U.S Dispensaries Roll Out Weed Vending Machines
Cannabis Vending Machines Are Officially Here – And Could Be Coming to Your State Next
Imagine you’re in the office, at school, or at the park. You stop by the hoard of vending machines, but you’re not in the mood for a soda or a plain old chocolate bar.
Now imagine one of the metal machines dispenses cannabis-incorporated treats.
A company in Colorado is making that idea a reality. The company, called Anna, recently debuted what CEO and founder Matt Frost calls “tricked out vending machines.” The machines are designed to take and fill orders for marijuana products, and if you’re pumped to try it out, we have good news for you: the future is here.
“The retail technology available to dispensaries has inhibited the cannabis industry’s path to normalization,” Frost said. “In many traditional retail industries, self-checkout transactions are standard.”
Some lucky customers have already been able to use the machines to buy flowers, edibles, and vape oils. The first batch of machines was launched at Strawberry Fields dispensary in Pueblo, Colorado. Another batch was unveiled at Starbuds dispensary in Aurora, Colorado. Massachusetts, Frost’s home state, is also expected to hold some machines.
“There are experienced cannabis customers who don’t necessarily need that one-on-one interaction with a budtender,” Frost told the Denver Post. “They know what they want before they walk in, they’re ready to go in and out. By doing this, we’re giving more time back to the people who do need hand-holding and want that education from a live person.”
According to the company, the machines can hold more than 2,000 products.
How Does It Work?
Customers who show their identification are checked in to use the machines. Each machine has a digital display on a 27-inch touch screen, which customers can use to fill their virtual shopping cart. Then, they pay with cash or a debit card. Finally, “Anna” quickly dispenses the items.
The company is also developing an app, so users can pick out their products in advance.
The machines come at what seems like the perfect time. Cannabis use has been relatively high since the coronavirus pandemic started, and customers want quick, simple ways to make their purchases.
READ MORE: Cannabis Users Are Using Legal Weed More During Pandemic
Online purchases and curbside pickups have been huge, but vending machines are truly an out-of-the-box idea.
“With COVID and social distancing and contactless, definitely we have an appeal there,” Frost explained.
“It’s about getting customers through faster with less contact. A self-checkout solution does lend itself well to these times. There’s a bigger appetite for what we’re doing now.”
By 2021, the company is expected to have machines available to use in California, Nevada, and even Canada. Hopefully, you’re one of the lucky few able to try one.
