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Medical Marijuana Dispensary Licenses Set To Be Awarded In Massachusetts

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts officials are nearing decisions on the licensing of medical marijuana dispensaries in the state.

The Department of Public Health hopes to award as many as 35 licenses by the end of the month, choosing from among 100 groups that submitted final applications in November.

A voter-approved law allows marijuana to be used for certain medical conditions, including cancer, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.

The law requires at least one but no more than five dispensaries in each county in the state.

The Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance, which led the effort to legalize marijuana for medical purposes, said patients hoping to use the drug are excited that dispensaries are closer to opening their doors.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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