Although I like the convenient aspect of the idea, I just don't think its a good idea. Get rid of them!!! It just looks bad and unprofessional. I mean we don't have prescription drug vending machines, so why these? Seeing as its still federally illegal, I don't think it helps the cause at all. Personally I have no problem with these vending machines, but it's just one more thing for the prohibitionists to cry about. I really don't see why the owner of these machines had to notify the press. Bad move in my opinion.

I can't imagine why someone decided it was a good idea to notify the media on this. The story has already spread internationally. Another example of one or two people making a stupid decision that will affect the whole movement across the nation.

The patients using these machines have the RIGHTS to privacy.You don't get FINGERPRINTED to get a Driver's Permit or to Use a Credit Card that could be stolen.The government wants these people on record so If these machines get stolen They can accuse one of them.This has to be the worst idea someone will be getting their meds and someone will rob them or steal the machine.This is another BRAINSTORM from our STUPID government

Bill Adams
Ontario,Canada

First of all their is no slippery slope with marijuana. That only exist's with addictive drugs like alcohol, nicotine, heroin, cocaine, methampthetamine and prescribed opiate pain killers. Marijuana is not addictive physically. There is only a mild anxiety, no other withdrawal effects are present, and even the anxiety is not a problem. For those who it is a problem have undiagnosed mental anxiety disorders which exsisted before they even used marijuana. So put that in you vaporizor and smoke it.

My basic point of contention is that I think it's a bad idea to treat cannabis as if it were something very special. Are there vending machines with armed personnel standing by where you can draw a couple of OxyContin or Valium in case you forgot your medicine at home?

Although I wouldn't presume to know everything about the USA, I'm kinda guessing you can't do this. Though you probably have 24/7 drug stores (apothecaries) where trained personnel can hand out medicine to those with prescriptions.

I think - as a general rule - that everything cannabis should be normalized. Each day our opposition tries to make cannabis into "something very special" - or at least keep up this popular view. That's exactly what reinforces the crazy idea that Drug War measures are needed to deal with cannabis.

Having these fishy "extra available" vending machines sends a signal that medical cannabis patients are more forgetful (oh dear...), can't go to the 24/7 drug store like everyone else and that they are more dependent on their medicine (addiction) than other people.

So since the government wont ever be able to tax marijuana legally and sell it this is as close as it gets.I think its a reality check to everyone who thinks marijuana "is a drug".You will never find cocaine in a vending machine so marijuana cant be as bad as accussed.reality is marijuana should be legal and this is just a very small step toward that. vote for obama X johnson-Bay area legalize it

The prohibitionists will use this as another excuse to "save the children."

There are only one or two of these things here in Los Angeles, but look at the amount of free press both the maker of the vending machine and the owner of the dispensary are getting. With probably two to three hundred (before all those DEA letters last year, we had close to 400) dispensaries in the LA area, HNC has just found its gimmick to set itself apart from the competition. Likewise, the maker of the machine obviously chose a controversial product to dispense in order to generate buzz around the PVMs (Prescription Vending Machines); as they plan on expanding their market to include heavy prescription narcotics and 'male enhancement' drugs. The whole thing is a gimmick, and is being taken far too seriously by the mainstream media.

Theft of the machines themselves is probably less likely than the chance of armed robbery in or outside the traditional dispensaries. The machines are huge, bolted to the ground, and accept credit cards. I don't think too many people are going to be shoveling $20s into this thing, so there's really not that much incentive other than the pot itself (which can be obtained by easier methods, both medically and non-medically, here in LA).

The privacy issue is something that all medical cannabis patients have to overcome when entering into the semi-legitimized system. I would argue that a majority of cannabis users in California are still outside the system because of concerns over being on some sort of government database of potheads. I honestly believe that for every registered patient, there are probably an average of three extra people who are gaining access to the system as well, but are too worried about privacy to make doctor's appointment.

That being said, there are some glaring problems with the design and implementation of this machine. First, there seems to be no way to inspect the merchandise you're buying after hours. The ubiquitous black face of the machine tells me nothing of the quality of bud inside. If a certain strain isn't a big seller, how long does it sit in storage before someone eventually buys it? The storage conditions inside the PVM could seriously effect the quality of the cannabis as well.

Secondly, the camera should be a video camera, not a still camera. This was probably done to save cost, but ATMs all have video cameras in them for security purposes. A still camera targets only the intended user, and doesn't capture the totality of events occuring infront of the machine. Likewise, a digital photo archive of all customers seems like a serious privacy risk in the face of further DEA persecution. And given the fact that the DEA has chosen to target certain dispensaries for political reasons (to make examples out of successful entrepreneurs, or to silence drug reform advocates), I can only guess that it's a matter of time before they come knocking on HCN's door.

The sky is not falling as some of you are suggesting.

The issue of legalization has to continue to be pushed if we are ever going to see an end to Prohibition. What better way to show the general public that they have been lied to than to put drugs in something as benign as a vending machine.

I say kudos.

I know if I were sick I would want access with my prescription anytime of the day or night. Hopefully these machines are located in safe areas. I think this is a great idea. One day if a chronic illness takes over my life I would like to know I have a choice to use what helps me feel better. I have seen first hand what pain pills do to quality of life.

Wake up America!

Considering what good cannabis cost in Cal. Security had better be TIGHT. Access had better be ristricted to med users. I do not consider this to be a good idea.

Ironman

A terrific idea, make it easily available, give us a choice, have it affordable. Why are so many, so afraid of marijuana?? Anyone can grow it, it is an herb that needs to be respected not feared. Ending this Drug War is the only path to unifying our country and stopping the increasing presence and influence of the DEA, prison building, police enforcement mentality that seems to be growing exponentially. With the very real problems of health care, global warming and the rising cost of living, why aren't we demanding change. Drug legalization and regulation ends the billions, yes billions going into the wrong hands and would make these funds available to be used for health care and education. We would not need more prisons, larger police forces and a DEA which threatens and intimidates doctors throughout this country. Studies have shown repeatedly that when drugs have been decriminalized use has not increased, in fact with time it actually decreases. In private most people will agree with these statements, yet we can muster no movement to demand these changes.