YOUR COMMENTS

What YOU do with your body is none of MY business. What I do with MY body is none of YOUR business.
Those who attempt to dictate what peaceful people do are the cause of most of the world's problems.
YOU own YOU. I own ME. It's pretty simple.
- Bob C, Grafton

You know, it's real funny.

It's okay for same sex marriage.


It's not socially acceptable to live an average life and relieve stress after a hard day of work. Nope.


If you're one of "those" you want to go ahead and hide under your bed!
- J, concord

i dont see a problem with marijuana, i think if anything it will help the world. because if its not illegal that means less people in jail and that means less tax dollars. and if they legalized it and sold it as a product like cigarettes that means more tax dollars for the government and they wont have to keep asking for more, and theres so many ways to bend the law about it so whats the point on making it illegal when its not even a big deal. alcohol is even worse then marijuana, and has worse short term and long term affect, marijuana just makes you feel good for a little while. wheres the problem in that, and why should we be illegalizing somthing that was put on this earth, noone what it up, it just grows, a drug is somthing that you have to do stuff to, marijuana you dont have to do nothing to it, so maybe instead on think about the negative things you should start thinking about the positive things marijuana can do for not just us but for our country.
- Ben, danville NH

There is a lot of confusion as to what qualifies somebody as a marijuana smoker. A smoker, in my opinion, is someone who smokes as little as once a month, it is not limited by the stereotypical disgruntled teen who smokes pot everyday all day. Yes im sure everyone who smokes pot is a loser, until you find out that the chief of police snaps a few bowls every so often. I find it amusing how much outrage there is over stupid little things, especially in the government. We all know about Clinton, he did not inhale, did not have sexual relations, and Bush did not have a history with some cocaine. Remember a certain mayor of NYC who had cocaine problems? Someone had said, it is in our prisons, the most high security buildings, and if we cant keep it out of our law enforcement establishments, then our law enforcement is failing.
I happen to believe this is all about money. Illegal weed makes more money that legal weed. Who would buy it if they could grow it? Illegal importing will decline, if not shut down, and much more crime would be removed by stopping the drug cartels than the stupid kid who had a roach in his ashtray. Think about where it comes from. Legalization does just this.
- Ian, Bedford

I think a lot of people on here are missing the point of these rallies. I'm a part of the protest happening in Keene, and I'm happy to say that (and I am not part of the Free State Project whatsoever)

The point about smoking in public, in central square, is that we're not legally allowed to smoke in our homes, we're not legally allowed to own the plant. And so, to make a point, we're doing it right where everyone can see us.

And to all those who are not in Keene, you really have no say on what kind of impact we're making on the town. To my knowledge, business is as usual in downtown Keene, maybe even more so with all the people actually using the square. Before, there was maybe a few meandering souls walking through, but nobody actually using it.

My other point is that we are being COMPLETELY civil about this. The police have been kind enough to stay away, and we are extending some civility to them by smoking peacefully.

The only way to get this to the people, is to bring it to the people. In all our history, I've never heard of a law being passed because of folks sitting on their couches in private and doing what they want. First, they have to tell people about it, and if that doesn't work, show them that we CAN smoke peacefully and without violence.

If you think otherwise, come on down and talk to us, we're good guys really, no one here is trying to take New Hampshire away (considering most of us are Keene residents, and have been for a long long time).
- Zack, Keene, NH

I am very disappointed that New Hampshire is so far behind other states, fixing
the wrong on harsh marijuana laws... I don't get it?? I am 49 years old whom has worked full time ever since I smoked herb for the first time at age 16. It truly motivated me to get

a steady pay check so that I could buy my herb (long story short...)and enjoy my life.

So I smoke marijuana almost everyday, I have raised a family of 4, they are great assets to the generation, they where raised to enjoy life and respect others. I have worked hard making a successful small business that is almost 20 years old. I have paid off my mortgage early. I help others in need, We donate where we can and once again I smoke pot.I am your neighbor whom you want to move next to, here in New Hampshire or anywhere.You may now put another face on a typical Marijuana Smoker.

In my opinion Marijuana worst consequence for me is running the risk of being Hand Cuffed, Arrested and then Judged for something I enjoy doing peacefully in MY life.

Please at the very least let those suffering, who find aid in en-jesting Marijuana alone with

THERE life's and there Family's.

Near buy states like Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont, have Medical marijuana laws enacted. Is there motto "Live free or Die" or Is it ours?

Overide Veto October 28

...Oh yea, lots of us Vote also..... O-~
- Jah, Wolfboro

City councilor Paula phillips states that maybe surgeons will smoke before they operate???Is she serious??? Citizens of Keene, look at which city councilors are trying to make this happen, and which ones are not; simple, vote them out. They are OUT of touch, with this issue. They are out of touch with a lot of issues.
I am a veteran, and smoked when in SE Asia, everyday, as did the locals. I am still here, not sick, have a job, a family, and a home. And I still smoke! The price has gone up, and so has the quality. Who knows, maybe sometime in the future, STONEWALL farm might start being a medicinal grower, and be called, STONEWELL farm. LOL
- 420-55yrold man, Keene

Where these are gatherings of redress & demonstration and if a citation were issued to a participant IN & AT the gathering, whom was being PEACEFUL, the municipality that issued it could be liable in federal court for violation of their 1st amendment right to gather and potentially that municipality could be liable to hefty fines. HOWEVER, usually it doesn't become a violation until the court actually order's the fine & the fine is paid. The citation & reciept of payment of the fine is usually needed to file in Federal Court. Filing fee is about $150. If no fine or penalty is imposed, there may not be case. Keep in mind also, under past federal protection rulings there is clauses. Too much for too long or interfering with traffic,spectators, being disruptive, you may no longer be protected. Also, good idea not to leave the gathering in possession.

Jean Coutu, caacp01@aol.com
CAACP & LFOD Rally
- Jean Coutu, Jaffrey NH

"Nunya Beezwax" from Keene was right on target. These folks are rude, and the so-called Free Stater's agenda is repugnant, disruptive and anti-social. This ongoing pothead rally is just another manifestation of the kind of state they want us to become. The disrespect shown to the local businesses, to the police and, in earlier incidents, to the courts and judges who preside over them, is disgraceful,

Free Staters: I hear Wyoming is freer than New Hampshire. Please move there. We'll help you pack.
- James T., Manchester

Do whatever you want in your OWN house or property...The one you pay TAXES on....
- Sean, Keene

@ Andy in Londonderry~ exactly!! Our kids can't ride bikes or skateboard on the downtown sidewalks but it is okay for them to watch there losers get high!? What is wrong with that picture?! Smarten up Keene Police! Stoners go smoke your weed on your own property!

@ Ace in Keene~ LOLOLOLOLOL, so true!! Just hard to explain to young kids what these LOSERS are doing!

Poor downtown businesses are being hurt by this crap. Nake poeple with guns, now bongs & joints and weed smells, what is next?!?!? Keep my kids far away from Downtown Keene! DOwntown businesses should start pressuring KPD & City Counsel to stop the insanity!
- Jennifer, Keene

This country is a DEMOCRACY & so is the State of NH, the majority has voted that Marijuana is ILLEGAL, so Keene Police need to start enforcing the laws!

I feel bad for the downtown businesses, the Free Staters are always causing disruptions downtown, first disrupting court proceedings, then there was the gun protest and now 80 people standing downtown smoking marijuana. Granted some are smoking tobacco and pretending it to be pot but many are smoking the real thing in bongs and "joints". Many parents avoid downtown in the afternoons because they don't want their kids to see poeple using drugs or see naked people carrying guns, what parents want their young kids to see this and have to explain this illegal and disruptive behavior? Businesses downtown already struggle in this economy and now they are hurt by the Free Staters. Free Staters need to stop wasting tax dollars and become contributing members of this democracy!

Free Staters want to move 20,000 into the State well many are moving out because of the Free Staters.
- Nunya Beezwax, Keene

Jim--with all due respect--temperance should be a personal issue, as you say, a matter of personal responsibility. Regulation and education trump an iron fist every time.

