Selectmen awarded the town's third and final recreational marijuana sales license on Tuesday, July 17, to Xiphias Wellness, Inc. pending the company's decision on a suitable location for doing business.

In total, 10 companies filed applications to either grow, process or sell recreational marijuana in Wareham before July 1, which was the state's target date for recreational sales.

Sales of medical marijuana have been allowed in Massachusetts since 2012 and in November 2016, a state ballot question passed that paved the way for recreational sales.

The state’s Cannabis Control Commission is drafting a framework for the oversight of retail marijuana shops; but to date, no retail stores in Wareham have opened. Earlier this year, voters at a Special Town Meeting approved regulations that limit the number of businesses that can sell marijuana to three.

The town's other two licenses were awarded to recreational marijuana company Trade Roots and medical marijuana company Verilife. Like Verilife, Xiphias Wellness is a medical marijuana company seeking to engage in recreational sales.

Xiphias approached Selectmen with plans to open up shop at the old 99 Restaurant in East Wareham, but were quickly shut down by Selectman Patrick Tropeano.

"It's a location that floods a lot, among other things," Tropeano said. "I don't think it would be a good fit."

Pending their ability to find a more suitable location in town, Selectmen voted to approve Xiphias Wellness.

"We're very grateful to all of the companies that applied," said Selectman Chair Alan Slavin. "This industry has a lot of interest, and we're hopeful it'll bring some money to Wareham."