MARIJUANA DEBATE COMES TO CAMPUS FOR THE FIRST TIME

Marijuana, Weed, Green, Pot, Grass, Herb, Reefer, Chronic, Mary Jane,
Ganja or Dope.

No matter what you call it, marijuana, or at least its legalization,
is one of the most divisive issues facing the country today. Tuesday
at 8 p.m. in Memorial Hall, the Student Activities Board plans on
bringing that discussion to campus as they present "Heads vs. Feds," a
legalization debate between Steve Hager, long-time editor of "High
Times" magazine, and Bob Stutman, a former New York state Drug
Enforcement Administration agent.

"Not since I've been (at UK) have we seen a debate on the legalization
of marijuana," said Alan Herbst, director of engaging issues for SAB.

Hager said that while his magazine does not get involved in any
illegal activities, the magazine promotes the legalization of
marijuana. Stutman, who worked in the DEA for 25 years, said he served
the his last seven years as director of the New York state branch, the
largest in the DEA's office.

"I think (students) will be surprised at the stances both Steve and I
take on a lot of issues," Stutman said. "I think they will be
surprised to learn that Steve and I are both personal friends, despite
our disagreements."

Stutman said he hopes students will hear a rational, intelligent
presentation from both sides of the issue.

"Cannabis is not the benign drug that people think it is," he said.
"They are making decisions that have long-term consequences, and
before they make those decisions, they should listen to all the facts."

Hager said marijuana can help people eat and sleep better, heighten
people's visual and tactile sensitivity, and lead to an increase in
creative thoughts. He said the negative effects generally only come
into play for people who are overusing the drug.

"Basically, the magic disappears and you can become depressed and
withdrawn," he said. "The solution is to stop abusing."

While Hager said campaigns, such as "abovetheinfluence," are a big
part of the reason why legalization is taking so long, Stutman said
some of the commercials are using misleading or wrong
information.

"It's important for people on both sides of the issue to be honest,"
Stutman said.

Hager said students come away from the debate with an appreciation for
the values of the counterculture.

"Hippie bigotry has flourished in the mass media, but hippies brought
us the environmental movement, the midwife movement, organic food and
lots of other great things," he said. "We've already done great things
for this country and we could do a lot better if we weren't so
persecuted through these laws."

Despite his position on the drug's legalization, Hager said he does
not use marijuana in his home or in front of children.

"But if I'm at a party like Michael Phelps was, and someone offers
me a hit, odds are pretty good I'll take it," he said.