Attorney General Anne Milgram is throwing her support behind a measure to legalize marijuana for medical purposes.

The measure has already passed the state Senate. Proponents of legalization say marijuana helps treat patients with multiple sclerosis, cancer and other diseases.

Officials at Sloan-Kettering tell News 12 New Jersey that they do not take a position either way on possibly legalizing medical marijuana. The New Jersey chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society says it does not take a stance either, but that more research is needed.

Many New Jersey residents, however, told News 12 that they favor it if it truly helps patients.

?If a person needs something like that and if it really does help and if it?s medically proven that it?s necessary, I think you should have it," says Joe Gepes, of Pohatcong.

Milgram says the measure would allow patients to grow the plants for medicinal use or buy the drug at a licensed outlet. She says her office has sent recommendations to the governor on ways to guard against abuses.

The Assembly has yet to take up the measure, but Gov. Jon Corzine says he would sign the bill.