The Merrimack Valley is getting its first recreational marijuana shop.

Patriot Care Corp. in Lowell received its “commence operations” notice from the state’s Cannabis Control Commission Monday, giving it permission to open after three calendar days — this Friday or later.

Patriot Care is the 12th retail marijuana store to receive state approval to open for recreational sales. The 11th store to receive such a notice was Caroline’s Cannabis in Uxbridge, which will open for recreational sales Friday.