The state has officially issued a medical marijuana license to a dispensary in Westport.

Residents and business owners had been divided on the proposal earlier this year. However, the state approved the license for the facility earlier this week.

The site was approved despite concerns from residents and business owners who say property values will drop and crime rates will increase.

The site for the dispensary is a former say spa located off the Post Road East. Officials say it's set back from the road and has a spacious parking lot.

The dispensary cannot open until it meets certain safety requirements. 

State rules sharply limit who can enter a marijuana dispensary.

The Westport facility will only sell medical marijuana, but next year, the state could approve recreational use. Incoming Gov. Ned Lamont says he considers legalizing it a priority.

Two other dispensaries will open in Stamford and Torrington. A half-dozen more will be scattered across the state.