The issue focused on six laws that criminalize medical marijuana in states where it is legal. Lawmakers did not legalize medical marijuana. The discussion came after Attorney General Eric Holder sent a letter to lawmakers asking them to decriminalize medical marijuana.

But federal law enforcement officials said they would enforce federal drug laws against medical marijuana patients and distributors. The Justice Department has charged about 50 people with possession of marijuana for medical purposes since October.

There are several lawsuits pending over the Justice Department's prosecution of medical marijuana dispensaries