Feds Issue New Medical Marijuana Policy

The Justice Department is issuing a new policy for pot-smoking patients and their medical marijuana suppliers.

A three-page memo says those abiding by state medical marijuana law shouldn't be targeted for federal prosecution.

Prosecutors are being told that chasing after those who are strictly complying with state law isn't a good use of their time.

The guidelines, however, make clear that federal agents will go after those whose marijuana distribution goes beyond what is permitted, and those using the law as a cover for other crimes.

It's a significant departure from the Bush administration, which insisted on enforcing federal law regardless of state code.

The Marijuana Policy Project is calling the move "a major step forward."

Fourteen states allow some use of marijuana for medical purposes. They are Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.