Designed to allow people to make an informed decision about the decriminalisation of marijuana, particularly medicinal marijuana, the debate attracted about 60 people.
Northeast Valley Community Constable Julian Real, speaking for the anti-decriminalisation team, started by admitting to using "a lot of cannabis" before he joined the police force.
However, he believed it was a harmful drug, especially for young people, and should not be promoted through decriminalisation.
When questioned about the harm of alcohol compared to marijuana, his answer was simple: "Should we not work on restricting alcohol rather than promoting cannabis?"
On the pro-decriminalisation team was Dr Geoff Noller, who talked about his University of Otago PhD research on the culture of marijuana use, which revealed that drug users, rather than using it "open slather", considered its harmful effects as well as its benefits.
He acknowledged the harmful effects of marijuana, but also noted there were pleasures and medical advantages of smoking the drug.
"We need good policy that works and positively results in reducing harm," he said.
