Gov. Chris Christie has signed legislation to approve the use of medical marijuana for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

"PTSD is a debilitating medical condition affecting the ability of the men and women who have served our country to lead normal lives," Christie said in a statement.

The bill will allow the use of medical marijuana to treat PTSD, but only after it has been determined by a physician or psychiatrist that conventional medical therapy is ineffective.

"Requiring conventional medical therapy to be ineffective in treating PTSD before medical marijuana can be prescribed is an appropriate threshold safeguard to deter misuse in the Medical Marijuana Program," Christie said.

The governor said he will also direct the commissioner of the New Jersey Health Department to put into place additional regulations that will help to prevent abuse.

"Nevertheless, the mere potential for abuse by some should not deter the State from taking action that may ease the daily struggles of our veterans and others who legitimately suffer from PTSD," the governor said.

Medical marijuana has already been approved to treat several other ailments in New Jersey.