And while there is absolutely nothing wrong with never taking a drink or 'toking some hash dude', there is also nothing wrong with taking a drink or 'toking some hash dude'. We are neither an Amish nor a Puritan nation, nor should we be. The lowest common denominator is not the drunk or stoned, for they will always sober up. It is the fearful and ignorant for they refuse to open their minds and their hearts.
- JB, NB, NH

There is enough inebriating junk out there that we don’t need to start legalizing anything more. Thousands of intoxicated driving deaths every year in the US is just the tip the ice berg. We’re also talking about hundreds of alcohol poisoning deaths, hundreds more overdoses, thousands of drivers licenses suspended and the impact that has families, tens of thousands of drug and alcohol junkies, thousands of jobs lost, tens of thousands of children and spouses abused, thousands of rapes, tens of thousands of ‘mistake’ sexual encounters, thousands of youths wasted in gangs, millions of hours wasted being wasted, billions of dollars down the hole etc. etc. And for what? Because it feels so good??? And now you want to expand that with legal marijuana?

If these marijuana junkies want legalized drugs they can more to the Netherlands or South America and live off someone else’s welfare dole, not mine. What we need is for intellectuals and bloggers to stop aiding and abetting the enemy (dealers) with these pathetic rationalizations and come out with stronger temperance, personal responsibility, anti-drunkenness, anti-dope, and sobriety message. There is nothing wrong with being a teetotaler, and nothing wrong with never toking hash dude...

Enforcement of small drug infractions is at law enforcement’s discretion. Numerous studies have shown that enforcement of minor infractions discourage bigger and more expensive to enforce infractions. Leave it be.
- Jim, Manchester

Actually Tom, the foremost researcher of Cannabis, Donald Tashkin, concluded that research failed to prove that Cannabis smoking caused cancer. Further, research has identified ANTI-TUMERAL effects in Cannabis--it actually REDUCES the size of cancerous tumors. Additionally, Tom, the report that you are referring to in regarding to testicular impacts was outed as a biased report with specious findings.

I'm no pied piper of pot Tom, I'm your neighbor. I'm your brother. I'm the guy that will help jump start your car or push you out of a snowbank when you get stuck. I'm the guy that goes out of his way to help others, and in this case, help others educate themselves properly. I'm the guy that will cover your shift when you call in sick.

Try as you might, you can't hold back the tide of knowledge. Spain, Portugal, Argentina are all nation states with successful decriminalization efforts. Mexico has followed and soon California will take the next step towards ending the war on a plant, the war on Americans and the war on Truth.

By the way--I look forward to hearing your bleating when you find out how many pharmaceutical firms are working with Cannabis BECAUSE of its multitude of benficial compounds.
- Howard Marks, Concord, NH

Does anyone really think the goverment is going to make pot legal so they can tax it? If you do you need to stop smoking it now. Howard and the rest of the pied pipers of pot are promoting a big lie. Look at what its done in areas it is legal. The AMA just did a report condemming pot use. It destroys you lungs and causes male reproductive decline.
- Tom, Manchester

I think that there is absolutely nothing wrong with marijuana for medical purposes. I have heard that it is not only beneficial to the pain but also helps those that can't eat to actually eat something. I have also read that it would help a cancer patient deal with the toxic stuff that the doctors are pumping into them (chemo, radiology).

I am not a smoker or a drinker of any sort, BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE GOV'T SHOULD TELL US WHAT TO DO WITH OUR BODIES. Let each person decide for himself.
- Meguira, Keene

I'm so torn about this.

I can understand that some people know others who smoke pot and are hard working Americans supporting their family and paying taxes ect ect.

However, from the outside looking in, they have some serious issues. All the adults I've ever met that smoke pot have issues within their relationships because of a spouse not smoking pot and their kids making references, or the financial fact of being a drug user in these hard times.

I don't want to hear one person complain about healthcare costs or gas prices if they can turn around and buy weed.

There are plenty of ways weed is harmful and not everyone is a responsible smoker like some of you claim you know.

Oddly enough though everyone I know that claims nothing is wrong with them...there are thing wrong with them...and the same sort of things with their friends who do the same thing. The only reason they dont' think the other is in harms way is because they're both in the same situation and know no better.
- Lori, Derry

Why is Marijuana illegal? Well, the first US Drug Czar Harry Anslinger put it this way:

"There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz and swing, result from marijuana usage. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers and any others."

Errr...yeah, never mind.
- SHJ, Lebanon

This must be one of the most commented UL stories in a long time. Nice to see some discussion.

For the record, I am on the "decriminalize, regulate, and tax" side of the issue. Let's treat marijuana like alcohol. For those who want to use it, it is possible to use responsibly, while non-responsible users should be prosecuted like non-responsible drinkers/phone users/eating-while-driving folks. Let's put the resources of our tax dollars toward dealing with important issues by decriminalizing personal use/possession of marijuana, and regulate and tax it appropriately if it becomes legal. There are successful examples of this around the world.

Rational discussion will get us a lot further than name calling (on both sides) and spinning stories about the end of civil society due to a joint.
- Kane, Manchester

I support these brave activists. The war on drugs must end and civil disobedience is the best way to go about it.
- Mitch, Las Vegas, NV

Yeah I'm totally against legalizing marijuana too. I heard it was legalized in some California counties and parents are neglecting their children and losing their jobs. Anything that does that shouldn't be legal.

Oh wait we have alcohol...
- Ryan, PA

This is nothing new - old stuff rehashed (no pun intended) but now with a political slant. In the little farming community where I grew up, pot smokers would gather in the town square less than 200 ft. from the police station and partake of the bud. By the way folks, this was over 30 yrs. ago. We all grew up, most stopped the pot, took up martinis and scotch instead, traded tie-dye and torn jeans for businss suits, got a mortgage, and became the establishment. Yesterday's potheads are todays CFOs, politicians, businessowners, grandmoms and grandpops, and even USA Prezzies (although we all know some did not inhale! :) Conclusion - Not newsworthy, not a movement, and nothing newly brilliant. By the way, pot will NOT make the world a kinder and more peaceful place to live so give up on the flower child mantras. Legalize and Tax please so those of us who do not use can have more of our paychecks tax free for our own fun stuff - things like food and rent.
- Jean, Salem

Ever known anyone who smokes lots of dope that wasn't a complete and total loser? Hmmmm, me neither! Fortunately for them, being stupid isn't illegal.
- Hal W, Meredith

Question; Does pot make you look at the real world unrealistically? Answer from Patrick in Derry;

Howard Marks, you are tenacious! And for the most part I concur. I know many professionals, parents, voters, volunteers, churchgoers et al, who partake. In 50 years, I've never ever met a belligerent pothead, but have met many a nasty drunk. And some folks, who really should consider smoking it, as it probably would vastly improve their personality! Keep the faith!
- Patrick, Derry

In 50 years you NEVER EVER met a belligerent pothead. Meet Howard Marks. Howard, if you are this powerful worldly man you say you are, just think what you could have been straight. Patrick, pot doesn't change anyone's personality, it just changes how YOU see it. And yes, that is from experience.
- Allan, Rochester

I've heard quite a few folks say that you are a loser just because you have smoked marijuana. Really? Can you provide a direct and logical arguement as to why? I have had my share of Panama Red yet I have a college degree, work full time and in fact hold a part time job as well. I also volunteer at a medical clinic once a week and haven't had as much as a speeding ticket to my name. I am an average middle class American who pays his taxes yet because I unwind with a certain plant rather than a few cold ones at the bar I am a criminal who is a menace to civilized society.

Let's cut the baloney here. I am not an advocate of hard drug use but I do know when something is a poor investment of time and money, and I'm not talking about GM stock either. It's this phoney War on Drugs. The most sobering fact I have encountered is that we cannot even keep this stuff out of prisons, so how can we realistically keep this stuff off of the streets? The plain truth is that we cannot. This moral panic over a little cannabis is getting out of hand and I normally wouldn't care but we really are wasting millions of dollars on drug prohibition. Given the frugal nature of the Granite State I find it ironic that so many people blindly support the War on Drugs without questioning its effectiveness. The bottom line is that people will use drugs regardless of their legality so let them do as they will. Live FREE or Die.
- Patrick, Manchester

Howard Marks, you are tenacious! And for the most part I concur. I know many professionals, parents, voters, volunteers, churchgoers et al, who partake. In 50 years, I've never ever met a belligerent pothead, but have met many a nasty drunk. And some folks, who really should consider smoking it, as it probably would vastly improve their personality! Keep the faith!
- Patrick, Derry

Give an inch take a mile. 40 thousand people will die from drunk drivers, and you will double that if it become legal. And when its your kid or parent in the hole in the ground you all will be singing a different tune. Smoke dope you are a looser. Take a good look at yourself, if dope is a big part of your life, your parents have failed.
- John Croteau, Candia

i was there. this is a brilliant way to show people that we can all get along. we dont need to fight or argue. we dont need to be destructive to have a good time and thats all were doing is having a good time. all were really trying to say is were sick of being arrested for these small amounts of marijuana and cops of sick of arresting us. so just give up and let us have our fun.

also: jason hart is his real name. he just lied about going to FPU.
- cassidy, keene

Thank you God for providing this wonderful plant for my enjoyment. Peace be with you too, dude.
- DM, Hampton

So what does a pothead evolve into, e.g., a responsible tax payer and moral parent, a community leader. I haven't seen it I have seen them turn to burdensome dependents of parents or any relative that will "help" them out, government subsistence program recipients, and even more, robbers, etc. Few have been able to "control" and limit their use to just marijuana. Over time it takes it toll.

