Sentencing delayed for med pot dispensary owner

A federal judge has postponed sentencing the owner of a medical marijuana dispensary until he gets clarification on the Obama administration's newly revised position on such cases.

Last week, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced a departure from the Bush administration's policy, in which cultivating, using and selling pot for medical purposes was outlawed by the federal government despite state laws.

U.S. District Judge George H. Wu said Monday he will hold off sentencing Charles Lynch until prosecutors provide clarification from the Justice Department on the Obama administration's new position that federal agents will target marijuana distributors only if they violate state and federal law.

California is one of 13 states that allows medical use of marijuana.

U.S. attorney's spokesman Thom Mrozek said his office was reviewing the judge's request, and declined further comment.

Lynch was convicted in August of distributing more than 100 kilograms of marijuana.