Six organizations received licenses to grow and distribute cannabis. The state's rules call for the alternative treatment centers to be set up in northern, central and southern New Jersey. Six organizations received licenses to grow and distribute cannabis. The state's rules call for the alternative treatment centers to be set up in northern, central and southern New Jersey.

For the northern region encompassing Warren County, marijuana dispensaries are planned in Secaucus, Hudson County, and Montclair, Essex County, according to the state Department of Health and Senior Services. For the central region that covers Hunterdon County, medical marijuana will be sold in Manalapan, Monmouth County, and New Brunswick, Middlesex County.

The southern region dispensaries will open in Bellmawr, Camden County, and a location still to be determined in Burlington or Camden County.

The state adopted a law more than a year ago allowing pot to be sold to patients with certain conditions. But implementation has been delayed as officials crafted rules spelling out how the industry would work.

Today's announcement is a major milestone in bringing medical marijuana to the most populous East Coast state to allow it.

Patients or caregivers will have to pay a $200 registration fee, which is valid for two years, to buy medical marijuana in New Jersey. A reduced fee of $20 would be paid by patients who qualify for certain state or federal assistance programs.

Patients will be able to buy a maximum of 2 ounces in any 30-day period.