Governor Phil Murphy today announced that the New Jersey Department of Health has received 146 cannabis dispensary applications from 106 organizations to operate medical marijuana dispensaries in the state. Applicants had to identify the region of the state where they would like to operate an Alternative Treatment Center (ATC). Applications were rather evenly distributed with 50 applicants for the northern region, 45 in the central region and 51 in the southern region.

#MedicalMarijuana treats over 30K patients in New Jersey- and growing fast. We received 146 apps for more ATCs! We will look for:

✔️Diversity of applicants

✔️Ability to ramp up production responsibly

✔️Good professional track records to run ATCs that meet patients’ needs — Shereef Elnahal, MD (@ShereefElnahal) September 5, 2018

By expanding Alternative Treatment Center locations in New Jersey, we are putting patients first and ensuring more convenient access to medical marijuana. https://t.co/vRzHXGJN4P — Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) September 5, 2018

Medical marijuana is used to treat chronic and debilitating pain, epilepsy, glaucoma, PTSD, ALS, side effects of cancer treatment and HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other painful illnesses. NJ will not deny people compassionate care.https://t.co/YizRVfCp6W pic.twitter.com/XfOmH6ugCQ — Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) September 5, 2018

Recently, the Department of Health announced that over 30,000 patients were now issued medical marijuana cards through the state’s program.