2008 Woodie Awards
Marijuana debated by speakers
By Lena Acheson
Issue date: 4/1/05 Section: News
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Hager began the debate by stating five main reasons he believes marijuana should be legalized. Hager said he feels that marijuana is good medicine in today's world. He stated he knows people that speak, walk and talk better today because of this drug and feels this could be free medicine for people for the rest of their lives.
Secondly, Hager pointed out that hemp is good for the environment. Hager said if we began making paper from hemp that we stop cutting down trees. He also stated that the chemicals in marijuana can also help the environment.
Next, he pointed out that the United States has the largest prison system in the world.
"So many people are in jail today because of drugs, and since they've been locked up in those cages they get out and end up being psychotic and committing crimes," Hager said.
He also mentioned that America has the highest percent of their population in jail compared to the rest of the world.
Hager continued by explaining that he believes that legalization of marijuana would help reduce the funding of corrupt groups such as drug cartels.
"This is the cheapest and easiest commodity in the world," Hager said.
Hager concluded his opening arguments by explaining that his religious customs encourage the use of marijuana. The illegalization of marijuana therefore impedes on his religious rights.
Stutman argued back by pointing what he felt Hager left out in his opening statement. Stutman said he feels that many people want marijuana legalized because it is the recreational drug of choice and not because hemp is good for our environment and it is the less expensive drug that people are buying today. Stutman also used examples of religious ceremonies and traditions such as polygamy that have been practiced in the past but are illegal and frowned upon now.
