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New Jersey is going green.

Both the state and the house legislative chambers approved a new measure that would make New Jersey the 14th state to allow for the legalization and use of medical marijuana. Gov. John Corzine has said he will sign the bill into law before he leaves office on Jan. 19.

The Star-Ledger reports that the bill passed easily, although there are some details left to be worked. Observers have also said that the law is more stringent than some states.

In New Jersey, the drug would be dispensed at licensed “alternative treatment centers,” and any caregivers collecting the drug for infirm patients will need to pass a criminal background check. Also, unlike other states, New Jersey law will not allow patients to grow their own pot.

It will be up to individual health insurance providers to set a standard for when marijuana is covered. In some states, such as California, the drug may be paid for by insurance companies in certain situations.

The New Jersey laws says that medical marijuana will only be available to patients if other drugs have not worked.

However, many medical marijuana advocates say that marijuana is more effective and less habit-forming than traditional prescription medication.

Specific illnesses that may be eligible for the drug under the new law include cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, muscular dystrophy, Crohn’s disease and a host of diagnosis relating to muscle spasms and seizures. Marijuana may also be used in terminal illness situations.

For New Jersey residents with severe illness this could affect your medical bills. Health insurance coverage of medical marijuana usage will vary from plan to plan. Like any other drug, it will be up for the company to stipulate how and if they will compensate you.

However, in some cases, marijuana could be cheaper for patients that regularly need this type of medication.