HE HAS THE RIGHT TO HIT THE PIPE

Doug Hutchinson, a professor at the University of Toronto's Trinity
College, was recently granted an on-campus basement as a designated
location to smoke marijuana medicinally, approved by the university.
This means Hutchinson no longer has to hide in his office, behind
dumpsters or in trees while treating his medical condition.

The university's position is it must accommodate people with
disabilities and recognize medical needs. Although Hutchinson hasn't
disclosed his medical condition publicly, he seems to have satisfied
U of T. Yet, should professors in an altered state of mind be allowed
to teach at a university?

If the treatment is truly medicinal without affecting his teaching
ability, and he performs to the same standard as other faculty
members, whether or not he is psyched out may be irrelevant.

While such a claim may be theoretically valid, do Hutchinson's
students want to shell out money to the university to be taught by a
pothead? If a professor's condition is severe enough to warrant
medicinal marijuana use, maybe the university has a responsibility to
encourage medical leave, as either option -- weed or pain -- may
alter one's state of mind.

However, many other conditions can alter mental states, like sleep
deprivation or the use of other medications. We often don't know the
details of our professors' personal lives, so perhaps if we don't see
them reflected in the classroom, there's no problem for students. If
Hutchinson is professional and discreet about using medical
marijuana, it may be the best treatment for his condition.

There also may be a bias against marijuana because it's illegal in
most situations, even if not in Hutchinson's case. In a situation
involving a controversial drug, Hutchinson's students may have a
right to know why he requires the drug and how frequently he needs
it; the knowledge might influence their decisions to take his class.

Some students may feel it is acceptable for Hutchinson, as a
professor of Greek philosophy, to be high during class because it
could enhance his ability to "think outside the box." Therefore, the
standards for a professor of discipline requiring attention to
detail, such as accounting, may be less forgiving. While the issue is
debatable within the realm of education, use of medical marijuana in
life-occupations, like a surgeon, would be very difficult to defend.

Pot affects everyone differently. Perhaps its effects are weaker for
Hutchinson, and maybe, after so many years of use, he'd be worse off
if he stopped smoking. He also has the medical documentation to
support his use. As long as he maintains the professional standards
of teaching, the situation is probably acceptable.

It might even encourage students to visit during office hours.