Given comparative life styles and risk factors, I am up to the task, and it sounds like many more are, to keeping any such foolish proposed legislation shut out from passing, i.e. legalizing marijuana. Check the degradation out that occurs to nations that have similarly legalized illegal drug use--starting with marijuana. No more quality of life-divaint behavior rules.

Having worked in for two law enforcement agencies, I know they get fact sheets on various illegal agents and legitmate criminal profiling. They are aware of the facts--and don't promote legalizing marijuana use. Individual officers sometmes do when their son, daughter, grandchild, or close friend cannot get a law enforcement job because of their use of the illegal drug.

I hope some of you who think this is such a good idea, check in ten years from now and twenty years from now and tell how marijuana helped you succeed in this life since you think it is an essential cornerstone and building block for your life at this point. I would hope to learn that Like those who have come before me, worked with me, and will come after me, would love to learn our services are no longer needed and our historical knowledge is no longer applicable because you all turned into the most responsbile citizens the USA has ever known--kind of like you are now the most responsible and excelrated students at Keene.
- Jan, Londonderry, NH

Howard says:

"and I take it quite personally when my safety and security is threatened by ignorance and propaganda. I am tired of the loud and ignorant few dictating how I should live my life"

Explain something to me. It would make sense to me that the only political support you'll get in legalizing pot is from liberals (not exclusively, but generally).
On the other hand, they ARE the "loud and ignorant few dictating how I should live my life". I'm curious how you lean politically. For example, do you support the right to bear arms?

And, why on earth, if you have smoked with such dignitaries, would you blurt that out on the internet using your name, which basically would "out" them?

I disagree with the notion of legalization, but I like your passion and honesty.

And I'll also add that it is ridiculous to claim that not one person has ever died due to marijuana use.
- DF, Candia

Everyone does it? A majority? Get real. A minority do. I will grant you that the illegal drug industry is probably the biggest employer in the state, and probably nationwide, too.
- Steve B, Derry

Who says pot does less harm than alcohol? Who says that most people smoke pot? If you're going to spout that nonsense you should at very least post your sources. Perhaps you got that info in Mad Magazine? Or maybe it came to you in an epiphany while you were stoned.
- Brian, Farmington

I agree pot should be legal and taxed. I also think it should be regulated the same as alcohol and think public consumption, just like alcohol, should be illegal.
If you get busted kiddo, wait till you see how many of these people behind you, are no longer around, while you stand in a court of law and get fined. Protest, sure, get a sign and carry it around. Smoke in public, Pay the piper. guaranteed.
- Bob, Far up north

Just like abortion, the fall of organized religion and gay marriage, legalizing marijuana is coming and none of you are going to be able to stop it. One thing you can say about marijuana smokers is they are a patient lot. Victory will be yours!
- Bill, Andover

Civil Disobedience as proponents seem to think is to choose a law and deliberately break it. If that happens then you deserve whatever happens to you legally. If you really want to take the time to change a law, then do it legally. Our founding fathers drafted the very constitution that you enjoy quoting, now follow it. Follow the constitution and properly work toward changing the laws that you disagree with. Do not break the law because you disagree with it. That makes you a vigilante and an uneducated person who does not want to follow the very rules that the constitution was designed to enforce and protect.
- Scott, Hooksett

Freaking Unbelievable!
This is an outrage -- who do these potheads think they are? Acting like the free people their ancestors once were..
- outs, not, NH

How does this Criminal Justice student plan to land a job in the Criminal Justice field now that he's on the front of the Union Leader smoking a joint. What a waste of degree nevertheless having to pay back school loans. Have to assume you plan to be paid as medical experiment using Marijuana or selling it on the corner, or just change your major. Criminal Justice is not in your future...
- Mike, Manchester

Aloha. A little history might help in this discussion. The name, New Hamp-shire, translates literally as "new hemp state". Hamp = hemp, or marijuana, in old English.

Whatever happened to "Live free or die!"? Who owns your body? Some rule makers in a legislature, or YOU?

Anybody over 21 years old may acquire a religious 'defense to prosecution' for private Cannabis cultivation and personal use; it's guaranteed in every state Constitution as religious freedom and our Ministry helps people to build them and use them effectively.

Getting high is a spiritual activity. Most all churches call God, the Most High. People like to 'get high' for a good reason; to connect with the Most High. It's basic human nature to do so and it's Constitutionally protected by the sworn oath of every law enforcer in the nation.

All the best to everyone,

Roger Christie, Founder

THC Ministry

@@@
- Roger Christie, Hilo, Kingdom of Hawai'i

I don't have the attention span to read all these LONG posts. I wonder if its the mary jane?
- james, manchester

I would like to just make two points.
1.) This is a discussion on the legalization of marijuana. NOT god.
2.)Until they legalize it, we are going to continue to advertise it.

A majority of people smoke it. It's not going anywhere.
- courtney, concord

Well, a few of you are certainly showing your true colors in regards to your prohibitionist views. A reference to evolution being false and a story from a counselor that leans heavily on 'god'. Nothing like a little moral outrage thinly disguised as logic to muddy up an otherwise healthy attempt at dialogue.

As for the guy in Dover--Cannabis is NOT addictive. Repeating a lie does not make it true.

And in terms of the number of posts I've made--what does that matter--I'm a software engineer sitting in front of a high speed network and multiple monitors--and I take it quite personally when my safety and security is threatened by ignorance and propaganda. I am tired of the loud and ignorant few dictating how I should live my life. You don't like Cannabis? Then YOU don't smoke it. Me?
- Howard Marks, Concord, NH

I personally dont want it legalized then I would be spending way more by having to pay tax on it.
- Sarah, Nashua, NH

You mean to tell me that there are receptors in the brain that only detect and decipher cannabis? Absolutely nothing else?

Maybe God does indeed want us to get high. By the way. If there are receptors such as this God created them, they didn't evolve. And that I am 100% positive of.

Anyway, I prefer to stay away from things that are illegal, thus not having to worry about the police catching me doing something I could go to jail or pay fines for. Alcohol is legal and as long as I don't drive while under the influence then I'm all set. And when my son does see me drinking a beer I don't have to explain that it's ok to break the law.

As far as law makers or police smoking pot it doesn't say much for their integrity. If they can't be trusted to follow the laws then how can we trust them to enforce the laws or make them.
- Bill, Dunbarton

its too bad that these people think they are doing something important and that the UL is giving them the means to attract attention to themselves.
- steveo, east andover

If you use the mentality that pot is a gateway substance because very few people use other drugs if they've never used pot, try this on for size.

Very few people who do drugs have never drank Coca Cola and NONE have never breathed air. Therefore, according to that logic, Coca Cola and Air are gateway substances.

Personally, I wouldn't use it but it's definitely less harmful than alcohol or cigarettes.
- Shawn, MIlton, NH

Howard Marks...Wow. How many comments have you posted today? Spent all day checking the UL message board to chime in how you're a successful pothead? HAHA.

And give me a break. I spent 4 years at UNH, and you think everyone I went to school with there knew where their drugs were grown? You've got to be kidding me! Get a clue. I only buy drugs made local in NH! They are organic at that!

