A bill that would legalize the use of medicinal marijuana is awaiting the signature of Gov. Bill Richardson.

The Senate approved the bill on Wednesday, agreeing with a minor change the House had made in the legislation.

The bill creates a program in the New Mexico Department of Health. Under the proposed legislation, those with debilitating illnesses could be certified to use marijuana at their doctor's request.

"It's just a great victory for people with chronic diseases," said Pete Flores, who was diagnosed HIV-positive in 1997. "It's probably the best thing that's happened to us in a very long time."

The bill does not allow patients to grow marijuana in their homes. Instead, the drug would be provided to them by the Department of Health.