Friends, today is a day to celebrate. After nearly 13 years of intimidation, interference, and unwarranted prosecutions, the federal government has finally changed course and officially announced it will no longer prosecute those who use medical marijuana if they are acting in compliance with their state law.

This is a major victory and a huge vote of confidence for potential patients, doctors, and dispensary owners who would like to participate in Arizona’s medical marijuana program after it is enacted by the voters in November 2010, but who were wary of potential conflicts with federal law.

A memo from Deputy Attorney General David W. Ogden to United States attorneys outlined the new position of the department. The memo provided in part: “As a general matter, pursuit of these [controlled substances] priorities 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” [emphasis added].

The full memo is available here.

This decision by the Obama administration is due in no small part to the long-time activism of many Arizonans devoted to the cause of compassionate care. Congratulations to all those who have spent long hours working to make patients’ lives better. It is days like today that make it all worth the effort.