The state Department of Health has issued permits for three companies to begin growing medical marijuana and eventually opening dispensaries.
The permits were awarded to Verano, which plans to turn a vacant Walmart on Route 22 in Readington into a medical marijuana production facility; MPX NJ in Pleasantville and Columbia Care NJ in Vineland.
After their products are tested by the state and their dispensaries are ready to be operational, a second permit will be issued to operate an alternative treatment center.
Verano will open its dispensary in Elizabeth, MPX will open its dispensary just off the boardwalk in Atlantic City, and Columbia Care will open in Vineland.