New Marijuana Vending Machines in Colorado Serve Medical Patients

What used to dispense snacks, drinks, and candy will now also provide marijuana. The Tranzbyte Corporation's "ZaZZZ" machine was showcased at a Montana Smokehouse event in Avon, Colorado and may soon be installed at a dispensary.

The machine is designated for medicinal use only, not recreational use. The ZaZZZ machine hopes to make it easier for eligible patients to receive their medical marijuana.

Additionally, the product hopes to help business owners track inventory more effectively and avoid thefts (since the product is in high demand). The company's release of the ZaZZZ machine is strictly for the medical marijuana business, one that is expected to boom as legalization becomes more widespread across the United States. The makers do no intend for it to be utilized for recreational use.

"This day has been eagerly anticipated by scores of people. From shareholders to the media, competitors to possible clients, there have been eyes on this event," said Tranzbyte's president David Gwyther on the company website. "We are excited to announce it and looking forward to hosting it, but most of all, we are keen to bring what we consider ground breaking technology to the market."

There already exists a line of vending machines for marijuana, the MEDBOX dispensing system. It's used behind the counter in dispensaries in California and is important in helping owners keep track of their inventory. The new ZaZZZ machine is similar, yet different, because it will be accessible to store owners as well as the customers. Now, those who are looking to refill their prescription won't have to wait in any lines, which will speed up the process for a busy business (many are flocking to Colorado to obtain prescriptions).

The ZaZZZ machine will dispense a variety or marijuana products, including actual pot prescriptions, edibles, pre-rolled joints, etc. In addition, it has the technology to check identification to verify the patient. The bright green machine's first model is for selling snacks, and it hopes to soon be used at the Herbal Elements dispensary in Eagle-Vail, Colorado after all regulations are met and everything is cleared.

You can read more about the ZaZZZ machine and Colorado's medical marijuana situation in both this Los Angeles Times article as well as this NPR article.