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N.J. medical marijuana bill signed into law

New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine has signed legislation granting chronically ill patients legal access to marijuana.
Image: Michael Oliveri, a muscular distrophy patient, with his mother, Christiane, left, and Diane Rivera-Riportella in Trenton, N.J., on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.
Michael Oliveri, a muscular distrophy patient, is shown in Trenton, N.J., on Jan. 11. New Jersey has become the 14th state to allow chronically ill patients to use marijuana to alleviate their pain.Damon Winter / Redux Pictures
/ Source: The Associated Press

New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine has signed legislation granting chronically ill patients legal access to marijuana.

Corzine's office said the governor signed the bill late Monday, his last full day in office. Gov.-elect Chris Christie will be sworn in Tuesday.

New Jersey is the 14th state to allow patients with diseases such as cancer, AIDS, glaucoma and multiple sclerosis to use marijuana to alleviate their pain and other symptoms.

The legislation allows for dispensaries to be set up around the state where patients with prescriptions can access the drug.

Growing marijuana at home will remain illegal, as will driving while high.

Assembly sponsor Reed Gusciora says New Jersey's medical marijuana law is the strictest in the country.