Of course people can drink and smoke and have it not run their lives. However I know MANY people that put pot as #1 in their life, over paying rent, bills, etc. Anyone who says it isn't addicting has never met anyone addicted to the stuff.
- John, Dover

i love mary jane (:
- courtney, concord

People think that pot is bad, and it's a 'gate-way' drug, and it can cause brain damage, but let me tell you something...it's,...um....wait. What was i talking about again?
- Dan, Manchester

Mike R from Bedford, don't forget to mention the booze in Orwell’s 1984 used to keep the working masses drunk and stupid so they don't rebel or question big brother. The point is prohibition does not work. Any rational individual only needs to look at the black market and gang violence created when booze was outlawed, it’s same thing with weed. It's your choice what gives you a buzz, but throwing rocks from your glass house only makes you a hypocrite.
- Sid V, Plano TX

Tomorrow will be a great time in Keene when the police show up with a van and bust these people that forgot to grow up. Quit smoking weed and being a drag on our society, or at least shut your mouths and do it in the privacy of your own homes.
- Gary, Berlin

I'd rather have someone discuss the politics of pot than their views on 'god', thank you very much.
- JB, NB, NH

LOL
I believe that people need to separate marijuana in their discussion from other more addictive drugs. I class pot as less dangerous than alcohol and only slightly worse than tobacco, caffeine and sugar. I do not believe it is a gateway drug. Cost and availability seem to cause the gate to open to other substances. I believe that the money spent prosecuting and incarcerating users and abusers should be spent treating their medical condition.
I believe everyone should save their seeds and spread them everywhere. When pot became illegal, the most difficult problem was locating and burning all the fields. What would happen if it grew everywhere? And yes, even older, pre-1930's government literature included details on growing and utilizing cannabis. It was a huge cash crop as well as grown in every garden. It was used for nausea, gas, to calm nervous conditions and to aid digestion. Many home remedies contained crushed leaves and tinctures were prepared from seeds, stems and roots.
The reason there are few statistics regarding health effects is no one wants to admit they are users so it is difficult to correlate use to specific diseases. The reason law-breakers have pot in their blood could be that '1 in 3' statistic someone else quoted. If pot were legal, maybe some of these questions would be answered.
Still laughing.
- Mari, Mont Vernon

Having been an alcohol and drug councilor, I am not sure if I want to laugh or cry at the comments of the "legalize marijuana crowd" especially since they base their rational on "the war on drugs is lost and marjuana is no worse then drinking alcohol", etc., etc., etc. Suffice it to say, they know not what they are talking about and their rational is rediculous and irresponsible for what is best for society, a group of students, or individuals. More personally, I have family members and friends who initally used/use marijana. When I compare their lives and their current situations, it is not a happy picture: divoirced/multiple divorices, physically, mentally abused/abuse, aborted/killed children, unemployed/long periods of under or unemployment, irresponsible for life and others, on government aid, have sexually transmitted diseases, ill physically and/or mentally, multiple health issues, uses numerous pharmaceuticals, seek money for relatives and friends, are robbers. The list goes on and on. What is the connection--they opt out to be mentally drugged instead of learning how to face life's issues responsibly. They don't know who they are in Christ for they typically beleive they evolved from apes after a a big bag! With this basic mis belief, they go about their daily lives as if their individual actions don't matter to anyone but themselves--and nothing they do should matter to anyone. With this attitude, they go forward into far less then mediocrity over the course of their lives. Society needs to protect itself against these poor souls and their faulty thinking before it becomes a society of such poor deluded, disillusioned underachieiving souls.
- Jan, Londonderry, NH

Pot isn't a plant. It's a religion. And its disciples can't shut up about it, ever, or fail to interject it into any unrelated conversation.

I dare you to try to talk to a pothead for ten minutes before they mention pot, legalizing, or the benefits of hemp.

Actually, it'd be in the Obama administration's interest to legalize it. Just like "Soma" in Brave New World, they need some way to keep the voters stupid and happy instead of angry because they're paying attention.
- Mike R., Bedford

I can get a bag from over a hundred different people. So people against it are stupid and blind it is everywhere anyway
and you are paying to jail thousands of stoners. I have smoked for forty years
and I will smoke for another forty if I can. Wake up and smell the weed it is in 6 out of 10 houses in america you are out numbered and sheltered get a life and you will see it all over the place. Anyone who leaves the house will see pot within a month. I really don't care if it gets legalized or not I have never in 40 years not been able to get it within an hour. Open your eyes. Oh don't let me forget to mention, I ran the Boston Marathon after smoking a joint " yeah it does so much damage to your cardiovascular system. For those of you against it get a clue for those of you for it god bless America the land of the free.
- Fred, Hillsboro

Bryan S., Colorado.

It isn't researched to it's fullest extent because Big Pharm has too much to lose. As always, just follow the money.
- Tim K, Jaffrey

(1) I've never done illegal drugs. (2) 75% of youth substance abusers come from father absent homes (US CDC) (3) After accounting for population growth, NH's State prison population is over 10-times what it was in 1960, thanks to traditional family destruction via so-called 'no-fault' divorce, etc. (4) The 'Land of the Free' (the U.S.) has 24% of the entire world's prison inmate population (www.worldmapper.org). (5) Make something illegal and increase its potential 'glamour' and its ability to provide lawbreakers with great incomes.
- Mike, Hampton

"Cancer patients should be allowed to smoke medical marijuana which is safer and more effective than many prescription drugs that are known to kill people."

If Marijuana was better than prescription meds, it would already have been in full fledge use in the medical community. They still use morphine, for instance, which is illegal outside of the medical community. If it really was a cure-all, it would have been investigated and applied to the masses. It is getting noticed now because people are pushing for it so hard - but who are we to say that something is better than what is already what is given just because we think it is better?! Yes, there are applications where it seems as if we would benefit, but all that I'm saying is that if it was truly better than what is available then why hasn't it been in mainstream use, being prescribed in pill or injection form from doctors!!!
- Bryan S, Aspen, CO

If the pot industry went legal, our unemployment rate would drop. All the dealers, traffickers and growers could no longer collect unemployment. Win win.
- Steve B, Derry

Smoke it if you've got it. But do it inside your own home. The same goes for drinking alcohol.
- Henri, Milford NH

Oh lighten the HELL up. Pot will be legalized eventually, and I hope it's in NH first before anyplace else.

Yes, if you even DRINK you are a damn hypocrite. Pot is way, way less harmful.
- Jennifer, Brookline

Stephen, the idea that MJ is a gateway drug is a bit of a myth. I've smoked for 22 years and never tried anything harder, not even cigarettes, and I don;t drink either. Munchies are the worst health problem for me.

I haven't read through all the comments, but I'm sure that somewhere here is someone arguing that the money goes to terrorist or some garbage like that. If it was (and I don't believe it does), then legalization would take the money out of their hands and keep it here in the US.
- mike, Manchester NH

I have never once heard a credible argument on why marijuana is illegal in the first place. Please don't start throwing unfounded and false reasons out there, I've heard them all and they've all been proven false. Now, if there were proof and an argument because of lung damage I could at least see some logic in the argument but no one bothers to make that claim. And isn't it a riot that many of those most opposed to legalizing it are the big mouths who whine and cry all the time about personal freedoms or shout 'live free or die' the loudest. What they mean is 'their' freedoms not yours. One more thing, almost to a person, my friends who still like to waste their money on weed are some of the most conservative right wingers that I am personally acquainted with; that's probably why their so politically confused.
- Tom, Dover-Foxcroft, Me.

There is no Jason Hart @ Franklin Pierce in Rindge.
*** Editor's note: You are correct. ***
- myfakename, Keene

- Bill, Dunbarton,

read what you wrote...here is what you said......But don't legalize a bad habit,

Is tobacco and Alcohol not a bad habit? I also wanted to point out that Howard is right. Humans, and reptiles have the Cannabinoid receptors. Bill you need to DO RESEARCH before you make false, and silly stupid statements.
- Chris, Manchester

Putting people in handcuffs for possession and inhalation of a PLANT is just a silly public policy, a waste of time, counterproductive to the goal of curbing drug use/abuse, and a blatant violation of the Law Enforcement Officer's Code of Ethics.

Nothing says respecting someone's liberty like putting them in a cage for possessing a plant.
- Bradley Jardis, Hooksett, NH

Not getting into the debate on the legalization of Marijuana. Just want to point out that the City of Keene has no jurisdiction to overide a state law, so their attempt to decriminalize Marijuana is a moot point! They can't do it!
- DCF, Laconia

People who are at least 18 years old should be treated like adults and not like little children.

The federal government should legalize, regulate, and tax the sale of marijuana for people who are at least 18 years old. Most non violent drug offenders should be released from prison to make more room for violent criminals.

Cancer patients should be allowed to smoke medical marijuana which is safer and more effective than many prescription drugs that are known to kill people.

