Vending machines are no longer just a post-pot pit stop to cure munchie cravings. On Tuesday, Seattle made history when the first vending machine to dispense actual marijuana buds debuted at Seattle Caregivers, one of the many medical marijuana dispensaries in the city.
Named simply ‘ZaZZZ’, the machine made its original debut in Colorado last year. They are manufactured by American Green, which became the first publicly traded medical marijuana company after going public in 2009. The company’s latest version of ZaZZZ is considered one-of-a-kind because unlike the ones in Colorado, which only carried edible marijuana products, the Seattle ZaZZZ offers actual marijuana buds. This is the form of marijuana users typically consume by smoking or vaporizing it.
ZaZZZ machines operate similar to any other 21st century vending machine, complete with a touchscreen system that allows customers to browse the various marijuana “strains” (i.e. types) available for purchase. However, the machine must first be ‘unlocked’ before a customer can begin browsing, which is done by either swiping their driver’s license or medical marijuana ID card.
The touchscreen almost entirely covers the front of the machine, taking the place of a traditional glass or plastic display window which the manufacturers say will guard against potential break-ins. In an interview with NBC News, spokesman Greg Patrick said the machines are “like a miniature little Fort Knox.”
As futuristic and technologically advanced as these machines appear, they are still a cash-only venture (kind of). Customers ready to check-out are not given a paper or plastic option because federal laws do not allow debit or credit card purchases of medical marijuana. Besides cash, ZaZZZ machines also accept bitcoin.
In addition to these security measures American Green says they only plan to place their machines in certified medical marijuana dispensaries. State laws require that customers be “carded” by employees before they are allowed to enter such stores.
It’s not clear when these machines will become an option for recreational users, but the ZaZZZ pot dispenser gives us a little glimpse into the future of the legalized marijuana industry in America.
