Marijuana Vending Machine Rolls Out in Colorado

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Image: Brennan Linsley/Associated Press

By Todd Wasserman2014-04-15 15:41:44 UTC

People in Colorado may soon have an ultra-convenient option to buy their pot: a vending machine that dispenses medical marijuana and THC-laden snacks.

The machine, called the ZaZZZ, was unveiled at an event in Avon, Colo., over the weekend. Its creators told NPR that the machine uses biometrics to verify a customer's age. It's also climate-controlled to keep the products fresh.

See also: The Latest 'Health' Craze Is Weed Vaporizers

The ZaZZZ will be available in licensed marijuana-dispensing stores in Colorado and is the first designed for use by medical marijuana patients, not retailers.

Despite the excitement surrounding the new vending machine, Herbal Elements, the first marijuana dispensary that will host the machine, sent the following buzz-killing tweet on Monday:

Once it gets rolling, the ZaZZZ will have some competition. Endexx and Medbox also aim to automate the distribution of marijuana, though both have stayed behind the counter at distributors thus far.

Colorado Amendment 64, which allows for the commercial sales of marijuana to adults over 21, went into effect on Jan. 1. While Colorado and Washington are the only two states that allow for sale of pot for both medical and recreational use, 14 other states have decriminalized marijuana, meaning there is no criminal record for first-time possession.

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Topics: Business, colorado, marijuana, Marketing, vending machines