Governor Jerry Brown this weekend said the federal government needs to back off as states make their own laws when it comes to addressing the legalization of marijuana.

Those were welcome words for people in the medical marijuana industry like employees at Oakland's Harborside Health Center, an East Bay dispensary currently in the federal government's crosshairs.

Marijuana advocates said they draw hope from the Governor's statement and from the historic results of Election Day last week.

With its tidy displays of inventory and modern-looking lobby, Harborside Health Center is a medical marijuana dispensary with a relaxed atmosphere.

But its founder and executive director Steve De Angelo told KTVU it has been a terrifying year.

"None of my staff know when we come to work in the morning whether we are going home at night or we're going home to prison," explained De Angelo.

De Angelo said he is in a legal battle with the federal government to stay open, despite complying with California's medical marijuana laws.

On Sunday, Governor Brown weighed in on the topic.

"I would say this: it's time for the Justice Department to recognize the sovereignty of the states," said Brown.

Brown's comments come on the heels of voters in Washington state and Colorado voting to legalize marijuana for recreational use in defiance of federal law.

"President Obama received 50,000 less votes in Colorado than Amendment 64 which legalized marijuana," said Executive Director of the National Cannabis Industry Association Aaron Smith. "That should send a message that this is a mainstream issue and they need to get on board with the will of voters."

Smith said all medical marijuana cases should be frozen and told KTVU he hopes the election prompts federal change.

"If they care about the will of the voters, the sovereignty of the states and their own political future, they will back off," said Smith.

Marijuana advocates said they don't expect Californians to vote on full legalization until 2016. Governor Brown said he is not going to bring up the issue, citing abuses in the current system.

"I just hope that the medical cannabis collectives in California can hang on until that happens," De Angelo.