Two applicants were chosen for the north, central and southern parts of the state.
In South Jersey, Columbia Care New Jersey can now apply to grow and dispense medical marijuana in Vineland.
MPX New Jersey can apply to grow marijuana in Galloway Township and dispense the medication in nearby Atlantic City.
Though it offered businesses just six weeks to submit proposals, the state saw strong competition for the licenses, drawing interest from around the country and Canada. There were 50 applicants for the northern region, 45 in the central region and 51 in the southern region, according to the department.
The state's health commissioner, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, said his department will meet with the applicants early next year to refine timetables for growing marijuana and opening their doors.