TEENS PUSH FOR LEGALIZED POT

While defendants implicated in last month's drug bust spent Monday
afternoon filing through the courthouse, five Stevens Point teenagers
staged a small protest against the criminalization of marijuana use.

Holding signs declaring "Be Wise, Legalize," and "Hemp Can Save the
World," protesters courted honks from passing vehicles on the corner
of Main Street and Strongs Avenue, only blocks away from the building
where more than 20 defendants made their initial hearings in drug cases.

"People should be able to choose what goes in their body," said Ben
Eisner, 18. "Caffeine has more deaths per year than marijuana," he said.

Eisner, who said he is proud of being a marijuana smoker, stressed
that he believes the legalization of cannabis for both medicinal and
recreational use will promote healthier using habits.

"With legalization comes responsibility," Eisner said.

"I think it should be used the same way alcohol is used," said Eryn
Edelbeck, 17, adding that abuse of alcohol is more damaging to
long-term health than marijuana.

The protesters also emphasized the practical uses of growing hemp,
citing its viability as a fossil fuel substitute as well as its
potential usefulness in manufacturing and agriculture.

"It's the most versatile plant on the planet," Eisner said.

This is the second week marijuana enthusiasts have gathered downtown
to speak in favor of the plant. The group says they will meet there
weekly to draw local support, possibly with the goal of starting a
chapter of NORML, a national lobbying group that opposes the
prohibition of marijuana use.

Not every protester claimed personal experience with the drug,
however. Eleni Schuler, 16, said she has never used marijuana.

Said Shuler, "I just support the idea."