Industry Massachusetts’ 3rd Shop to Open, Connecticut OKs 9 More Dispensaries The Associated Press December 12, 2018 (josephmok/iStock)

SALEM, Mass. (AP) — A third retail marijuana shop is set to open in Massachusetts.

Alternative Therapies Group in Salem has received final licensing approval from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission and could begin retail sales as soon as this weekend. The shop currently operates as a cannabis dispensary serving registered patients.

The first two recreational marijuana shops on the U.S. East Coast opened last month in Leicester and Northampton. Marijuana is already sold legally in six Western states. The sales also include edibles such as brownies and chocolate bars.

What's on the Menu in Salem? Browse product offerings and plan your order ahead of time EXPLORE The shops have generated more than $7 million in sales since opening and drawn customers from across New England. They’ve also drawn complaints from some local residents concerned about increased traffic delays.

The openings come more than two full years after Massachusetts voters authorized recreational marijuana sales to adults.

Connecticut Approves 9 More Medical Cannabis Dispensaries

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut has approved 9 more medical marijuana dispensaries, doubling the number of facilities in the state.

Gov.-elect Ned Lamont has said he expects recreational marijuana legalization will be a priority for the new legislative session.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull said in a statement Tuesday the state’s program has been “thoughtfully expanded” to 18 approved dispensaries since its inception in 2012. The department received 73 applications this year.

According to officials, there are over 30,000 patients who are approved for medical marijuana. There are currently 31 conditions that qualify adult patients for medication.

Democratic Gov.-elect Ned Lamont has said he expects recreational marijuana legalization will be a priority for the new legislative session, which begins in January. Lamont campaigned in favor of legalization during the election.

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