Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection has issued a request for application for new medical marijuana dispensary facilities.

The department is planning to add at least three new licenses. The state now has nine dispensary facilities and four producers providing medication for Connecticut’s 22,348 medical marijuana patients. RFA responses are due by April 9.

“Our state’s medical marijuana program is incredibly successful, and is growing rapidly,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull. “When there is a substantial increase in the number of patients, DCP can issue new RFAs in order to best meet the demand for medication, and continue our commitment to quality health care.”

Fairfield County’s only medical marijuana dispensary is Compassionate Care Center of Connecticut at 4 Garella Road in Bethel. The facility, which opened in 2014, was the first of its kind in the state.