The feds will no longer go after pot-smoking patients or their suppliers in states that allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

In a significant break from the previous administration, the Department of Justice has unveiled new guidelines for medical marijuana.

In a statement, Attorney General Eric Holder said the "focus of federal resources should not be on individuals whose actions are in compliance with existing state laws."

However, Holder warns the U.S. government will "not not tolerate drug traffickers who hide behind claims of compliance with state law to mask activities that are clearly illegal."

Holder notes 14 states allow some use of medicinal marijuana.

The Bush administration ignored state laws and pressed ahead with prosecutions of federal anti-pot laws.