ZaZZZ, the first medical pot vending machine made by American Green, has debuted in Seattle.
American Green announced that weed history was made in the city on Tuesday, Feb. 3, as the company launched the first vending machine that can dispense marijuana flower buds. ZaZZZ will be placed in medical marijuana dispensaries.
Greg Patrick, a spokesperson for American Green, revealed that this is not the first time that a pot vending machine has been installed in the U.S.
In 2014, American Green placed pot vending machines in Colorado. However, the ZaZZZ machines in the state dispense only edibles, or cannabis-infused food. The ZaZZZ machines in Seattle are the first ones in the country to dispense weed flower buds, which are normally associated with smoking pot.
Patrick explained that the ZaZZZ looks like a simple vending machine, but it will dispense products only once it scans a customer's identity and age. The ZaZZZ vending machines will be equipped with a touchscreen, which will allow buyers to place orders, play some video games and read information regarding different products.
Customers will have to swipe in their driver's license or medical marijuana IDs to ensure they are eligible to make a purchase. Customers can pay for their purchases only with cash or bitcoins as the federal government does not allow the sale of marijuana using credit or debit cards.
"Once you swipe your ID, you can go shopping on the screen," said Patrick. "You can be in and out -- literally -- in a matter of minutes."
The temperature-controlled machine will always be manned by authorized personnel. A customer will have to scan their ID in the machine as well as present it to the authorized person manning ZaZZZ.
Patrick added that ZaZZZ is very similar to snacks and soda dispensing machines found in numerous locations. Just like other vending machines, ZaZZZ also intends to speed up the distribution process for customers who do not want to wait in queues.
According to existing federal laws, marijuana products cannot be shipped across state borders. American Green had to partner with local producers to maintain the stock in the vending machines.
American Green hopes that it can install the machines in places other than medical marijuana dispensaries. Such a step will spread awareness and acceptance of medical marijuana. The machine does not have a glass window and ZaZZZ is also secured against potential thieves looking to steal marijuana from the vending machines.
"That machine is like a miniature little Fort Knox," added Patrick.
The first ZaZZZ vending machine has been installed at Seattle Caregivers, a medical marijuana dispensary, which is located on South Jackson Street in Seattle's International District.
