Katie Couric's Notebook: Medical Marijuana

While marijuana use for medical purposes is allowed in 14 states, it's illegal under federal law. So, over the years, the Bush Administration targeted clinics that dispensed the drug. Now, the Obama White House is telling federal prosecutors not to bother ... but this doesn't mean it's OK for people to smoke marijuana. Today's guidelines make it clear the federal government still forbids distribution for anything other than legitimate medical use under state law.

Studies have shown marijuana can ease the pain for patients with cancer, AIDS or other life threatening illnesses. Today's decision means they'll be able to manage their pain with a little less fear and a lot more compassion.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.