The federal government should allow farmers to grow hemp. Hemp may be used for food, paper, clothing, and many other things. Many farmers may be more successful. Our country may be able to reduce farm subsidies.
- Ken Stremsky, Manchester, NH

"Councilor Paula-Ayn Phillips said she was afraid backing a resolution or law that decriminalizes marijuana could lead people to not being punished for driving or flying under the influence of drugs or could encourage people like surgeons to operate under the influence."
Well founded concern. That is exactly how alcohol is treated...
- Jeff, Manchester

I support the legalization of marijuana, but it is silly to say that marijuana poses no health risks. To point out one - marijuana smoke contains more carcinogens than tobacco smoke, posing a threat to the respiratory system. There are cardiovascular and psychological/psychiatric risks as well.

Don't believe me, ask the NIH - or ask Bob Marley.
- Tom, Campton

What is really funny here is that as many people that there is that complain about marijuana being a bad thing, this is the one most popular topic for people to comment on here on Union Leader. Everytime marijuana has been in the news there has always been an easy 100+ comments on it. 50+ comments on an article is still rare, but so many people are concerned over this. It's just funny to look at it that way.
- Jared, Manchester

I think if our country legalizes it it will be safer for those who use it. If they sold joints like they sell cigarettes then people wouldnt have to worry if it was laced with anything, the state could make tax money and there will be more room in courts and jails for real criminals. Plus we will put the cartels out of business and can sell to their people, thus bringing more money into our country. Just a thought.
- tracy, manchester

I am shocked, SHOCKED, to hear people are smoking marijuana in Keene.
- Jason, Londonderry

After reading all the comments, I think I am going to smoke with Howard tonight.

Keep the bong warm for me Howie.
- Ben, Manchester

Howard.
Cannabinoid receptors evolved in the brain? Where do you get your information? And I suppose that the fingers evolved to hold a joint? Did special receptors evolve in the brain to enjoy alcohol?

What are you on anyway? Oh, I forgot.
- Bill, Dunbarton

Hey stoners. You must be so proud when you smoke your first joint with your son or daughter. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as the saying goes.

I say all the power to the pot smokers. Do what you may. But don't legalize a bad habit. Keep your denigrating life to yourself.
- Bill, Dunbarton

I am a recovering alcoholic, and personally I am against alcohol or drug use (alcohol really is a drug). Some people can use drugs in safety, but many cannot and there are serious ramifications. Alcohol alone kills more people then all the other "hard" drugs combined every year.

My opinion stated, I think legalizing marijuana is the right thing to do. Making marijuana use a crime, while at the same time having State sponsored liquor stores is nothing but total hypocrisy.

If people want to use and abuse drugs, laws are not going to stop them. Focus on recovery and prevention efforts. To the extent that someone commits a crime while high, well then prosecute that crime. No need to fill the jails with people simply possessing a small bag of weed or a few pills. It is counter productive and does nothing to help soceity.
- Chris, Keene

The 420 smokeoffs are a great example of peaceful civil disobedience.

While no one wants to be arrested, all activists have to be prepared for that possibility, or else when they are confronted by the law enforcers, they will always back down.

When they are arrested, and refuse to do community (slave) service work, or pay fines, I will laugh at the self righteous prohibitionists who whine that their tax money is being wasted, because if they would simply leave pot smokers alone, no tax money would be wasted.

Pot smokers are harmed more from being abruptly arrested, and losing their job, not from smoking, but from being forcibly detained and not being able to call out, or give leave to their employer.
- David K, Keene

Legalize it, tax the heck out of it and BAM!!! You now have some money to offset the cost of universal healthcare.
- Tim, Swanzey

I am entertained by the robotic and knee jerk arguments proffered by those wishing to see pot remain illegal. They are exercises in pure sophistry lacking clarity or rational thought. It has been nearly 90 years since Reefer Madness yet these simpletons are still under its influence. Smoking Marijuana does not make one a "loser," nor does it mean that you will one day be homeless. These are statements made by people who obviously have never tried it themselves. I don't recommend that they do either as they lack the sophistication to handle it and would be horrible to smoke with. The suggestion that surgeons would be somehow encouraged to smoke pot while conducting surgery is laughable, an insult to those in the medical community and doesn't warrant a response. Just because something is legal doesn't mean that it's appropriate under any and all circumstances. To those lamenting the plight of people caught in the crossfire of drug wars....use your brain. Why is their violence? There is violence because that is the only way to regulate criminal enterprises, please refer to a Scorcese film for reference material. Why is it a criminal enterprise? Criminalization of substances drives their trade underground where they cannot be regulated by legal means and worst of all, creates a far more lucrative market for them, making it a worthwhile venture for those willing to take the risk. The War on Drugs was a fallacy from the start, dreamed up in the gentrified homes of the white bred elite whose information about the world traveled through the filter of sensationalized news channels who saw it as an easy way to secure votes for their political endeavors. Face facts folks, half the country wants their pot. As long as demand exists there WILL be a supplier. Have we learned nothing from the last century? It is simple minded wishful thinking with a liberal dose of hubris to believe that we can destroy the demand and/or the supply. Legalize it, it's a plant and it brings joy to many many people. The suffering it brings is a side effect of its legal status, not the effects of the drug itself. Legalization isn't an admission of defeat, it is an acceptance of rational thought, sound reasoning and the wisdom to recognize that there are some things we cannot defeat, but that we can manage.
Legalize it.
- Sean, Manchester

ANNUAL AMERICAN DEATHS CAUSED BY DRUGS

TOBACCO ........................ 400,000
ALCOHOL ........................ 100,000
ALL LEGAL DRUGS .............20,000
ALL ILLEGAL DRUGS ..........15,000
CAFFEINE .........................2,000
ASPIRIN ...........................500
MARIJUANA ...................... 0

Now if you wanna argue that the Mexican's are dieing and there police are affraid. Then legalize marijuana and that violence will stop. You can reproduce plants quicker to make HEMP rope which is stronger then any other rope out there. you can make paper out of hemp, you can tax all products of Marijuana and Hemp. You can make clothes out of it. All of which creates jobs for those people out there on unemployment and who are having a hard time finding a job in this economy.
- Joey G, Manchester

Hi Barry--yes--I vaporize in front of my spouse. Did I mention that we are both professionals and our annual household income is over $200k? Yeah--we're a couple of losers, even though we've been happily, faithfully married for over a decade and have the respect and love of our families and peers. Cannabis isn't the bogeyman--ignorance, blind faith and fear are the problem.
- Howard Marks, Concord, NH

If the police aren't going to enforce this law, I think I'm going to start ignoring other laws, too.

Why should we follow laws if they don't have to?
- Dave Sims, Derry

I spent one year of my adult life in Anchorage Alaska when marijuana was legal and one year when it was illegal. prior to being illegal there was no crime associated with marijuana. There was no associated cost to taxpayers. When it became illegal, thanks to pressure from the federal government, Alska police had to divert a protion of their efforts and financial resources to battling the "pot smokers"

This rationale behind marujuana and all drug prohibition is one near and dear to liberal hearts: shared responsibility. Yes, the same words now found in everyone of the proposed healthcare bills has been growing like an unseen cancer in these United States, including New Hampshire. If instead we had personal responsibility, marijuana would not be a problem, either financially or criminally.

Anyone who uses illegal drugs could cost taxpayers significant money, though the war on Americans with drugs, incarceration, rehabilitation and many more each of you can think of. All of these are shared responsibility values. Each of us individually needs to be responsible. Then if someone is negatively affected by marijuana or any other drug, it is their problem as a result of a choice they made. If the looney left gets their national socialist healthcare wishes it is similarly in the best interest "of the people" to outlaw alcohol, tobacco and sugary foods. Anyone ever hear of freedom or liberty? It means allowing others to do as THEY choose even when you disagree as long as it doesn't cost you money or harm you. In this case, taking away the ability to choose, costs everyone of us dearly.
- Michael Layon, Derry

I only have a couple things to day.

1. Many are right, pot has not killed ONE person. Alcohol killed my father, at 39.

2. I know millionaires who have smoked ALL their lives, daily. Many who don't get out in this world or who have a blind fold on constantly don't realize just WHO does smoke pot. I know people being treated for depression, who got NO WHERE with LEGAL antidepressants, who now smoke pot, with NO antidepressants, and are doing better than they have in YEARS.

I personally don't smoke it. I did years ago, never got into fights, never got into trouble and if I were told "you can pick one thing your child can do (who by the way are both over 18) it's pot or alcohol, which would you prefer....I would say 100% pot. It's not addictive, it doesn't make people violent.

