DEA, 'HIGH TIMES' GO HEAD TO HEAD IN POT DEBATE

The debate to legalize marijuana doesn't kick off at 4:20 this afternoon,
but sparks will fly tonight.

The University Union is sponsoring "Heads vs. Feds: The Debate to Legalize
Marijuana."

"High Times" magazine editor Steve Hager and retired DEA (Drug Enforcement
Administration) agent Robert Stutman have been invited to bandy words and wits.

The high-profile marijuana pundits will debate the pros and cons of
legalization, with an extensive question and answer session to follow.

Hager has been editor in chief of "High Times" since 1988. Aside from
pro-pot penmanship, the University of Illinois graduate created "The
Freedom Fighters," a national marijuana legalization group.

Among his other pursuits, Hager founded "The Cannabis Cup," a series of
awards for marijuana.

Stutman, meanwhile, made a 25-year career as one of America's highest
profile drug busters. He's also a leading advocate for drug prevention and
education, having published the best-selling auto-biography, "Dead on
Delivery."

"Heads vs. Feds" will be moderated by University School of Law professor
Alan Cook.

From legislation to public opinion, legalization is becoming a hot topic.

Some states, such as California, recently passed legislation that allows
the use of marijuana as a medical substance, while others are considering
such legislation.

Braniff Davis, coordinator of the "Ideas & Issues" section of University
Union, said he feels it's a good idea to visit the issue.

"We would like to expose students to both sides of the story so they can
make their own informed judgment based on what they hear," he said.

Opinions on whether cannabis, the marijuana plant, causes damage to health
are divided.

"I don't understand why marijuana is illegal," said Lauren Ricciardelli, a
sophomore from Valdosta. "I think that reasonable consumption is less
harmful and less addictive than alcohol or cigarettes."

She also spoke in favor of legalization for economic reasons.

"If the government would legalize and regulate marijuana consumption, it
would curtail the black market and eliminate most of the dealers," she said.

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States.
According to a National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, 37 percent of
Americans aged 12 and older have smoked at least once in their lifetime.

"Laws regarding marijuana should be more strict," said Brett Yardley, a
freshman from Roswell. "I'm completely against the legalization of all
drugs. I've known people who have died in drug-related accidents, and the
experience is terrible."

Junior Stevie Hretz is a Stockbridge native and a member of the UGA
Libertarians. She said she believes marijuana laws restrict freedoms and
create tremendous costs.

"The statistics are clear," she said. "The drug war is a waste of tax
payers' money, and border wars contribute to the growth of the black
market. Additionally, marijuana laws encourage drug-motivated murders and
crimes."

While the debate rages throughout the United States, European countries
have opted for a more proactive approach.

Several western European countries have either legalized or decriminalized
the use of cannabis already. But don't expect the United States to follow
suit any time soon.

In the Netherlands, the consumption and sale of marijuana is legal, while
Switzerland already has decriminalized consumption.

Other countries, such as Spain and Germany, don't consider possession of a
small amount (between 5 and 30 grams, depending on the circumstances) a
penal crime.

Kim Hector, a sophomore from Riverdale, said he thinks the United States
should pass similar legislation.

"Marijuana shouldn't be legalized outright, but it should certainly be
legalized for medicinal purposes," she said. "Marijuana laws are too strict
in the states. Why is weed such a big deal?"

Andrew Seepersad, a junior from Siparia, said he thinks even marijuana
legalized for medical purposes would not solve the problems of abuse in the
country.

"I wouldn't be against legalizing it as a controlled medical substance
since some of its beneficial effects have been scientifically proven, but
among the general public, there would be no way preventing its abuse," he said.