This past week Canada installed the first 2 of a series of Marijuana (pot) vending machines in Vancouver.
For $4 to $6 dollar range, a gumball designed machine dispenses small amounts of pot in plastic containers. The price range is based on the variety and not the volume or weight of the package.
The director of the British Columbia Pain Society, Charles Varabioff said that the machines are “for people who want cheaper stuff, not necessarily quality.” Varabioff’s group also houses, runs and maintains the vending machines.
The second larger sized dispensing machine is selling their ‘goodies bag’ for $10 to $50. This larger machine also offers a variety of hash and its oil and extracts.
“Only those with a membership to the society are allowed to purchase items from the machines” said Varabioff. He went on to say that those members must also have a doctor’s prescription for the product in which they are purchasing. If an interested party does not have a prescription, Varabioff said he can refer them to a doctor.
Once everything is in place with the doctor’s order, Varabioff says “if they consent that marijuana is an option for you, we’ll print you a free ID card”.
Local police have said they are fully aware of the pot dispenser machines. “Whether it happens over the counter, in a dark alley or through a vending machine, the sale of marijuana is illegal. There is always a risk of arrest when someone engages in illegal activity,” said Brian Montague via email. Montague is part of the Vancouver Police Dept.
Montague went on to say “The (Vancouver police) will respond to any complaints and decide if further investigation or enforcement is required.” “We have a priority-based approach to policing and generally this is a low priority. Not to say that it can’t become a priority if public safety is a concern.”
Varabioff said his goal is to have more of the machines installed in and around Vancouver and other towns and smaller municipalities throughout Canada.