The drug war money is being spent on a harmless weed, that grows NATURALLY, when all that money SHOULD be spent on getting the
Crack
Cocaine
Meth
Vicodin (legal)
Oxy (legal)
and what ever else is out there OFF the streets. THOSE are the drugs killing people, those are the drugs ruining marriages (my BF lost her marriage to her pain killer addicted husband, who's doctor has YET to stop prescribing it after 3 years)

Wake up
Get the facts

Pot is more harmless than anything else out there, heck....even cough syrup!
- m1e1b1s1, Claremont, nh

Actually Deb, my comments are quite accurate. The low-quality product being smuggled in from Mexico primarily ends up in the inner city urban areas and in the hands of the black marketeers. There isn't a single Cannabis smoker that I have met in the last decade in NH--and that is more than a few--that feeds into this vicious cycle. They know the grower, and that person is just as likely to be your neighbor, growing a few lbs a year and supplying medical grade Cannabis at reasonable prices to safe, responsible users. I personally know of a dozen growers, and every one holds a full time, professional job, and every one is a victim of the outdated laws--laws that were created on behest of the paper industry and remain in place at the demand of the pharmaceutical lobby. Cannabis is one of the oldest medicinal substances known to man. Did you realize that humans evolved to have cannabinoid receptors in our brain? Have you read any of the non-government funded studies and their findings? Cannabis truly could be THE prize of the field of ethnobotany.

It's time to stop punishing people for victimless crimes. Legalize Cannabis, regulate its cultivation and usage, and educate PROPERLY.
- Howard Marks, Concord, NH

If marijuana becomes legal, it will become a non-issue drug and then the high school/college students will look for something to smoke/use that is illegal. They like the risk and the rebellion of it all. Keep the standard high instead of constantly lowering it! Jason Hart needs to step back and quit smoking long enough to see how incredibly ironic it is that he is studying Criminal Justice and breaking the law at the same time. That's not the kind of law enforcement that I want in the future.
- Crystal, Keene NH

Teach your children well, set a good example with your own use of alcohol and tobacco, and keep communication open regarding all such issues and your children will be fine Lynn.
What they are doing in Keene is nothing new. In the mid 70's "Classical Steps" at Central High was in a daily cloud of pot smoke. (I was always so relaxed in Geometry class on breezy days.) Many highly functioning and highly respected adults sat on those steps as students.
I agree with Harry, we've lost enough in tax revenue. We need to reduce the deficit. Why let the dealers get rich with out taxation.
I have no idea of what people pay now, but I'm sure it's more than $20 an OZ. A pack of cigarettes cost $7 and people still pay it. Why should society judge how people ruin thier bodies and minds? That is their problem. I just say Tax it!
- Kat, Raymond

Just want to weigh in...For those of you upstanding citizens who smoke pot...Do you do it in front of your spouse or kids? Probably not...because its wrong and you probably don't want them doing it.

Alcohol is not the problem, abuse of it is. I enjoy a cold beer for the taste, not to get drunk, I'd get on with my life it alcohol wasn't legal. People smoke weed to get HIGH.

And the statement of not wanting to ruin a 17 year old's one bad moment of indiscretion, well I don't think our stoners on the common are having one bad moment of indiscretion.

When it comes to this argument, the pro-weed people are always saying they are not violent, but when you check the blood of many DUI's or violent criminals they have it in their blood. The principle of the laws are to keep order...if someone is ok with breaking the law, then who is to say they won't commit a worse crime or start trying a harder drug?

I believe marijuana is a gateway drug. Decriminalize it and you will see more younger kids using it beacuse they are led to believe it isn't that bad and then our methadone clinics will start filling up...
- Barry Watkins, Nashua

Nice to see, and totally necessary. The insane war on drugs is a total failure and is hypocrisy to the extreme. Alcohol is a legal deadly and addictive drug - far more dangerous than pot. Overdose on on alcohol and you can end up dead. Overdose on pot and you might end up at Taco Bell.

When the police and the conservative Union Leader jump on the bandwagon, you know the days are numbered. Americans have always loved mind altering substances, mostly the deadly drug alcohol. Pot gives people a far far safer alternative, and legalization will save billions in wasted enforcement and incarceration. As the largest cash crop in America, we are missing out on a huge revenue stream. The state of New Hampshire has no problem selling the deadly drug alcohol right on the highways where a drunk driver kills someone every 45 minutes in America(13,000 deaths per year).

It's way past time to wake up and smell the herb. The phony, holier than puritans out there need to take a look around - they are the minute minority who don't use some type of substance, and sorry folks, last time I checked - majority still rules.
- pd, Manchester, NH

Jim in Manchester--WRONG--I can guarantee you that the vast bulk of Cannabis consumed in NH is HOMEGROWN and not part of the violent equation that you are referencing. Not to point it out, but you did just provide one of the main justifications for decriminalization of Cannabis. But you knew that didn't you?
- Howard Marks, Concord, NH

LOL Howard. If what you claim is true then the further south of NH you went the easier it would be to grow marijuana and that would mean that all those drug cartels who do kill people and sell their drugs to children would be out of business.

Jim in Manchester is 100% correct in saying that those who buy the drugs here in AMERICA supply the money to those with blood on their hands. What the legalization crowd wants is to invite those people into government, if we have not already.

And if you took the handcuffs off people like me I'd be willing to bet I could make the drug cartels disappear and win the war on drugs. They owe me a sister.
- Deb, Derry

However you stand on this issue, I'm sure most of us agree that putting anywhere close to a million people behind bars every year for violating marijuana laws in just wrong. That's the current system and it clearly doesn't help the situation.
- Keith, Keene

For Fred Walker-i think cigarette smoke odor is obnoxious, why don't we make those illegal too?
- Erin, Manchester

Then Erin lets make pot legal, turn the dealers with blood on their hands into businessmen, tax the living hell out of it so only the rich can afford it, make it hard for those who buy it to have a place to smoke it and treat them like jerks in society. Just like the plight of the tobacco smoker.

If you really want to join that club be my guest. In the end the only one to profit and squander the money will be government. The people will grow yet poorer and half our work force will be half baked. But the scary part is they will be voting while stoned.
- Deb, Derry

Oh, silly, silly, silly potheads. Is anyone else sick of being lectured about what's "right" about pot use by teens and kids in their 20s?

Pot was a gateway drug for many people throughout the past few decades. Don't deny it. Stop lying about it. Stop pretending it's as harmless as candy. As any addict and he or she will say that the pot "high" wasn't enough for them and they went on to other, more potent drugs. (That's the "gateway.")

Pot has not proven use, medically, either. The entire medical community, while interested in studying THC further (and that's great) TOTALLY deny that smoked pot, or any smoked substance, is an effective drug. It's blatantly obvious that this is a cover argument for total legalization, which these loons in Keene freely admit. Maybe they were high when they let the strategy slip.
- Stephen, Manchester

Andy, Wentworth

That is probably the funniest thing I have read in days.
- Ben, Manchester

Melvin,keene. I agree, where to start. I think I would start by arresting everyone smoking in the picture, and on the Common. Until the laws are changed, they are breaking the law, period ! Now they are flaunting it in everyone's faces, LOOK, I'm above the law because I disagree with it. Even more to the point, "it's totally meaningless," said Greenwald". Even after the 3 or 4 meetings discussing this, it will be still against the law. We need politicians working on issue's that matter. Issues that concern the majority of the people they represent. We can't get Gov. Lunch to make good sound decision's, why hold our local leader's accountable for there actions either.
- C Mac, Allenstown

Jim in Manchester--WRONG--I can guarantee you that the vast bulk of Cannabis consumed in NH is HOMEGROWN and not part of the violent equation that you are referencing. Not to point it out, but you did just provide one of the main justifications for decriminalization of Cannabis. But you knew that didn't you?
- Howard Marks, Concord, NH

I am so sick of people saying that they are at work during that time and these people must not work and are lazy bums. NOT EVERYONE WORKS 9 TO 5 PEOPLE.What about all the people who work other nights or weekends? There are EMTs, police officers, nurses, etc. that smoke pot and they don't work Mon. - Fri, 9 to 5. Stop putting everyone in a catetgory just because they arn't luck enough to have your day jobs. Someone has to take 911 calls, treat drunks at 2 am, etc. Is it ever the stoners that call 911 because of fights, etc. or go to the hospital for smoking too much pot? No, it's the people who drink.
Just saying....
- Alice, Epsom

Nice criminal justice major! His future employment prospects are bright.
- Jay, Dublin

"Captain America" Stoddard,

You are one scary individual.
- Tim K, Jaffrey

"we're out here chilling, doing our thing. No one's gotten hurt. There's no fights, no car crashes, no one's died"

Wrong! Tell that to the people in Juarez, MX. The police are scared to come out of their fort and defend the people down there because the drug runners own the town and kill who ever gets in their way. There IS blood all over your joint before its even rolled DUDE! And you paid for the gun.
- Jim, Manchester

TO ACE,

tell me how you justify calling these kids loser's, and saying they are going to be homeless in a couple years? Almost all the people I know who smoke it, have full time jobs (and have had them for a long time) graduated high school (with good grades) and pay taxes. So please tell me how you can say they will be homeless. When I see a homeless man on the streets, and let's say I give him $5, what is he going to go buy? A joint? Nope. BEER. Tabacco kill's more people in the U.S.A then anything else. That include's, but is not limited to, murder, and suicide COMBINED. Get a clue.
- Chris, Manchester

So much anger in these comments. What's wrong with leaving peaceful people alone? It's not just dummies that get high - doctors, lawyers, businesspeople - I've met all sorts of cannabis consumers in my life.

