OT: Pot Vending Machines in LA - The Orange Mane

BMF Bronco · 01-30-2008, 03:32 PM

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22910820/?GT1=10755

LOS ANGELES - The city that popularized the fast food drive-thru has a new innovation: 24-hour medical marijuana vending machines.

Patients suffering from chronic pain, loss of appetite and other ailments that marijuana is said to alleviate can get their pot with a dose of convenience at the Herbal Nutrition Center, where a large machine will dole out the drug around the clock.

"Convenient access, lower prices, safety, anonymity," inventor and owner Vincent Mehdizadeh said, extolling the benefits of the machine.

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But federal drug agents say the invention may need unplugging.

"Somebody owns (it), it's on a property and somebody fills it," said DEA Special Agent Jose Martinez. "Once we find out where it's at, we'll look into it and see if they're violating laws."

At least three dispensaries in the city, including two belonging to Mehdizadeh, have installed vending machines to distribute the drug to people who carry cards authorizing marijuana use.

Mehdizadeh said he spent seven months to develop and patent the black, armored box, which he calls the "PVM," or prescription vending machine.

Convenience and privacy
A sliding fence protects the tinted windows of his dispensary, barely distinguishing it from a busy thoroughfare of strip malls, automobile dealers and furniture shops. A box resembling a large refrigerator stands inside the nearly empty shop, near a few shelves stocked with vitamins and herbs.

A guard in a black T-shirt emblazoned with the word "Security" on the front stands at the door. A poster of Bob Marley decorates a back room.

The computerized machine requires fingerprint identification and a prepaid card with a magnetic stripe. Once the card and fingerprint are verified, a bright green envelope with the pot drops down a slot.

Mehdizadeh says any user approved for medical marijuana and registered in a computer database at his dispensaries can pre-purchase the drug and then use the machine to pick up.

The process provides convenience and privacy for users who may otherwise feel uncomfortable about buying marijuana, Mehdizadeh said.

At the Timothy Leary Medical Dispensary in the San Fernando Valley, the vending machine is accessible only during business hours. An employee there said the machine was introduced about five months ago, and provides speedy service.

"It helps a lot of patients who are in a lot of pain and don't want to wait around to get help," Robert Schwartz said. "It's been working out great."

Mehdizadeh said he sought the advice of doctors, and decided to limit the amount of marijuana per user to an ounce per week. Each purchase from the machine yields 1/8th or 2/8th of an ounce. By eliminating a vendor behind the counter, he said, the machine offers users lower drug prices. The 1/8th ounce packet would cost about $40 — $20 lower than the average price at other dispensaries.

'It's to medicate'
A spokesman for a marijuana advocacy group said the machine also benefits dispensary owners.

"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.

Marijuana use is illegal under federal law, which does not recognize the medical marijuana laws in California and 11 other states.

The Drug Enforcement Agency and other federal agencies have been actively shutting down major medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the state over the last two years and charging their operators with felony distribution charges.

Mehdizadeh said the Herbal Nutrition Center was the target of a federal raid in December. He said no arrests were made and no charges have been filed against him.

Kris Hermes, a spokesman for advocacy group Americans for Safe Access, said the machine might benefit those who already know how much and what strain of marijuana they're looking for. But he said others will want to see and smell the drug before they buy it.

A man who said he has been authorized to use medical marijuana as part of his anger management therapy said the vending machine's security measures would at least protect against illicit use of the drug.

"You have kids that want to get high and that's not what marijuana is for," Robert Miko said. "It's to medicate."

TailgateNut · 01-30-2008, 03:33 PM

Somebody is going to steal these.

Just like the convienience of the "RedBox", ladies and gentlemen, here's the "GreenBox"!

BMF Bronco · 01-30-2008, 03:34 PM

oh hell yes they are!!!!

broncofan2438 · 01-30-2008, 03:39 PM

Thats awesome

BMF Bronco · 01-30-2008, 03:41 PM

Where's Alec when you need him?!

OABB · 01-30-2008, 03:46 PM

this just in:
"Travis Henry is seeking a trade to either the oakland raiders, sd chargers or sf 49ers. all he asks for is base salary and a car with really good gas mileage."

Bronco Yoda · 01-30-2008, 03:50 PM

vancejohnson82 · 01-30-2008, 03:57 PM

Travis Henry would get his arm stuck trying to pry some goodies out of there for free

the judges and kids have all his dispensable income

alkemical · 01-30-2008, 04:06 PM

At the Timothy Leary Medical Dispensary in the San Fernando Valley, the vending machine is accessible only during business hours. An employee there said the machine was introduced about five months ago, and provides speedy service.

how fitting

Oh, and the courts are fighting this:

http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/PainMan...ory?id=4183876

California Supreme Court Rules Employers Can Fire Workers for Using Medical Marijuana

400HZ · 01-30-2008, 04:29 PM

Where can I buy medical cocaine? Sometimes I get tired at work.

