The heat was on as City's Law students debated over whether cannabis should be legalised in the U.K. 

After a chaotic start, the speakers soon  turned it around - at times it was even surprisingly humorous.

The debate was held in preparation for the English Speaking Union's John Smith Mace Memorial debating competition to allure students to enter. 

Joshua Olomo who organised the event said: "It was a huge success. The speakers demonstrated what is truely required to be good orators, I have no doubt they will individually and collectively go on and win many competitions.

"The vision for this academic year is to get as far as possible in the John Smith Mace Memorial debating competition.  Debating should be a way of life, as James Humes once said 'Every time you have to speak, you are auditioning for leadership'."

The proposition was formed of Ross Agim, Amani Soboh, Busayo Yussuff and Roy Appiah and argued for the legalisation of cannabis. On the opposition team Liam Power, Suneel Basson-Bhatoa, Valentine Ekene and Prashant Sagahr argued against the legalisation of the drug.

The proposition outlined their case using the economical benefits in a struggling economy as a key argument and even pointed out that David Cameron and Barack Obama have both used the drug in the past. Busayo Yussuff from the opposition said: "The economical implications are too great to be silenced. Our conservative nature needs to be addressed."

While the opposition argued that the cost to human life was greater than the profits that could be gained. Liam Powell the first speaker from the opposition said: "People will be able to buy bread milk and cannabis. This is ridiculous. Do we want to tell our children that drugs are safe because we can get them in Tescos."

In the end it was the opposition that won the debate, which was judged on matter, manner and method by the master of debates Joshua Olomo. The vote that was put to those who were watching also voted in favour to not legalise cannabis.

On Thursday 18th a second debate will be held, to decide who will win a place in the competition. There are 12 spaces up for grabs so if you think you have the wit and knowledge to compete in the "largest and most prestigious debating competitions in world" than email joshua.olomo.1@city.ac.uk  

From left back clockwise: Prashant Sagahr,  Liam             Joshua Olomo            From left back clockwise: Busayo Yussuff, Roy Power, Valentine Ekene and Suneel Basson-Bhatoa                                          Appiah,Ross Agim  Amani Soboh