First Marijuana Vending Machine That Doesn't Check ID

[Tommy Dukes]

Modnote: Linkspam removed.

Just when you thought the debate surrounding marijuana couldn’t get anymore controversial, think again.

In a recent report from WorldTruth.tv, following the first marijuana vending machine that began operating in Colorado this past year, Canada has decided to come out with their own version. There’s a difference however. The Canadian version of the machine doesn’t ask for your ID.

According to reports, the box contains a plethora of strains and cannabis infused products to satisfy the pickiest of marijuana consumers without going through the hassle of asking you for an ID or medical card. In case you decide on purchasing from the machine, be sure to bring your cash, as that is the only accepted form of payment, and the machine only dispenses in quantities larger than an eighth of an ounce (3.7 grams).

“Its packaged up and sealed professionally. So you come in, you buy your product, it’s fresh, it’s quick and easy, and you’re out of here in minutes,” says Chuck Varabioff, of the BC Pain Society, the dispensary where the machine is currently in operation.

The anonymity that comes with purchasing from the machine is another bonus for regulars who like the idea of coming in to the shop, stealthily purchasing what they want, and exiting smoothly, without anyone knowing.

“Our regular members, they already know what they want, they can walk up straight up to the vending machine and get in and out quickly,” Varabioff stated to World Truth, “they also know we’re not recording any of their sales, and they’re also happy with that.”

Accessories that can be used to smoke cannabis such as glass pipes, mini-vaporizers, or rolling papers have yet to get their machine, although with the response that the machines are getting with cannabis in them, it may not be such a bad idea.

 

[theCerberus]

These guys are asking for trouble. If they dont track patients it is open to abuse of resale on the street.
They are even saying what a great deal it is in the video, which really leaves room for markup. But I dont know if the cops really care.
In Canada BC is very free and open about the dispensaries.
There is even one that I've heard will sell small amounts without a medical card.

Ontario has dispensaries but they are hidden.
The location is only given to members once the patients medical documents are confirmed by a doctor.
They track purchases and require medical ID and the prices are also slightly higher in an effort to deter resale.

As for the actual vending machine; Sorry but I dont need a robot to sell me Cannabis.
If I wanted to do that I'd just order online from our FEDERALLY APPROVED licensed producers.
I go to a dispensary to smell the flowers and talk to the staff about the various strains and their effects.

 

[Gunky]

Presumably this is inside a shop and you have to flash a card to get in the shop.

I also reject the idea that every cannabis sale has to be logged by the dispensary (and hence the police, if they should decide to raid it - this happened to me in San Jose, cops seized the dispensary computers). When I go down to the liquor store and buy a bottle of Evan Williams the guy at the counter isn't keeping score on how many buys I've made this month. That stuff is demonstrably more dangerous than weed.

 

[theCerberus]

Never been there but most dispensaries in Canada require that, yes.
They are specifically saying that they aren't tracking your purchases though.

Its just dumb.
The idea of a vending machine is cold and robotic but I get its purpose; I dont need a person to help me pick out junk food or pop, and no one has to be hired to sell it.

JMO but real human budtenders have much to offer at a dispensary, most places they let you smell the flowers and tell you their opinions of the strains and effects and strength. A vending machine cant replace that.

 

[Gunky]

I agree that buying from a vending machine with the items behind glass is tacky and you don't even get to sniff first but I like the idea of getting away from big brother logging and tabulating everyone's cannabis consumption. Some dispensaries in CA seem to to that (San Jose dispensaries often do it), others (many in Oakland, for ex.) you present the card at the door and then the purchase is just like any other, the cashier doesn't know your name.

 

[Skeena]

I think I know where this is, you do need to be a member, but it is also very easy to just walk in.

 

[Vicki]

Reminds me of cigarette machines. Yes, I'm that old, lol There was no way to check ID with those either, and kids could just walk right up and buy a pack of cigs, no questions asked. As a matter of fact, my own mother gave me some money once and had me go to the machine to get her a pack! I was about 12, and we were in a restaurant. Not one person even looked at me funny. Weird.

 

[theCerberus]

I also reject the idea that every cannabis sale has to be logged by the dispensary (and hence the police, if they should decide to raid it - this happened to me in San Jose, cops seized the dispensary

Well in Ontario they log by member number, not name. And the medical files are held at a secure offsite location, so the key to translating name to number would not be available to the police.