Atwater His Ass · 01-30-2008, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 400HZ

Where can I buy medical cocaine? Sometimes I get tired at work.

lol

crawdad · 01-30-2008, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 400HZ

Where can I buy medical cocaine? Sometimes I get tired at work.

Coming soon at a drug store near you.

Dr. Broncenstein · 01-30-2008, 04:58 PM

seriously.... legalize weed.... so potheads have nothing else to talk about ever...

epicSocialism4tw · 01-30-2008, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Broncenstein

seriously.... legalize weed.... so potheads have nothing else to talk about ever...

That's the first time I have ever seen that argument made.

Hotrod · 01-30-2008, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Broncenstein

seriously.... legalize weed.... so potheads have nothing else to talk about ever...

epicSocialism4tw · 01-30-2008, 05:22 PM

Obesity has become a big health issue for our country.

More pizza with ranch will be eaten than ever before if we legalize pot.

If you are truly some sort of physician, Dr. Broncenstein, then you should advise against legalizing it.

I have seen people literally eat peanut butter straight from the jar while they were stoned. Spoon by spoon.

TDmvp · 01-30-2008, 05:30 PM

the mods must love pot , or this would have only lasted 2 mins on main page ... or is it offseason now .... i like weed so carry on ...

BMF Bronco · 01-30-2008, 05:51 PM

nah, it's because they know better than to move my threads!

(cue moving in 3...2...1...)

Los Broncos · 01-30-2008, 07:52 PM

Its been forever since i smoked out, i will be in LA next week.

BMF Bronco · 01-30-2008, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMF Bronco

nah, it's because they know better than to move my threads!

(cue moving in 3...2...1...)

damn, I was right!

01-30-2008, 03:32 PM	#1
BMF Bronco Offseason sucks... Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bozeman, MT Posts: 11,724 Adopt-a-Bronco: ME	OT: Pot Vending Machines in LA http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22910820/?GT1=10755 LOS ANGELES - The city that popularized the fast food drive-thru has a new innovation: 24-hour medical marijuana vending machines. Patients suffering from chronic pain, loss of appetite and other ailments that marijuana is said to alleviate can get their pot with a dose of convenience at the Herbal Nutrition Center, where a large machine will dole out the drug around the clock. "Convenient access, lower prices, safety, anonymity," inventor and owner Vincent Mehdizadeh said, extolling the benefits of the machine. Story continues below ↓ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- advertisement -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- But federal drug agents say the invention may need unplugging. "Somebody owns (it), it's on a property and somebody fills it," said DEA Special Agent Jose Martinez. "Once we find out where it's at, we'll look into it and see if they're violating laws." At least three dispensaries in the city, including two belonging to Mehdizadeh, have installed vending machines to distribute the drug to people who carry cards authorizing marijuana use. Mehdizadeh said he spent seven months to develop and patent the black, armored box, which he calls the "PVM," or prescription vending machine. Convenience and privacy A sliding fence protects the tinted windows of his dispensary, barely distinguishing it from a busy thoroughfare of strip malls, automobile dealers and furniture shops. A box resembling a large refrigerator stands inside the nearly empty shop, near a few shelves stocked with vitamins and herbs. A guard in a black T-shirt emblazoned with the word "Security" on the front stands at the door. A poster of Bob Marley decorates a back room. The computerized machine requires fingerprint identification and a prepaid card with a magnetic stripe. Once the card and fingerprint are verified, a bright green envelope with the pot drops down a slot. Mehdizadeh says any user approved for medical marijuana and registered in a computer database at his dispensaries can pre-purchase the drug and then use the machine to pick up. The process provides convenience and privacy for users who may otherwise feel uncomfortable about buying marijuana, Mehdizadeh said. At the Timothy Leary Medical Dispensary in the San Fernando Valley, the vending machine is accessible only during business hours. An employee there said the machine was introduced about five months ago, and provides speedy service. "It helps a lot of patients who are in a lot of pain and don't want to wait around to get help," Robert Schwartz said. "It's been working out great." Mehdizadeh said he sought the advice of doctors, and decided to limit the amount of marijuana per user to an ounce per week. Each purchase from the machine yields 1/8th or 2/8th of an ounce. By eliminating a vendor behind the counter, he said, the machine offers users lower drug prices. The 1/8th ounce packet would cost about $40 — $20 lower than the average price at other dispensaries. 'It's to medicate' A spokesman for a marijuana advocacy group said the machine also benefits dispensary owners. "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. Marijuana use is illegal under federal law, which does not recognize the medical marijuana laws in California and 11 other states. The Drug Enforcement Agency and other federal agencies have been actively shutting down major medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the state over the last two years and charging their operators with felony distribution charges. Mehdizadeh said the Herbal Nutrition Center was the target of a federal raid in December. He said no arrests were made and no charges have been filed against him. Kris Hermes, a spokesman for advocacy group Americans for Safe Access, said the machine might benefit those who already know how much and what strain of marijuana they're looking for. But he said others will want to see and smell the drug before they buy it. A man who said he has been authorized to use medical marijuana as part of his anger management therapy said the vending machine's security measures would at least protect against illicit use of the drug. "You have kids that want to get high and that's not what marijuana is for," Robert Miko said. "It's to medicate."

