Santa Cruz dispensary rolls out marijuana vending machine
There’s a new way of distributing marijuana in Santa Cruz County.
The dispensary KindPeoples has added a vending machine to their Soquel Avenue location.
Marketing director for KindPeoples, Brett Friel, says they wanted to add a new layer to the store, giving customers another option when buying products, “When we have big lines and things are busy Friday nights and Saturday, at are busiest times, it’s nice to come in, grab your one item and hit the road without waiting in line.”
The machine does not have as many products as the “bud bar,” but Friel says they keep it stocked with a good variety, “There’s less products in the machine than at the bud bar, however we balance out the categories so we make sure to offer flower, concentrate, edibles, there’s drinks in there. So we really try to balance it out so there’s something for everyone.” They come at the same price you would find at the counter.
Friel says it’s convenient for those who know what they’re looking for and want a quick way to get in and out, “after recreational transition, we found that customers, some wanted a long form consultation and wanted a cannabis consultant to have that full experience, some other folks like to come in and grab their one item and get back in the car and take off.”
Customer Lee Charron says he likes that the option is there, “I’m only here on a quick lunch break so if I could just pop in and do that it’d be a lot easier than I guess talking to somebody.”
For anyone questioning security, Friel says “it actually has its own security screen where you have to slide your ID in order to even access the machine, so we check your ID at the door, you check in with the receptionist and get into our database and then you slide your ID just to start the process of shopping in the vending machine.”
After sliding your ID and accepting terms and conditions, you can view all of the products, make your selection, pay and be on your way.
The vending machine only takes cash right now, but KindPeoples is looking into ways for it to accept cards.
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There’s a new way of distributing marijuana in Santa Cruz County.
The dispensary KindPeoples has added a vending machine to their Soquel Avenue location.
The machine is located inside the building. Everyone entering has to show their ID and check in with the receptionist before buying anything.
The machine dispenses edibles, drinks and flowers. They come at the same price you would find at the counter, but not quite as much selection.
KindPeoples marketing director Brett Friel says it’s convenient for those who know what they’re looking for and want a quick way to get in and out.
KION’S Ashley Keehn will have more at 5&6.