Crack down and lock 'em up - that will make their lives better! It sure has done a lot to stop drug use.

Oh, wait. No it hasn't. The war on drugs has done far more damage to people's lives than the actual drugs themselves.
- Ian Freeman, Keene

Give it a rest with your denigrating comments Bill from Dunbarton. Useless comments like that distract from the dialogue that is long overdue.
- Howards Marks, Concord, NH

Chris from Manchester - way to prove a point while making your argument. Maybe you should go after a law degree. You'd make as good of a lawyer as Mr. Hart will a cop.
- Mason, Bedford, NH

i cant believe some of your comments. why dont you go down to your local state run liquor store and watch the alcoholics legally purchase their painkillers. i wouldnt be surprised if some of you goofballs with your judgemental attitudes and idiot responses are just those people. sitting on your high horse judging someone who smokes pot and sitting in your fat chair with your fat belly hanging out drinking your vodka. the war on drugs failed as our courts and lawyers would be out of work or didnt you know that. plus the most evil drug of all is alcohol incase anyone here has not noticed. get real and shut your pie hole if you dont know what your talking about. i would much rather hang out with a pothead than someone who has had even a few drinks any old day.
- sharon a, springfield vermont

What a bunch of stoners.
- Bill, Dunbarton

Alton Jen--I've personally smoked with federal agents, local and state police and prominent members of both legislative and the judicial branches of NH's government. Also--guidance counselors and the principals of several schools in the state. It is well past time to accept that the perceived social stigma of Cannabis is a smokescreen. I smoke pot, and I volunteer. I smoke pot and I pay my taxes. I smoke pot and I vote. I smoke pot and I'm your neighbor.
- Howard Marks, Concord, NH

Its not actually the legalization of pot that should be the story here, its the public consumption. I dont do drugs and with children, I certainly hope they choose not to with the right guidance from us. That being said, would it be ok to drink alchohol and have sex in this park, both legal at this time? What you do at home is really none of my business, what you do in public in front of me and my family certainly is. These guys should be locked up and charged accordingly.
- John M, McLean VA

All of you whining class prohibitionists need to get used to the fact that more than 1 in every 3 American citizens do or have smoked grass at one point in their lives. This includes your doctor, your teacher, your neighbors, your parents and your children, your Olympic heroes, your artists and the engineers that built your cities.

I applaud those that take action against unjust laws. Civil disobedience is as patriotic as America gets. Sheeple need not apply.

Sign me, a professionally employed, highly educated, property-owning, voting, married, taxpaying, clean record, pot smoker. There are more of us than you think, and more of us in important positions than you'll ever be able to wrap your heads around. And we're tired of hiding in the shadows of your ignorance.
- Howard Marks, Concord, NH

We have a proud tradition of civil disobedience, but it's breathtaking how many people don't know the first thing about persuasion. Members of the Free State Project recently had a chance to gain a single-issue ally on free speech; instead, they bring their handguns to scare people and make a DIFFERENT point. The last time I met Free Staters, one had a T-Shirt taking a militant pro-Israel stand. Fine, but stay on message! Do any of the kids in this article understand the futility of persuading people to change the law by displaying their contempt for it?

Dittoes on the stupidity of a college student pursuing a career in law enforcement getting headlines for breaking a law; kudos for Officer Parsells for seeing the difference between the minor harm of smoking and the major harm of Prohibition, and boos to the bloggers here who suggest that fellow citizens have a duty to pursue productivity over recreation, to set a good example for your kids, to reform their lives according to your values, and to save you from unpleasant odors. You are the constituency of tyrants, and we have many these days.
- Spike, Brentwood NH

They make pot smoking legal, then our kids will take it to next level and so on. Drug dealers need to make money, and there we have more issues. I feel there shouldnt be a law for pot smoking. Plus I dont want to see my kids looking stupid all the time.
- Lynn, Keene

Like the ex policeman said, decriminalization makes sense. Prohibition didn't work for alcohol and it's not working for marijuana. We've wasted billions of dollars that could be better spent on things like health care. Make marijuana legal and crime will go down because folks can grown their own pot openly.
- Dan, Manchester

Back in the 30's, prohibition got us nowhere. Now, liquor is legal (thank God). The same should be said for drugs. I know, most people would say it's insanity to let drugs become legal. But, the war on drugs is getting us nowhere. Legalizing drugs would end the criminal entities and killings that have gone on for decades. If someone wants to shoot up heroine, smoke some weed, snort cocaine, I'm all for it. Just as long as they are aware of the consequences. That's true freedom.
- Paul, Merrimack

I agree with Alan. You're not allowed to consume alcohol outside of restaurants/bars or your home and to me pot should be categorized as thus. Smoke responsibly!! You can learn a lot from a dummy..
- Alex, Manchester

Legalize it, tax it, and regulate it like alcohol.

Think of the revenue marijuana would generate.
- Harry, Atkinson

I will start this statement with my stance on the subject - all for medical use, don't approve of it just to put yourself in an altered state - especially if you plan to drive or do something that will potentially endanger others.

They are not hippies, they are druggies. It has polluted their minds into thinking this will not bite them in the arse later in life. It's still illegal and since no one paid attention to their illegal behavior in the park, they notified the press. Now the police will be far more diligent in cleaning up the parks for the families who should be able to use them without the kids witnessing illegal behaviors.
The kid going for his criminal justice degree - Yup, this won't affect your career at all, will it....! Cleanse these pollutants out of your brain and you will see how ridiculous your thought process is to the rest of us!
- Catherine, Auburn

To All,

You people need to open your eye's. Tell me what exactly is wrong with pot anyway? I really want to know how many of you smoke cigg's or drink beer? Butt's and beer the two number one killers in america today. Tell me how many death's are recorded in history that are the result of smoking pot? NONE. I'm not saying go smoke in the middle of town like these kids, but smoking in your home, is not harming anyone so whats the big deal?

I dont see how we can have alcohol, and tobacco leagal, but not pot. It makes no sense, and peope like to make seem like pot is way worse than both. WRONG. Do some research and get that facts before you start making false statments about people who consume it. I work everyday, I pay my taxes, I support my wife and child, and at the end of the day if I want to enjoy a joint, or pipe, who the heck are you people to say no? On a final note tell me this, how many case's have you seen where a man consume's to much pot, come's home and beat's his wife? NOT ONCE. Now how about with alcohol? ALL THE TIME.....get a clue people.
- Chris, Manchester

Kathy of manchester I'm right with you on this matter. I sure hope he finds a new job field rather than on that children my look up to.
- Lory, goffstown

Mr. Hart - Nice photograph! As a CJ major I wish you the best in your career endeavors! Let's just hope your future employer doesn't Google your name...
- Scott, Merrimack

What is a wigger?
- Andy, Wentworth

- Ted, Manchester

i bet they could spell border, correctly, though.
- scott, chichester

It's only a matter of time. Get used to that thought.
- DM, Hampton

I think it's wonderful that all the idiots gather together in one place. I like to drive by them and tell my kids, "See, kids? That's what losers look like. Those are the people that will be homeless in a few years. They're the ones you'll be providing sandwiches to at the Community Kitchen soon." It's so much easier than having to drive all over town looking to point out what NOT to become.
- Ace, Keene

Where is Keene's finest while these morons are lighting up? They stopped my daughter for riding her bicycle on the sidewalk in Keene and threatened her with a fine yet these derelicts are smoking joints without any consequence?
- andy, londonderry

I think that in small amounts, it should be legal. Marijuana is no worse than alcohol, and yet, it alcohol is legal. I challenge any of you to find a case of someone dying from marijuana poisoning.