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01-30-2008, 03:33 PM	#2
TailgateNut Bleedin' orange! .......as much as tebonites Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mile High Posts: 20,018 Adopt-a-Bronco: Howard Griffith	Somebody is going to steal these. Just like the convienience of the "RedBox", ladies and gentlemen, here's the "GreenBox"!

01-30-2008, 03:34 PM	#3
BMF Bronco Offseason sucks... Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bozeman, MT Posts: 11,724 Adopt-a-Bronco: ME	oh hell yes they are!!!!

01-30-2008, 03:39 PM	#4
broncofan2438 Faneco this... LETS TAKE BACK THE AFC WEST Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: California Posts: 6,302 Adopt-a-Bronco: ERIC DECKER	Thats awesome

01-30-2008, 03:41 PM	#5
BMF Bronco Offseason sucks... Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bozeman, MT Posts: 11,724 Adopt-a-Bronco: ME	Where's Alec when you need him?!

01-30-2008, 03:46 PM	#6
OABB Master of Karate aaahaaaaaaaaah Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Los angeles Posts: 7,132 Adopt-a-Bronco: tgnsmyb****	this just in: "Travis Henry is seeking a trade to either the oakland raiders, sd chargers or sf 49ers. all he asks for is base salary and a car with really good gas mileage."

01-30-2008, 03:50 PM	#7
Bronco Yoda Stokley once... ...saved me from a beating Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,244

01-30-2008, 03:57 PM	#8
vancejohnson82 Drama and Mediocrity I'm Afraid of Ty Law Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Newark, NJ Posts: 5,990 Adopt-a-Bronco: DJ	Travis Henry would get his arm stuck trying to pry some goodies out of there for free the judges and kids have all his dispensable income

01-30-2008, 04:06 PM	#9
alkemical Guerrilla Ontologist rorrim\|mirror Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Future Posts: 42,693 Adopt-a-Bronco: Prima Materia	At the Timothy Leary Medical Dispensary in the San Fernando Valley, the vending machine is accessible only during business hours. An employee there said the machine was introduced about five months ago, and provides speedy service. how fitting Oh, and the courts are fighting this: http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/PainMan...ory?id=4183876 California Supreme Court Rules Employers Can Fire Workers for Using Medical Marijuana

01-30-2008, 04:29 PM	#10
400HZ Ring of Famer Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 4,343 Adopt-a-Bronco: Ed Hochuli	Where can I buy medical cocaine? Sometimes I get tired at work.

01-30-2008, 04:58 PM	#13
Dr. Broncenstein Overdriven Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Sterile Fields Posts: 11,617 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Woodyard	seriously.... legalize weed.... so potheads have nothing else to talk about ever...

01-30-2008, 05:22 PM	#16
epicSocialism4tw Tebowing the long haul all the way to the title Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: TX, USA Posts: 37,072 Adopt-a-Bronco: Champ Bailey	Obesity has become a big health issue for our country. More pizza with ranch will be eaten than ever before if we legalize pot. If you are truly some sort of physician, Dr. Broncenstein, then you should advise against legalizing it. I have seen people literally eat peanut butter straight from the jar while they were stoned. Spoon by spoon.

01-30-2008, 05:30 PM	#17
TDmvp Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 8,049	the mods must love pot , or this would have only lasted 2 mins on main page ... or is it offseason now .... i like weed so carry on ...

01-30-2008, 05:51 PM	#18
BMF Bronco Offseason sucks... Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bozeman, MT Posts: 11,724 Adopt-a-Bronco: ME	nah, it's because they know better than to move my threads! (cue moving in 3...2...1...)

01-30-2008, 07:52 PM	#19
Los Broncos Ring of farmers Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Anaheim Hills, Santa Ana Mountains CA Posts: 18,766 Adopt-a-Bronco: Ryan Clady	Its been forever since i smoked out, i will be in LA next week.