclerosis as well as other diseases.

"It has the ability to give people sight who are blind and people who are paralyzed to walk," he said.

Hager furthered his argument by discussing hemp and how it can be used to make paper and clothes.

To refute Hager's argument, Stutman began by rejecting marijuana as a safe substance by explaining that marijuana is five times more carcinogenic then cigarettes.

"A doctor telling you to smoke marijuana is not looking out for your health," he said.

Stutman attacked other Hager arguments claiming it does cause dependency, or addiction, and can lead to automobile accidents.

At times, however, Stutman's stance on certain issues shocked the crowd.

"I think throwing people in jail for drug use is stupid," Stutman said.

Students met Stutman's argument with considerable approval and admiration.

"I think Bob had a lot of guts," said George Mennett, a junior marketing major.

To the amusement of the crowd, the High Times editor said that Stutman should not be considered an expert on the situation because he had not smoked marijuana himself.

To remedy the situation, Hager invited Stutman to the annual cannabis cup where marijuana is smoked and graded by judges from around the world.

However, Hager took a more serious tone in his closing statement. "If you think being stoned everyday all the time is cool, you are part of the problem," he said.

Stutman closed his argument with a quote from Jack Custo.

"We need all our senses to enjoy the miracle that is life," he said.

As the debates came to an end, people lined up at microphone stands to ask questions.

Questions were all directed at refuting Stutman's arguments and ranged from "Why isn't alcohol illegal as well" to "Does pot really support terrorism?"

Responses were lengthy from the speakers who were prepared to present statistics and quotes from various authorities.

The event, hosted by the Virginia Tech Union, catered to a 500-person crowd as people poured in hunting for a seat.

The diversified crowd sported everything from Khaki pants and button-up shirts, to dreadlocks and t-shirts adorned with Bob Marley.

Students' response to the debate was met with positive cheering and appreciative applause.

"I thought it was pretty informative and they both challenged each other," said Barrett Kemp, a freshman university studies major.

(c) 2003 Collegiate Times


http://www.mpp.org/VA/news_5272.html

Legalization is less than 10 years away

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Originally Posted by SomeGuy

Legalization is less than 10 years away

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I've always fantasized about going to a gas station and buying a hardpack of 20 joints for 3.95$ hehe MMMM

Camel's marijuana blends, the world's smoothest most aromatic buds. A special blend of these rare Camel buds give turkish gold it's exceptionally mellow flavor and extraordinary smoothness.

just read that off a box of camel turkish golds and replaced tobbaco with bud, it could happen hehe

Personally I would never buy my weed from a US tobacco company intent on lying to and killing its customers. Eh, reality. Sorry.

I'll be responsible for my own toxins in my bud, thank you.

yeah i will probaly grow my own when its legalized...but the option of buyings it nice too, though they would tax the F*** out of it like cigarettes...

i wish there was an audio file for this debate, or more info, id like to know how he answered all those peoples' questions

Last I heard, every major tobacco grower has either toyed with the idea or openly admitted that they are indeed ready to convert a portion of their fields to the production of MJ. However, considering their record, I'm not sure I would trust them on that one.

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Originally Posted by lemonboy

Personally I would never buy my weed from a US tobacco company intent on lying to and killing its customers. Eh, reality. Sorry.

I'll be responsible for my own toxins in my bud, thank you.

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Totally agree!:) :stoned: This government sucks.

Yeah, I wouldnt be suprised if when MJ is legalized the laws will restrict personal growing, only corporation-fucked marijuana will be legal.

HI HOW ARE YOU?I TOTALLY DISAGREE WITH YOU!LOOK @YOU,YOU SMOKE THE BEST EAT THE BEST AND ,BE HAPPY BRO

Who are you disagreeing with, john maconha bullet?

On a lighter note, Hager was amusing and the students respected Stutman, but I can guarantee Hager got the win, in that debate. Too bad it was against a "former" head of the DEA.

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Originally Posted by SomeGuy

Legalization is less than 10 years away

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thats what they thought in the 70's

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Originally Posted by pabloescobar209

thats what they thought in the 70's

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i'm over 50 and i thought it would be legal by now. however the states are our best bet now. with a new president maybe he will let the states decide.

So it basicly looks like the editor got schooled. Ps it will never be legal in the us

Oh I think it will be legal baring any unforeseen changes to our government over the next couple of years. It will come down to one judge making a ruling that changes everything, like always happens when rights are concerned.

Why would the tobacco companies purposely kill their customers? I mean, they would want their customers to live as long as possible to buy their product. I can understand them lying about how their product kills, but I can't see them purposely putting in substances that will kill their source of money. Cause its all about money.

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Originally Posted by Weeden

Why would the tobacco companies purposely kill their customers? I mean, they would want their customers to live as long as possible to buy their product. I can understand them lying about how their product kills, but I can't see them purposely putting in substances that will kill their source of money. Cause its all about money.

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every company lies about their product, people just target tobbacco companies because there is a huge anti smoking campaign craze right now in america

I dont care about tobbacco companies we all know tobbacco contains carcinogens, theres alot worse companies in this world than one selling a product that might kill you in 40 years

Those two guys came to my college and had the EXACT same debate. Granted it was interesting, but it was still obvious that they do the same act at every school they go to. I did get a chance to talk to Steve Hager and he's very well spoken and intelligent in addition to being a very cool guy. He even did the same thing where he invited Bob to the Cannabis Cup, haha... obviously he turned down the offer, but maybe someday he'll get blazed :)

That's the thing, they don't lie.

"SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING:
Quitting Smoking Now Greatly Reduces Serious Risks To Your Health."

If you thought it'd be legal in ten years (herb), in the seventies, my signature will tell you why that didn't happen.

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Originally Posted by SmokeyPotter

Those two guys came to my college and had the EXACT same debate. Granted it was interesting, but it was still obvious that they do the same act at every school they go to. I did get a chance to talk to Steve Hager and he's very well spoken and intelligent in addition to being a very cool guy. He even did the same thing where he invited Bob to the Cannabis Cup, haha... obviously he turned down the offer, but maybe someday he'll get blazed :)

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Hey, do you know if there playing Virginia Beach, this summer? I'd like to go see them. I heard it's a good show. :smokin:

If the US legalized marijuana for public use, regulated and taxed it, we would get quality weed and pay off the national debt in less than 10 years.

stop day dreaming, lol, it's not going to be legalized soon