For Fred Walker-i think cigarette smoke odor is obnoxious, why don't we make those illegal too?
- Erin, Manchester

Do any of these dope smoking dimwits have jobs? At the time of day that Cheech, Chong, and the rest of these losers get together to try and kill off whatever brain cells they have left, I am at work. And I'm sure some of my tax dollars pay for the welfare checks that these morons get and turn around and buy weed with.
I live close enought to Keene to have to go there with my family during the week. Why do I have to risk my family's safety being in a town where you have dope smokers on the loose? Do they drive after all this nonsense.
The Keene PD needs to lock these bums up!!! And a little visit from "Mr. Shocky" would probably be in order as well. Maybe doing the "Tazer 2 Step" would bring these worthless potheads back to reality.
- Captain America, Stoddard NH

David in Keene.. Yes, you can get it from the police.. They can get it the same place they get their pot.. From the Evidence Room!
- AB, Manchester

What those pushing the idea of legalized drugs fail to mention is that most drugs were already legal in this country and the reason there are laws prohibiting their use was because of the negative effects it had on society. So this is not a new idea but an old idea that did not work then either wrapped up in a new package to target the young or dumb.

The other thing they never mention is who will pay for the treatment of the addicts when the time comes. Like everything else they want the right to do the drugs but if things turn bad there will be no personal responsibility by the users and the tax payer will most likely pick up the tab for their medical bills or drug treatment. Freedom is also owning ones choices unless of course you’re in the fantasy world of drug use.

If the pot heads want legal pot then make it legal for them to grow a few plants for their own self use but with stiff penalties for anyone giving or selling it to minors. That way we can keep our government from being the nation’s drug dealer and the corruption that will come with it.
- Deb, Derry

Here's to hoping the Keene Police do their job today at 4:20...and also hoping that Parsells is amoungstt them...
- David, Merrimack

Hmmmm, former police officer Parcells says things used to be black and white when he was a cop but now "It's more a hazy gray" mmmmm, I'm just sayin'. The Keene PD may want to check the evidence locker. Kathy in Manchester, thanks for a LOL!
- Allan, Rochester

Kevin, before you champion a cause check to make sure you're not high before commenting. I'm not even sure what you're trying to say in your last two sentances. But just to let you know the baby boomers (I am not one) were starting this movement long before you were able to put your stoner babble into broken sentances.

I also love Andy comparing smoking pot to eating a salad, yeah kind of the same idea right?

Muni's comparison to Vietnam is also a classic touch. When you run out of valid reasons, just name Vietnam and make a loose poorly connected comparison.

With this all-star team on board people will have no choice but to see the light and legalize it. Great job guys!
- Frank, Manchester

I'm sure at the two for one drink happy hour at the "Have another Drink Pub", all the guys at the bar are outraged.
- tom, manchester,nh

If I need a permit to burn leaves or even twigs on my own property, what gives them the right to stink up the center of a City? Why should I have to breath their second hand smoke and my kids as well?
- Randy Kangas, New Ipswich

Franklin Pierce College Tuition... $40K
Daily trip to Keene with Oz bag... $100
Having this loser out of the house... priceless
mom and dad must be so proud
say good bye to your criminal justice degree
- rich v, manchester

"Councilor Paula-Ayn Phillips said she was afraid backing a resolution or law that decriminalizes marijuana could lead people to not being punished for driving or flying under the influence of drugs or could encourage people like surgeons to operate under the influence."

That is a stupid statement since we already have laws on the books for driving while impaired. As far as the surgeon goes, that is malpractice HELLO!.

If these kids were drinking at the town square wouldn't they get busted? If Marijuana is legalized they would be restrictions. We have restrictions on smoking and drinking already with age limits. This story is "egg of over the faces" of the Keene PD for not enforcing existing laws.

Jason Hart the criminal justice major will have fun getting a job in the "criminal justice business" after a his picture is now all over the net smoking a dube.
- Chris, Merrimack

This decriminalization resolution is not so great for us that haven't smoked for decades because we no longer have a source for the weed.
So where can I get this stuff, from the city counselors or the police?
- David, Keene

As for the clogging up the prisons issue, we don't need to stick these dimwits in a cell. Give them a year of supervised community service in lieu of prison. We could use some of these clowns to pick up litter along the roadsides, to shovel out hydrants in the winter, etc.
- Brian, Farmington

At 4:20 I am working...supporting idiots like this I suppose.

If smoking drugs in public is one of your bigger concerns, you either need to get a life or a job.
- John, Dover

What a bunch of losers! Parsells has lost it! If all potheads stopped for a year the problem in Mexico and the boarder would stop. The State Police need to clean up Keene because the Keene PD only want to run radar traps. They have no interest in stopping drugs.
- Ted, Manchester

Ahhhhh, where to start with this news article? I'm not sure I have enough time to post all of my thoughts, so I'll just leave a few.

I'm not sure why a retired police officer would take the position that he has except to say that it is contemporary and popular right now. I guess he may have forgotten all of the damage done to society by drugs and the violence it leaves. Maybe he just wants to be known, who knows, maybe run for another political office.

If one wants to see the damage done to our society by drugs, just check out the great photos in this article. While other parents have sons and daughters fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan and all over the world, these fine specimens of humanity are lighting up marijuana in the town square! Mom and dad must be so proud!


In the meantime our illustrious City Council has the time to debate a useless resolution while our property taxes continue to skyrocket because they can't control spending.

Is it possible that our city council is on drugs and that is why they don't know how to use the subtraction function in our city budget? Hmmmmmm
- Melvin, Keene

Yeah. And that leaves more room out in public for Jacob, me and all of our close minded, shallow, behind the times buds to work hard to pay our taxes, to pay the wages of our local police and federal agencies, to waste more money and effort fighting a losing battle against drugs and hopefully mess up the lives of a few people who were careless enough to choose a drug other than alcohol to. Come on Jacob, Let's go get eeeemmmmm!!!
- Marc, Manchester

The odor is obnoxious, so why should others have to endure it?
- Fred Walker, Keene, NH

this should have been done years ago.
this has passed in Ma, so why not here.
It would reduce imate overcrowding. let the REAL criminals be in jail.
how does the saying go, "everything is fine in moderation"
- c colby, pembroke

The war on drugs has failed. Just like the war in Vietnam, it will take several more years, thousands of casualties and billions of dollars before the war-lovers will admit it.
- Muni, Manchester

Hey Jason, if that FPU Criminal Justice degree is leading you towards a career as a police officer, parole officer, or lawyer, having your picture on the UL smoking pot might not be your wisest career move. I'm just sayin'.

Not that smoking pot affects your judgement skills or anything....
- Kathy, Manchester

@ Jacob,

Yeah, because utilizing plant material makes people unfit to society.

Ever smoke tobacco? Eat a salad? Do you live in a house made of wood?

Or maybe it's the intoxication that bugs you. I hope you've never gotten drunk, or else you're a hypocrite.
- Andy, Manchester

Well, at least you are carrying on the traditional baby boomer trait of being a loser. Ever notice how it is MOSTLY your male friends that are out of a job, I didn't think so. Have fun in la la land. SMOKE!
- Kevin, Portsmouth, NH

I could support the use of cannibas for MEDICINAL purposes, only. If it helps those suffering, who could or would argue against? Might also agree that the sentencing laws, as written now related too, are perhaps, stringent. However, I draw a line with recreational use, and those mopes in this article are a perfect example of why I wont budge in this regard. Until the laws are changed, it is illegal.

Have to wonder, also.... does Mr. Greazzo, the aldermanic candidate from Ward 10 in Manchester partake in the "4:20?" In Keene, or elsewhere? His advocacy for the legalization of the weed (in the past, I should note) goes beyond "medicinal" purposes. What surprises more is that it was a Democratic majority in Concord that rallied for the medicinal use of cannibas, and Phil is a Republican!?! Ideology aside, politics is a funny and strange game.

If these folks in Keene want to change or advocate for change in the laws concerning the use of cannibas, the example given above is not the avenue to travel, despite the words of Councilman Parcells, respectfully.
- Sean O, Manchester

Arrest these clowns! I'm all for legalizing Marijuana possession and use...as long as there are limitations similar to alcohol.

I don't want to walk by someone in the park smoking a joint, but if they want to smoke it in their own home, more power to 'em.
- Alan, Haverhill

These are exactly the people you DON'T want publicizing the issue if you're pro-legalization.
- Jim Wilson, Manchester