Pubdate: Thu, 20 Apr 2006 Source: College Heights Herald (KY Edu) Copyright: 2006 College Heights Herald Contact: http://www.wkuherald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2822 Note: also listed as LTE contact Author: Stephanie Keene Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) SPEAKERS TO DEBATE POT LEGALIZATION Event Intentionally Held On 4- Marijuana. Mary Jane, Pot, Weed, Chronic, the good ol' green stuff - people know what it is. The question is whether or not it should be legal. The Campus Activities Board will be hosting "Heads vs. Feds, The Great Debate - Marijuana Legalization" at 7 tonight in DUC Theater. Steven Hager, editor-in-chief of High Times magazine, will represent the "Heads" advocating the legalization of marijuana. Bob Stutman, a retired DEA agent, will represent the "Feds" advocating the criminalization of marijuana. The date of the event is not a coincidence. "The fact that the debate is on 4-20 will raise more awareness," said Michael Schultz, Louisville freshman and CAB webmaster. "The date might seem like a joke to some people, but it'll help get the word out. This day will get people talking about the event." The most celebrated day to light up is April 20, also known as 4-20. There are several legends behind this, according to marijuana.com. One legend says that 4:20 on a clock resembles a hand putting an instrument into a mouth, as if someone was smoking. Another legend says that marijuana burns at 420 degrees Fahrenheit. Some believe that marijuana grew free and wild on Highway 420 in the United States during the 1960s. Though there are several rumors about the creation and origin of 4-20, no one has an exact truth as to why the day is so special to weed lovers. Louisville senior Daniel Trujillo, the CAB vice president, said Heads vs. Feds is designed to educate and inform students. "We want to cover all sides, not to say which side is right or wrong," Trujillo said. "Overall, we just want to educate people on the whole issue." This debate dates back to the 1930s, when several marijuana opponents argued that the drug was negatively affecting society. In 1937, regulatory laws were passed and criminal penalties came about for the growth, possession or sale of the drug. Those in favor of marijuana legalization argue that it is a stress reliever and pacifies individuals. They also claim it is less harmful than alcohol and cigarettes and that no one has ever died from it. Many believe legalization will result in reduced crime rates because there will be no underground culture for the drug. Pro-legalizers also argue that legalizing marijuana will improve the economy because legalization would allow the government to place a tax on it. Anti-legalizers argue that crime rates will increase because inhibitions will be lowered. They also say marijuana is a gateway drug that will eventually lead to harsher drug usage. Denver took the first steps in the direction of legalization in November 2005. Citizens of the city over the age of 21 are allowed to possess one ounce for personal use in the city. Underage citizens possessing marijuana and people possessing more than the legal limit will still face criminal charges. Louisville senior Terrance Harris is the lecture chair for CAB and is responsible for bringing diverse speakers and a wide array of events to Western. He said the event will be interesting because it will give students the opportunity to understand both sides of the argument. "The purpose of the event is to inform people about marijuana," Harris said. "It's not necessarily to change their minds, but to have them look at it from a different spectrum." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman