ABERDEEN, S.D.(Aberdeen American News)- Four licenses for medical cannabis dispensaries in Aberdeen were approved Monday, and two more requests are expected to come before the city council in coming weeks.

The Aberdeen City Council reviewed and approved the licenses during its regular meeting. The license-approval process in South Dakota is twofold in that it also involves the South Dakota Department of Health.

Following the meeting, City Attorney Ron Wager said notice of action on the city permits will now be given to the state Department of Health, which will complete the application process.

Three of the applications are from Genesis Farms, LLC. Emmett T. Reistroffer of Sioux Falls is seeking licenses to operate dispensaries at 428 N. U.S. Highway 281, Suite 1; 1812 Sixth Ave. S.E. and 10 Railroad Ave. S.W. The fourth application was made by Dakota Herb. Dalton Grimmus of Brandon is planning a dispensary at 3307 Seventh Ave. S.E., Suite 110.

The council quickly approved the licenses, and no questions were asked.

City ordinance limits the number of medical marijuana dispensaries to one per 5,000 people, or six now, given the population. City Manager Joe Gaa said a fifth application is being processed and the sixth license request was submitted last week.

Of the certified establishments approved by the state Department of Health, Dakota Herb is not affiliated with any other facility, but Genesis Farms has licenses for dispensaries in Box Elder, Hartford, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Yankton, as well as manufacturing and cultivation facilities in Box Elder.