Ross Shep Wins Student Debate On Marijuana It's one thing to spout the latest rhetoric on legalizing marijuana; it's quite another to offer an informed opinion. A recent debate tournament on the topic drew more than 100 students from various schools throughout the city. Organized by Old Scona Academic Debate Society, the tournament was structured so that all participants would have an opportunity to argue both sides of the question at different times throughout the day. In teams of two, students competed in three rounds of debate, followed by a final in which the two top teams squared off in an effort to claim an enormous trophy for their school. [continues 347 words]
Teen Columnist Says No Reason to Decriminalize Sherwood Park News -- Our federal government's attitude towards teenage drug use is based on a flawed understanding of youth culture. As a high school student, I find this concerning. In this session of Parliament, lawmakers are planning to pass legislation decriminalizing marijuana possession, and this softening of attitudes towards casual drug use is problematic. Government politicians have tried to show why this initiative is in the best interest of my generation; however, they have shown a complete inability to understand the real needs of today's teens. [continues 453 words]
I find it deeply concerning that, according to recent statistics, drug use is up dramatically in this province. For instance, 42.4 per cent of Grade 10 students used marijuana in the last year. According to Calgary police constable and school resource officer Barry Wilkins, children as young as 12 "can get addicted" to this substance, potentially moving to harder drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Although some might dispute the dangers of marijuana, it is currently regarded as an illegal and dangerous substance by the Canadian government, as well as other experts. [continues 541 words]
