The teachers wanted persuasive.

And they got it.

At the end of his speech Tuesday urging legalization of marijuana, a 17-year-old Tacoma Washington student pulled out a joint, lit it and smoked away. Then he ate the remains.

For that he got a quick escort to the school office and then a ride to Remann Hall juvenile jail.

The stunt was celebrated among some of the teen's peers but was frowned on to say the least by law enforcement officers and district administrators.

"We believe in freedom of speech and encourage it, but illegal activities are absolutely not going to be tolerated in our district," schools Superintendent Terry Bouck said.

Pierce County sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer said, "If people want that law changed, they need to go about it the right way."

He did admit, though, that the student's action will prompt discussion.

"It sure will probably bring a lot of attention to the issue," Troyer said.

The boy, whom The News Tribune is not identifying because he's not been charged with a crime, was arrested on suspicion of unlawful drug possession, a misdemeanor.

He later was released and The News Tribune was unable to reach him. Deputies will forward their reports to prosecutors, who will decide whether to file charges.

Read the complete story at thenewstribune.com