DEBATE HOPES TO SMOKE OUT TRUTH

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.