Pubdate: Thu, 28 Sep 2006 Source: Gazette, The (London, CN ON Edu) Copyright: 2006 The Gazette Contact: http://www.gazette.uwo.ca Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2548 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine