Jim Johnson’s trial for “disorderly conduct” is on 2010-05-24 at 08:15 in Nashua District Court (25 Walnut Street, Nashua, NH). Lauren Canario’s trial is on 2010-06-28 at 13:00. And Big Mike’s trial is on 2010-07-23 at 11:00.

• 2010-04-18: Nashua, NH Police launch round-up of free staters
• 2010-04-20: Pot protest held outside NH Statehouse
• 2010-04-21: Marijuana rally unencumbered: Police steer clear of smoking crowd
• 2010-04-21: Pot protesters smoke, speak

Both Jim Johnson and Big Mike were arraigned today in Nashua. Big Mike was given cash-only bail, and refuses to pay anything to the government, so he is still being held at the Hillsborough County Jail on Valley Street in Manchester; Jim was released on personal recognizance and is now free pending trial.

Big Mike’s trial will be on 2010-05-17 in Nashua District Court. Jim Johnson’s trial will be on 2010-05-24.

Several protests took place in front of the jail in Manchester until Big Mike was released on 2010-05-03.

The Nashua Telegraph has more: “Two more arrested over pot protest.”

“Big Mike” has now been arrested on “disorderly conduct” charges stemming from the Nashua 4:20 rally. Manchester police came to his apartment around 11:45 on Saturday and threatened to kick down the door if he didn’t go with them. He has refused bail, and his arraignment will be at 08:15 on Monday in Nashua District Court, although this information is not confirmed at this point.

The Nashua Police can be contacted at +1.603.594.3500. Nashua PD records all their calls: Therefore there is no expectation of privacy, so you do not have to notify them that you are recording them if you are. The public relations/media officer is Lt. Raymond McDannell.

The District Court is not open on the weekend, but can be contacted at +1.603.880.3333 from 08:00 to 16:00 on Monday through Friday.

After Jim Johnson’s arrest yesterday, it is now apparent they are going after prominent activists who participated in the 4:20 rallies. If you were at the rallies, especially if you interacted with police or acted as an organizer, be sure to have your cameras and Porc411 ready over the next few days in case they come to arrest you next.

UPDATE: As of 2010-04-19, Big Mike has been arraigned and will remain in jail pending trial on 2010-05-17.

Around 20:00 on 2010-04-16, Jim Johnson was arrested in Winchester on a warrant for disorderly conduct at one of the Nashua 4:20 rallies. They are holding him in the Cheshire County Jail, presumably pending an arraignment on Monday. That he was arrested late on Friday is probably no coincidence.

Apparently Lauren Canario was also on the warrant but she has not been arrested.

The jail can be contacted at +1.603.399.7794, and the police department that arrested him is State Police Troop C, who can be reached at +1.603.358.3333.

As of Saturday, Jim was being held in the “bubble” room for refusing to process completely. Currently he can see but is unable to speak to visitors. They have told him nothing about how long he will be there or why they are holding him.

UPDATE: As of 2010-04-19, Jim has been released from jail.

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“Would you smoke a bowl for freedom?”

After years spent engaging the political process, fighting not just for legalization but simply for decriminalization and medical marijuana, it should be apparent to all that the politicians of New Hampshire have no intention of listening to reason.

Instead, we must demonstrate to all that we will not be intimidated by their words on paper. As peaceful people we refuse to submit to their violent rule of law. As Penn Jillette said, “Fighting for freedom is a losing battle. Taking liberty is what real Americans do.”

Let us take our liberty. Join us on the lawn of the State Capitol building as we celebrate our rights as free people! Bring some friends, some bud, and a revolutionary spirit.

Invite your friends to our Facebook event!

Date: Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Time: 4:20 PM
Place: State House lawn (107 N. Main St., Concord)

The Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 5–0 to recommend rejection of HB1653, this year’s attempt at marijuana decriminalization. Committee members claimed that since the Governor is threatening a veto anyway, there’d be no point in passing the bill. The bill is yet to be voted on by the full Senate, but with a unanimous recommendation from the committee, it’s unlikely that the bill will be anything but killed. The bill had previously passed the House with a 214–137 vote. The Eagle-Tribune has the full story.

This vote comes a mere six days before the planned 420 at 4:20 on 4/20 rally on the State House lawn.

Obscured Truth Network

• 2010-03-23: Nashua police attack freedom celebration

The Ridley Report

• 2010-04-09: Marijuana mom: Cops singled out my son in Nashua
• 2010-04-08: Drug bust sparks more drug use
• 2010-04-06: N.H. narcs surveille drenched marijuana rally (2/2)
• 2010-04-06: N.H. marijuana activists re-unite with detainees
• 2010-04-01: N.H. narcs surveille drenched marijuana rally (1/2)
• 2010-03-30: Qik – Marijuana civil dis resumes in Nashua
• 2010-03-23: Nashua PD resumes marijuana busts (Curtis’ arrest)
• 2010-03-23: Marijuana supporters converge on N.H. narc

Thanks to Ian Freeman and Free Keene for pointing out this article for us:—

The Growth Operation for Freedom

By James B. Schlessinger Jr., Cannabis Culture – Friday, April 9 2010

Activists from Keene, New Hampshire are working to create more liberty by challenging and bringing attention to absurd and outlandish laws.

Activists from Keene, New Hampshire are working to create more liberty by challenging and bringing attention to absurd and outlandish laws.

The scene is Keene, New Hampshire, and our intrepid hero is one Mr. Andrew Carroll. Amid a gathering of friends and onlookers, this brave soul held aloft a piece of plant matter. His black trench coat and shock of red hair in stark contrast to the snow-covered square, Andrew dared to openly possess this innocuous natural substance: marijuana. Having advertised this event in advance to ensure a spectacle, the throng numbered a few dozen. A short speech was made, select lines from Nietzsche were read, and Mr. Carroll then offered to pass around the bud, allowing others to participate in this act of civil disobedience.

And lo, in the distance, the king’s men approached. Andrew scrambled to find the person holding the bud so that he could complete the act as intended. Two officers from the Keene Police Department made their way to our hero and engaged him in conversation.

Greetings were exchanged and Mr. Carroll held out his open hand with this small green item visible in his palm. When asked by the lieutenant if it was marijuana, Andrew snapped back, “Yes it is.” The arrest was made, the trial was conducted, and Carroll, not wanting to pay the $420 fine—really!—and give revenue to the state, spent nine days at the local house of corrections.

Read the entire article on Cannabis Culture

The Nashua 420s continued today in response to the multiple arrests that have happened over the past week, despite police attempts to intimidate protesters into backing down.

Bill D. reported that two cruisers showed up at the rally today; the cops stood around watching everyone, and chatted with one individual who was sitting in the park, most likely a plainclothes officer or informant. As of presstime, no arrests have been made, although the police did object to the use of the bullhorn, claiming there was a complaint. Bill D. refused to identify himself when questioned, and they eventually left.