MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION IS BAD NEWS FOR KIDS

"What is the world coming to?" This is the comment my 16-year-old daughter
made after I told her that Nevada was probably going to make private use of
marijuana legal.

The three-ounce maximum possession, taxation and distribution of this drug
makes me wonder about just how much we truly do care about our children.

This means Mom and Dad could smoke dope in the privacy of their own home.
What happens if their children are in the same room with them? We already
have problems with babies and toddlers inhaling cigarette smoke, causing
ear infections and lung problems. Now babies, toddlers, teens and anyone
else in the same room who inhale only the smoke from the marijuana users'
exhalations and burning joint can join Mom and Dad in a legal high. The
kids won't even have to smoke it. All they have to do is inhale in their
parents' presence and feel that special family bond of a marijuana high.

Technically, they're not underage children using marijuana. But they,
especially the young children, will get high. Watch the kids' grades drop,
watch the babies being brought to pediatricians for more ear, throat, chest
and, yes, brain disorders. All this so adults can use marijuana in the
privacy of their own home.

JANICE MARTZ

East Greenbush