Taking away his kids video game is probably one of the last things he can do without attracting the rath of child protective services. So long as your kid gets enough to eat, has a couple sets of clothes, and a warm place to sleep, you can take pretty much everything away legally. Taking away a video game is not exactly draconian. If I caught my kid doing drugs, I'd take more away than video games. I already take away their xbox (for brief periods) for getting less than adequate grades, not doing chores, disobeying their mother, etc.

As for the second question, someone who needs that game more than they need $9100.

It may be good if pot were legalized, but that doesn't mean people should let their children use it.