Coloradans Can Now Buy Weed Straight From A Vending Machine, Even Gov. Jared Polis Is Excited

Aurora, Colorado residents can now buy cannabis from a vending machine proving they are at least 21 years old.

Terrapin Care Station dispensary in the city is the first to offer this new way of purchasing marijuana products — via an Automated Cannabis Experience (ACE). This large machine was developed by Terrapin Care Station in partnership with vending machine company BMC Universal Technologies calling it the first fully automated cannabis kiosk on the market, writes The Denver Post.

Those who are interested to try this new pot shopping experience can try it out only at 1091 E. Mississippi Ave. in Aurora, at the moment. Upon their arrival, customers need to show an ID that proves they are 21 years or older to a dispensary employee to enter. Upon entering they can buy weed products without budtenders’ assistance.

More Than 1000 Products

According to Peter Marcus, communications director for Terrapin Care Station, the ACE can more than 1150 products, including those that need to be refrigerated. From flower and edibles, to concentrates and vape oil cartridges — a plethora of marijuana products are available for purchase via this vending machine.

Currently, due to the cannabis’ Schedule 1 status, which still causes difficulties for financial transactions in the industry, the machine only accepts cash. 

It is important to mention that, some three years ago, the outlet also wrote about another marijuana vending machine, dubbed Anna, that was installed in Colorado.

The differences between the two are many, with the most notable one, according to Marcus, being the ACE’s integration with Metrc, Colorado’s seed-to-sale cannabis tracking system, which makes it compliant with state and municipal laws. According to representatives of Strawberry Fields and Star Buds dispensaries, where Anna was first installed, the machine had compliance issues, which is one of the reasons it wasn’t used for long. 

Marcus added that ACE also helps when there’s a shortage of staff, and it speeds up shopping.

“Plus it’s kind of a fun experience, not going to lie. It’s something that potentially draws new consumers in,” Marcus said. He thinks that with marijuana reform it is possible there will be these at Union Station, or “like ATM expresses where you swipe cards to get into the use the ATM.” 

Even Governor Tweets About It

That this is an important moment for the Colorado cannabis industry, testifies Gov. Jared Polis (D) who promoted the ACE via the following tweet: 

This dispensary in Aurora is the first Cannabis vending machine and the first fully automated cannabis kiosk on the market.

You still need proof of ID and age to be granted entry.https://t.co/p0a7qs7zfH pic.twitter.com/FZ1aW3I1ZA

— Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) February 12, 2023

Photo: Benzinga edit with images by Wikimedia Commons and Testeur de CBD on Unsplash