New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says the state is seeking to double the number of medical marijuana dispensaries.

Murphy said in a statement issued Monday the state is requesting applications for six new dispensaries.

The governor says there would be two new locations in the northern, central and southern parts of the state.

Six dispensaries currently operate in the state.

The program has grown under Murphy, who has vowed to expand it.

According to officials, 10,000 new patients have become eligible under the program since January, bringing the total to 25,000.

Murphy says the six current dispensaries won't be eligible to apply in this additional process.

The expansion comes as the state considers legalizing recreational marijuana, though legislation has so far failed to move through the Democrat-led Legislature.