ASSOCIATED PRESS

HARTFORD - Connecticut has approved 9 more medical marijuana dispensaries, doubling the number of facilities in the state.

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.

The first recreational pot shops in Massachusetts opened last month. They're located in Northampton and Leicester.