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

[beachguy in thongs]

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

beachguy in thongs Reviewed by beachguy in thongs on 02-15-2006. 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. Rating: 5

[SomeGuy]

Legalization is less than 10 years away

[bedake]

Legalization is less than 10 years away

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

[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.

[SomeGuy]

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...

[bedake]

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

[bonsaiguy]

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.

[Jennifer K]

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.

Totally agree! :stoned: This government sucks.

[WakingDream]

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

[john maconha bullet]

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