PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) -- New Jersey moved on Friday to implement a law legalizing medical use of marijuana for critically ill patients.

An agreement between Republican Governor Chris Christie and the law's Democratic sponsor is designed to avoid the fraud and the criminal use of the drug which critics say have affected some 15 other U.S. states where it has been legalized.

The accord resolves a dispute that delayed implementation.

In a change to previous regulations, the agreement allows for six treatment centers -- up from two originally proposed by Christie -- that would be allowed to dispense and grow medical marijuana. Home delivery and satellite locations for the centers will not be permitted.

It also stipulates certain "debilitating conditions" for which medical marijuana can be prescribed but only after conventional therapies have been exhausted.

The agreement preserves an earlier proposal that prescribed marijuana should have a maximum 10 percent of THC, the main substance in the cannabis plant that affects mental function.

It also requires physicians to have an ongoing relationship with the patient for whom the drug is prescribed.

"This is a reasonable and fair resolution that will keep implementation of the program on track without unnecessary delay," said Democratic Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, the primary sponsor of the law that was signed by former Governor Jon Corzine.

Governor Christie said the pact will speed relief for patients suffering serious illnesses.

"We are protecting the interests of all residents of New Jersey by preventing some of the abuses we have seen in other states," he said in a statement.

(Source: Reuters.com)