Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday that the state Department of Health received 146 applications from 106 organizations looking to join the state's growing medical marijuana program.
Officials announced July 16 that the state was requesting applications for six new medical marijuana dispensaries to add to the existing six operational ones, including Compassionate Care Foundation in Egg Harbor Township.
Two licenses will be awarded for each region of the state — north, central and south — and successful applicants will be notified of their selection around Nov. 1, state officials said.
Applicants had to indicate which region of the state where they planned to operate an alternative treatment center. Department of Health officials said 50 applicants were in the northern region, 45 in the central region and 51 in the southern region.
“By expanding alternative treatment center locations in New Jersey, we are putting patients first and ensuring more convenient access to medical marijuana,” Murphy said in a statement. “This is another step forward in removing barriers put in place by the previous administration and creating a more consumer-friendly program.”