FARMER IN COURT OVER POT

POLICE SAY MAN CONFESSED TO SMOKING MARIJUANA

NASHUA-Lull Farm owner David Orde didn't flinch when Hollis Police
Officer Angelo Corrado asked him to explain the 16 marijuana plants
growing in pots just outside his home, police reported.

"Orde did not look surprised," Detective Sgt. Richard Mello wrote in
his application for a warrant to search Orde's home at 2 Blood Road,
Hollis.

Mello quoted Orde as saying, "Yes, I'm not going to hang my head in
shame; I smoke a little pot."

Orde added, "It's my first year growing on the deck," Mello
wrote.

On Wednesday, Orde, 53, waived formal arraignment in Nashua District
Court on a felony marijuana manufacturing charge. A probable cause
hearing was set for Aug. 28.

Orde's lawyer, Steven Maynard of Nashua, said he expects to challenge
the legality of the Hollis Police Department's search of Orde's home
on July 29.

"Mr. Orde is an outstanding citizen, and we're going to defend this
vigorously," he said.

Orde's son, Andrew Orde, 18, also has been charged with growing
marijuana at the home, and is scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 27 in
Nashua District Court. Responding to public speculation about the
nature of the alleged marijuana crop, Maynard noted that police have
not accused Orde or his son of selling or intending to sell any marijuana.

Orde himself told police the marijuana was for his own use, and denied
that he ever sold it, Mello reported.

Officer Corrado discovered the potted plants after going to Orde's
home to serve a summons for an unlicensed dog at about 5:05 p.m. on
July 29, Mello reported. It's not clear why police went to Orde's
home, rather than trying to contact him at Lull Farm.

Corrado went to the side door after getting no answer when he knocked
at the front door, which was open, police reported. A car was in the
driveway, police reported.

Walking up to the side door, Corrado saw 11 marijuana plants growing
in pots on a deck, and five more on the ground beside the deck, police
reported.

Each of the plants was about three to four feet tall, and police
estimated that each would produce roughly two to four ounces of
marijuana, which they claim to be worth $1,000 to $2,000.

Corrado reported his find by radio, and Mello came to check it out.
Police contacted Orde at Lull Farm, and police met with Orde at his
home at about 6:15 p.m., Mello reported.

Searching the house, police found and seized four plastic bags of
marijuana, a pipe and other paraphernalia, 'how to' books for growing
marijuana, a five-gallon bucket with a black light and "papers,
receipts and e-mails," police reported.

David Orde was freed after posting $2,000 bail after his arrest, and
his son is free on personal recognizance.

News of the arrests brought mixed reaction in the community, and
prompted debate over the nation's drug policies and laws.