Supporters of legalized marijuana use are praising a Justice Department memo that tells federal prosecutors not to go after people who are using or distributing marijuana in compliance with state medical marijuana laws.
But Republican Congressman Lamar Smith of Texas says it’s the wrong move — and that marijuana is the "cash cow for most drug trafficking organizations."
The new guidelines 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.
The Bush administration had insisted it would continue to enforce anti-pot laws, regardless of state codes. Vermont and Maine are among the 14 states with laws that allow the use of medical marijuana in some circumstances.