Smoke 'Em If You've (Legally) Got 'Em
Obama administration stops medical marijuana prosecutions
By CHRIS NEEDHAM
Updated 11:15 AM EST, Mon, Oct 19, 2009
There's good news for Maryland's "glaucoma patients." The Obama Administration isn't coming after you or your dealer.
In new guidelines released Monday, federal prosecutors will be instructed to stop going after pot-smoking patients or their sanctioned suppliers in states where medical marijuana is legal, reports the AP.
Specifically, the guidelines say that prosectors "should not focus federal resources in your states on individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana."
Who says that Obama doesn't care about federal spending? Conservatives should rejoice!
The Justice Department is deferring to state laws, and Maryland is one of 14 states that allow limited medical use.
Beware, though, this isn't open season on puffing away. The Justice Department's memo says that they still will aggressively go after those who go beyond what's allowed by state law and those who use its distribution as a cover for other crimes.
But if you keep it above-board, and just between you and your doctor, you're all good. There won't be any G-men storming down your door, although you still might be paranoid enough to think that they're coming.
Copyright NBC Local Media
First Published: Oct 19, 2009 9:59 AM EST
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