I was dumbfounded after reading the story by Melissa Hung about the couple whose children were taken away because tests showed she and her baby had some small amount of marijuana in their systems ["Reefer Madness?" November 4]. It is hard to believe ridiculous things like this still happen to people in this day and age. While I myself do not smoke pot, I have had two children, and near the end of my pregnancies I did joyfully have an occasional glass of wine or cocktail to help me relax. I did enough research on drinking in moderation while pregnant that I felt completely comfortable doing so, and both of my children are beautiful, healthy and have no disabilities.

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While I understand that marijuana is illegal, I know (as well as most intelligent, informed and contemporary humans do) that it has not been proven to be any more harmful to us than alcohol, and most agree that it is less harmful.

I feel sick for those two parents and for their precious children, whom they obviously love very much. To deprive that baby and his mother of such important bonding time is criminal and wrong and is completely lacking in both good judgement and justice. I just hope the people who made that decision can live with themselves, especially when they look into the eyes of their own children who need them so much.

Lenicia Gordon, Houston



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