Community Corner

Pot Vending Machine Comes to O.C.

Aliso Viejo company releases medical marijuana vending machine.

Marijuana is now available with the same ease as purchasing a bag of potato chips thanks to Aliso Viejo-based Dispense Labs.

The company released a medical marijuana vending machine last week, according to an Orange County Register report. Founder Joe DeRobbio thinks the machine could eliminate some safety concerns.

According to the Dispense Labs website, the incorporation of “sophisticated software along with advanced safety and security measures, this innovative machine is specifically designed and manufactured to dispense medical marijuana while also managing the supply chain, providing up to the minute accounting details and protecting the security of the product as well as the patient accessing the system.”

Find out what's happening in Aliso Viejowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Dispensary Store in Santa Ana was the first to use the machine, according to the Register report.

Medical marijuana cardholders can access the machine once inside the vending cage, meant to keep the product and members safe. After hours use is available, but requires fingerprint activation, the website says.

Find out what's happening in Aliso Viejowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Twitter voices have sounded off about the machine:

“California (of course) tests a pot vending machine. I assume they're put next to machines loaded with delicious snacks.”

“A marijuana vending machine? Can it sell you Twinkies and Doritos too?: Call it Robo-pot.”

“Medical marijuana vending machines...can I have a brownie please?”

According to Gawker, Medbox, a company that claims to have invented a similar dispensing system five years ago, ordered the company to cease and desist. Attempts were made to contact Dispense Labs.


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