Marjuana Vending Machines Dispense Flower, Edibles, Vape Oils -- And Even Take Credit Cards

With the public wary of contracting coronavirus and consumers trending toward contactless purchases to reduce the danger, a Boston-based cannabis tech company wants to make sure marijuana users in Colorado have the option.

Colorado legalized recreational marijuana in 2012, among the first of 23 states to do so. The state industry was valued at $1.75 billion last year, and sales for the first six months of this year totaled more than $978 million. Globally, the industry is expected to reach $73.6 billion by 2027.

Matt Frost, founder and CEO of anna, told the Denver Post that his first four tricked-out marijuana vending machines have been installed at Strawberry Fields dispensary in Pueblo. A second dispensary, Starbuds in Aurora, was expected to take the plunge later this year. Machines also are expected to be installed in Massachusetts, and Frost said he is in talks with gas stations and retail stores to install machines that offer nonpsychoactive products.

“There are experienced cannabis customers who don’t necessarily need that one-on-one interaction with a budtender. They know what they want before they walk in, they’re ready to go in and out. By doing this we’re giving more time back to the people who do need hand-holding and want that education from a live person,” Frost said. “With COVID and social distancing and contactless, definitely we have an appeal there, as well.”

The machines, which sport digital menus and can take cash or credit cards, can dispense flower, edibles and vape oils.

The coronavirus pandemic forced many pot shops to revert to taking online orders for curbside pickup. Frost said it was only natural to try to bring the efficiency of retail self-checkout to the pot industry although customers still must show identification first.

The pandemic has changed the way consumers shop, with Visa reporting 78% of consumers have changed the way they pay and 63% saying they would switch to businesses that offer contactless payment options.