Have you got an ACE marijuana vending machine in your neighborhood? A company called Terrapin from Boulder, Colorado, has done something pretty useful. They’ve installed ACE – Automated Cannabis Experience vending machines in Aurora, Colorado. The device is found at its Aurora store at 11091 E. Mississippi Ave., near East Mississippi Avenue and South Havana Street.
The first fully automated machine of its kind, the ACE, was developed in partnership with BMC Universal Technologies. Designed not only to dispense cannabis but to package and live label as well, the machine exceeds compliance requirements. An easy system that leaves a minimal gap for risks.
Easy to use, customers are loving the marijuana vending machine
A very simple system is in place when one would like to use the marijuana vending machine as well, making it a winner all around. Customers swipe their ID cards, verify their credentials and follow easy-to-understand instructions on a digital screen. They pay for their purchase and get to watch the entire selection, bagging, and labeling process right before their eyes through a 30×38-inch window.
The machine can hold up to 1152 pounds of marijuana, depending on the size and type of packaging. They soon hope to roll out more of these ingenious marijuana vending machines at more of their locations throughout Colorado. Who could say no to faster check-out? This also allows experience budtenders the opportunity to educate more customers as their attention will not be as split as before.
Read: Woman’s ‘cancer vanished after using cannabis and magic mushrooms’
Not only easy to use, the marijuana vending machine also caters to everyone
The marijuana vending machine is also programmable in multiple languages which ensures a positive experience for all. “Innovative solutions like ACE illustrate the increasingly mainstream nature of the cannabis space,” Terrapin CEO Chris Woods said. “ACE not only improves sales but also provides unique benefits to consumers, including faster checkouts, expanded education, and the ability to engage in multiple languages. As the cannabis industry evolves, companies must pivot to meet changing consumer preferences and demands. ACE offers a genuinely game-changing way for consumers to purchase cannabis.”
“We are happy to support innovation in business and appreciate Terrapin for choosing Aurora to implement this impressive equipment.” Said Trevor Vaughn, manager of licensing for the city of Aurora. “Our highest priority is public safety and Terrapin acknowledges this with their implementation of this retail option by adding an automated layer of safeguards to human verification to ensure that only those legally allowed to consume cannabis are purchasing those products.”
BMC was just as excited about the prospect ahead of them
“As an established leader in the vending industry, we have the manufacturing design, automation and engineering expertise necessary to design and develop the vending machine of the future.” Robert Schwarzli, BMC Universal Technologies’ president, said.
“ACE is the first vending solution on the market that requires zero human assistance, truly transforming how people shop for cannabis products. While ACE is a first for the cannabis sector, we’ve brought dozens of other one-of-a-kind projects across myriad other industries to life — and are excited about the future of cannabis retail.”
Not the first of its kind, similar vending machines are found in various other states and Canada.
It wasn’t long until the BC Pain Society’s marijuana dispensary at Commercial Drive and West 13th Avenue became a complete online sensation. The Vancouver company installed a marijuana vending machine on its premises in 2014. Making it a first of its kind in Canada. At the time, the city was petitioning to close all unlicensed dispensaries.
“They are saying they’re going to start some sort of enforcement on Saturday. I’m ready, I’ve been talking to a number of lawyers, and I’m looking at my options,” says Chuck Varabioff, owner of the BC Pain Society. “I don’t agree with it. I don’t agree with it at all. We’re providing a service here for sick people.”
The issue at the time was that of the 150-plus dispensaries that applied for a permit, only 20 were either approved or placed under review. “It’s not only Vancouver we’re serving, but we’re also serving all of B.C… there’s a need for it,” he says. “We’re open 365 days a year, I’m staying open.”
Keep Reading: Man who’s taken 182 drugs says worst one was common baking ingredient
Sources
- “Vancouver dispensary, home to Canada’s first marijuana vending machine, vows to stay open.” Global News. Justin McElroy. August 4, 2016
- “Marijuana vending machine opens in Colorado.” 9 News. Alexander Kirk. February 19, 2023.