'Heads vs. Feds' brings legalization debate to campus
Noelle Lynn Blood
Issue date: 10/30/09 Section: News
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Pro-legalization commentary came from Steve Hager, editor-in-chief of High Times magazine. Robert M. Stutman, a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, refuted Hager's statements.
Students attended for a variety of reasons. Some had already decided their position on the issue.
"If alcohol can be legal, why can't marijuana? I think the side effects are minimal compared to drunk driving," said Samantha Liechty, 21. "If the United States is a free nation, what you do in the privacy of your own home is your own business."
Others came to learn about the topic and get a well-rounded viewpoint.
"I think it's important to know both sides of any political controversy," said Paul Sanchez, 18. "Being ignorant on one side doesn't solve anything. I want to be a sponge and absorb everything."
The event, moderated by David Gnam of Maverick Productions, began with a 15-minute DVD presentation providing background information on both Hager and Stutman. It then moved to opening statements from the speakers, an open question and answer session with the audience and then closing statements.
Hager spoke about why marijuana should be legalized in America. His first point was that marijuana is medically beneficial for many disorders and diseases including AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, strokes, asthma and head injuries. However, the U.S. government does not formally recognize this.
"Let's not forget, according the United States government, marijuana is Schedule 1," he said. "Do you know what that means? It means it has absolutely no medical use whatsoever. It's the equivalent of standing in a raging hurricane and having the United States government tell us the wind ain't blowing."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
RFWoodstock
posted 10/30/09 @ 9:51 AM CST
Valid medicinal value, it?s a victimless crime, the War on Drugs WAY too costly, too many arrests for simple possession, tax it and use the money to pay for health insurance and to reduce the deficit?Need I say more?
Woodstock Universe supports legalization of Marijuana for a variety of reasons. (Continued…)
RFWoodstock
posted 10/30/09 @ 10:08 AM CST
Valid medicinal value, it?s a victimless crime, the War on Drugs WAY too costly, too many arrests for simple possession, tax it and use the money to pay for health insurance and to reduce the deficit?Need I say more?
Woodstock Universe supports legalization of Marijuana. (Continued…)
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