Medical Marijuana Vending Machines Take Root In Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (AP) – A new invention in Los Angeles has gotten the attention of federal drug agents. They’ll be investigating medical marijuana vending machines.

The Los Angeles Herbal Nutrition Center installed pot machines to give patients a dose of convenience with their grass.

The nutrition center’s owner says they also offer low prices, safety and privacy. California allows marijuana use for medical purposes but it’s still against federal law.

The machines require fingerprint identification and a prepaid card with a magnetic strip. Any user approved for medical marijuana who is registered in a computer database can use the machine to pick up the drug. The machines are guarded.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)