People again lit up for marijuana legalization in Keene’s Central Square Friday in a protest that’s given new meaning to the word “grassroots.”
Drivers honked. A sign proclaimed pot safer than prison. Even the soldier statue in Central Square got into the act with a sign that read “4:20 Everyday.”
During the ganja-happy gathering that’s recently become a daily event downtown, people congregate to smoke at 4:20 p.m., a number identified with the marijuana subculture.
“It started as two guys just smoking a joint every day. … I’m ecstatic about the way it’s turned out,” said Richard G. Paul, 40, of Keene, who said he was one of the event’s originators.
Surprised by how quickly these lone tokers multiplied this week, Paul said the rally’s purpose is “to point out to people that the war on drugs is a war on peaceful people.” (more…)
KEENE – Anti-drug-law advocates were out once again yesterday afternoon, and while some came dressed in costume, masked and with bongos, one left town square in handcuffs.
Jason Hart, 20, of Troy was arrested at a pro-marijuana rally by Troy police on a warrant for receiving stolen goods from an incident about a month ago, said Troy officer David Ellis.
“It had nothing to do with the meeting they were having in the square,” Ellis said. “It was on a totally unrelated warrant.” Although Ellis did say he was tipped off to Hart’s whereabouts from media coverage of the rallies. Hart is being held on $10,000 cash bail.
“He’s really not a bad kid,” Ellis said. “Actually, he autographed (more…)
KEENE, N.H. — About 80 people rallied in Keene on Friday, as they had earlier in the week, to advocate for decriminalizing marijuana.
The rallies this week began at 4:20 p.m., a time popularly associated with using marijuana. Police kept their distance, deciding to let the protests play out without arrests or confrontations.
Many of the demonstrators in the town’s central square were smoking cigarettes, cloves and, in some cases, what appeared to be marijuana. (more…)
Thanks to the Keene Sentinel’s Casey Farrar for this story:
What began earlier this week with two friends smoking marijuana in Keene’s Central Square has become a steadily growing group that drew a crowd of more than 70 people Thursday afternoon.
Some of those gathered called themselves protestors for the legalization of marijuana, others said they just showed up to join in and smoke marijuana. Several said they plan to be back on the square this afternoon — at 4:20 p.m.
The number 420 is used in the drug subculture to represent marijuana smoking.
The crowd Thursday began trickling in shortly after 4 p.m. Several people carried handmade signs in favor of legalizing marijuana with phrases such as “My body my choice: Legalize drugs,” and “Leaf Us Alone.”
Thanks to the Union Leader’s Melanie Plenda for 
