The state Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee is scheduled to vote on a medical marijuana bill Thursday, according to a legislative calendar.

The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act was passed by the state Senate in February by a 22-16 vote.

The committee can amend the bill and allow it to move to the full Assembly for a vote, which would move New Jersey closer to becoming the 14th state to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. Gov. Jon S. Corzine has said he will sign the bill.Under the bill, patients suffering from life-threatening or debilitating illnesses could be qualified to use medical marijuana with a doctor's recommendation. Patients would need to register with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, and would receive registration cards indicating that they are allowed to legally possess and use medical marijuana.

There is some division in medical and law enforcement communities about the bill, though a majority of area police officials seem to be against it.