But in BC the market is flooded anyways, resale isnt really worried about because there's so much on the street for cheap.
Location is not hidden for the same reason.

 

[photobooth]

This is my local dispensary, I live one block away! Feel free to ask any questions.

Yes, you need a Dr's recommendation to get a membership, you cannot just walk in off the street. As I understand it, the dispensaries and "membership cards" in Vancouver are all technically illegal/grey area, but the police has agreed to not shut the dispensaries down/turn a blind eye as long as they aren't selling to underage/non-members. See:
http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/0...dispensaries-test-limits-of-canadas-pot-laws/

The prices are amazing, even compared to other dispensaries around Vancouver. I believe they do have jars of all the strains if you want to smell/inspect the buds up close. The vending machine just helps speed things up and keeps the cost of staff down.

Edit: "only dispenses in quantities larger than an eighth of an ounce (3.7 grams)." I don't think that is true, I believe they sell in grams, eighths and halfs in addition to concentrates etc.

 

[DDave]

Nothing to do with this particular vending machine, but a great applicable story none-the-less...
Also, not my proudest moment, but history is history.

Back in the day when there were cigarette vending machines, a friend an I were able to empty one out in minutes. The machines were front opening, hinge on one side that went up the entire length of the machine and locks on the other. When they were refilled, the technician would open the locks and swing open as any other door.

I found a design flaw at the top hinge, where a tool could be inserted and open up the last wrung (for lack of what the dang thing is called), exposing the thin bar that held the entire hinge together. I handled this part. Once done, my buddy (6.5', 250lbs, furniture mover) would take channel locks/vice grips, grab the top of this bar and pulling straight up, would simply rip the bar out of the machine. From there, the door swung part open enough to allow one to empty both the cigs and quarters from the machine.

Again, not one of my best moments....

Now, had the machine been loaded with the herb.... these would be mine...

Disclaimer: The process described above no longer works as later on down the road, the top wrung/hinge was welded.

 

[Gunky]

I used to go to Vancouver BC pretty often a few years back and it was good, they had a district near Gastown where the cops looked the other way and you could pick up very decent black market stuff at good prices in a little park or on the street.

 

[Tommy Dukes]

These guys are asking for trouble. If they dont track patients it is open to abuse of resale on the street.
They are even saying what a great deal it is in the video, which really leaves room for markup. But I dont know if the cops really care.
In Canada BC is very free and open about the dispensaries.
There is even one that I've heard will sell small amounts without a medical card.

Ontario has dispensaries but they are hidden.
The location is only given to members once the patients medical documents are confirmed by a doctor.
They track purchases and require medical ID and the prices are also slightly higher in an effort to deter resale.

As for the actual vending machine; Sorry but I dont need a robot to sell me Cannabis.
If I wanted to do that I'd just order online from our FEDERALLY APPROVED licensed producers.
I go to a dispensary to smell the flowers and talk to the staff about the various strains and their effects.

The dispensary that I frequent off of La Brea and Sunset in Los Angeles, has some of the shittiest customer service imaginable. Last time I wait 15 minutes in an alley before I knocked on the door only to be scolded by the overly authoritative security guard Jose. I go into the store only to be greeted by a lethargic bud barista, who has an attitude and a smart ass comment to make every time I ask him a question. I'd love having a machine at the dispensary I frequent, where I can buy an eighth, headache free, without having to deal with the hassle of a smart ass.

I realize not all bud baristas are like this, but this dispensary is right by my house.

 

[Vicki]

The dispensary that I frequent off of La Brea and Sunset in Los Angeles, has some of the shittiest customer service imaginable. Last time I wait 15 minutes in an alley before I knocked on the door only to be scolded by the overly authoritative security guard Jose. I go into the store only to be greeted by a lethargic bud barista, who has an attitude and a smart ass comment to make every time I ask him a question.

I'd love having a machine where I can buy an eighth, headache free, without having to deal with the hassle of a smart ass bud barista.

Why don't you just go to a different dispensary?

 

[DDave]

Why don't you just go to a different dispensary?

I was just typing out the same response. Traveling Eastward from LA, one will find a multitude of much friendlier establishments!

 

[Tommy Dukes]

Why don't you just go to a different dispensary?

That would be the easiest solution. The dispensary is located in walking distance from my house, so location parameters come into play. I guess I don't know how good I have it living in California