For patients in Los Angeles suffering from chronic pain & loss of appetite a Medical Marijuana Vending Machine may be just the invention to make life easier, but does everybody feel the same way?  Vincent Mehdizadeh, the inventor and owner states his reasoning behind this machine . . . “Convenient access, lower prices, safety & anonymity.”  Although Marijuana is still a feared substance in America and around the world, things are changing for better or worse. This vending machine was introduced approximately five months ago, and has been providing speedy service ever since. Guards are situated at the doors of these locations to ensure client safety, this process is said to provide convenience and privacy for the users who may feel uncomfortable about buying marijuana.

Any user approved for the medical marijuana and registered in a computer database at the dispensaries can pre-purchase the drug and then use these machines to pick up. Robert Schwarts has said “It helps a lot of patients who are in a lot of pain and don’t want to wait around to get help.” The computerized machine uses finger print identification, as well as pre paid cards with all of the client’s information. By eliminating a vendor behind the counter the vending machine will offer users lower prices. The 1/8th ounce packet will cost $20-$40 lower than the average price at other dispensaries. Mehdizadeh spent seven months to develop and patent this black, armored box, which is called the “PVM,” aka prescription vending machine. The public believes the vending machines security measures could at least protect against the illicit use of this drug. In regards to safety “It limits the number of workers in the store in the event of a raid, and it’ll make it harder for theft,” said Nathan Sands, of The Compassionate Coalition. With regards to the above information we will have to wait and see if this new invention will be for better or for worse.

My final thought is that the entire concept of a marijuana vending machine seems to be painfully ironic, considering the “munchie” cravings for chips and chocolate bars that marijuana is known to cause.