Pubdate: Thu, 08 May 2014
Source: Vancouver 24hours (CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 Vancouver 24 hrs.
Contact: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/letters
Website: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3837
Author: Ada Slivinski
Page: 4

POT VENDING MACHINES INSTALLED IN VANCOUVER

B.C. Pain Society Says Small Amounts of Marijuana Available in 
Plastic Containers If You Have a Prescription

Two marijuana vending machines - believed to be Canada's first - have 
been installed in Vancouver.

One looks like a gumball machine, with small amounts of marijuana 
available in plastic containers that sell for $4 to $6 depending on 
the variety.

Charles Varabioff, director of the B.C. Pain Society, which houses 
and runs the machines, said it is "for people who want cheaper stuff, 
not necessarily quality."

The other machine contains larger packages, which sell for between 
$10 and $50. Hash, and its oil and extracts, are also for sale in the machine.

Varabioff said that only those with a membership to the society - 
which requires a doctor's prescription - are allowed to purchase 
marijuana from the machines. If interested parties don't have a 
prescription, Varabioff said he can refer them to a doctor.

"If they consent that marijuana is an option for you, we'll print you 
out a free ID card," he said.

Police said they are aware of the drug 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 
Vancouver Police Department spokesman Brian Montague in an email.

"The VPD will respond to any complaints and decide if further 
investigation or enforcement is required," he said. "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 these machines installed. 
He plans to add another one at the society and hopes machines like 
these will spread across the city.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom