Tuesday night's debate on legalizing recreational marijuana had a harsh buzz.



The audience at Portland State University's Lincoln Theater knew where they stood on Measure 91 (they, like WW, think it should pass) and weren't shy about making their feelings clear. When opponents of legal weed spoke, they were met with boos and catcalls.



Many of the audience questions—posed by people on both sides of the issue—weren't inquiries as much as extended logical fallacies with question marks tacked on at the end. (The Oregonian, whose reporter Noelle Crombie joined me in asking formal questions to both sides, has a wrap-up of the exchanges here.)



It didn't ease hostilities when Dr. Ron Schwerzler, who runs mental services for Serenity Lane Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, claimed that five children in Colorado had died from consuming THC-laden edibles since that state passed legal pot. That wasn't true. "What's your source?" yelled people in the crowd.



On Wednesday, Schwerzler was forced to retract his claim and apologize.



The full debate is now available to watch, thanks to WW's news partner KATU-TV.

