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Worcester is the proposed location for several registered medical marijuana dispensaries, and areas outside the city also are being eyed as dispensary or cultivation locations, according to applications filed with the state Department of Public Health.

Six applicants have listed Worcester, the second-largest city in New England, as the proposed location for a dispensary. One other applicant listed Worcester as a potential site, along with other locations outside of Worcester County.

The Greenery, a Compassionate Health Center Inc., LB Compassionate Center Inc., Nature's Prose, Bay State Holistic Inc., Good Chemistry of Massachusetts Inc., and Compassionate Health Centers Inc. all listed Worcester as hoped-for landing spots for marijuana dispensaries.

Mayflower Naturals Corp. states in its application that the company has signed a letter of intent to lease a location in Shrewsbury. Three other applicants — Quality Alternatives Inc., Total Health & Wellness Inc. and Herbal Wellness Center Inc. — list Worcester County.

Fitchburg is being eyed for a couple of locations, one for a dispensary and another for cultivation. Good Chemistry of Massachusetts wants a cultivation facility in Fitchburg, while Bryn Coron Farms Herbal Remedies Inc. is looking to Fitchburg as a location for a dispensary. Bryn Coron plans to cultivate marijuana in Hudson.

Hudson and Marlboro, in nearby Middlesex County, are locations listed by other applicants.

Grafton is the chosen cultivation location for Prime Wellness of MA Inc. Nature's Prose lists Ware as a production/cultivation facility site. Growth Mindset wants a facility in Palmer. Milford and Ayer are also the chosen locations for four applicants, three for a dispensary and one for a cultivation facility.

State public health officials this week pared the list of applications for marijuana dispensaries. Of 181 submissions, 158 applicants were qualified to proceed to a final phase of the application process.

Officials are expected to register up to 35 dispensaries statewide later this year. They would be able to grow and distribute medical marijuana to someone with a doctor's approval. Massachusetts voters last year approved a medical marijuana law permitting a maximum of 35 dispensaries to provide marijuana to patients with medical conditions, including cancer and Parkinson's disease.

Communities cannot ban marijuana treatment centers but can adopt zoning bylaws to regulate where in town they are located. They can also enact temporary moratoriums on the development of the facilities, according to Attorney General Martha Coakley.

A total of 15 firms submitted initial applications in Worcester County. Thirteen were approved. No more than five dispensaries will be licensed in each county.

The final phase of the application process will include a review of the appropriateness of the sites, geographic distribution of dispensaries, the ability to meet the needs of patients, and public safety. The planned location of dispensaries must be listed in the final phase.

Department of Public Health Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett hopes to issue final approval early next year and the dispensaries could open within 120 days after approval.

A $1,500 fee for submission and consideration was part of the first-phase application and another $30,000 is required for the second phase. Selected dispensaries have to pay a $50,000 annual fee for a certificate of registration and a $500 annual registration fee.

An informational meeting for Phase 2 applicants will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Holiday Inn, 30 Washington St., Somerville.

Contact Scott J. Croteau at scott.croteau@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @ScottCroteauTG