Pot or not?

On April 8, as part of the Delta Debates Political Forum Series, a panel will discuss and debate the potential legalization of marijuana in Michigan.

Edward M. Czuprynski, Bay City personal injury attorney; Mike Krecek, Director of the Midland County Health Department; and Delta students Charles Drake, 27; and Sheila Killey, 31, will make up the panel.

Killey, a Bay City resident and nurse, was asked by her professor, Tom Boudrot, if she wanted to be involved in the debate. Killey is making the argument against the legalization of marijuana because she is concerned about the long-term effects of marijuana use.

“The decisions are being made by politicians, not scientists, so there’s not a lot of medical knowledge being put into it,” said Killey.

Drake, a Bay City resident, was asked by his professor, Barb Handley-Miller, if he wanted to be involved in the debate. Drake is making the argument that marijuana should be legalized. He said he has read several medical journals, which have influenced his stance.

“It’s enforced like a drug like heroin, and I think that’s ridiculous when it has so many benefits,” said Drake.

Boudrot, associate professor of political science at Delta, is coordinating the event, while Amy French, Delta history instructor, is moderating the debate. Boudrot said since two states, Washington and Colorado, have legalized the use of marijuana, the debate would be timely, relevant and something students would understand.

Boudrot said students have been kept in mind during the planning of this event. He said the last student on a Delta Debates panel was in 2007 during a debate on the Iraq War. Boudrot said he wants more student input.

“I think students have a lot to say about this topic,” said Boudrot.

Question that will be addressed include:12