WA Could Outlaw Marijuana Vending Machines

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Washington State entrepreneurs hoping to sell marijuana through vending machines or drive-up windows took a hit this week when the Senate approved a bill that would ban such practices.

The measure, which passed 47-0 on Monday, aims to keep marijuana from being sold in public places, according to the Associated Press.

But it’s not a done deal yet: The bill moves to the House next.

Some businesses see cannabis vending machines and automated dispensing systems as the wave of the future.

A Colorado company last year introduced a marijuana vending machine called Zazzz, which accepts cash and Bitcoins. Other companies, including publicly traded Medbox, have developed machines that allow customers to bypass busy dispensary and retail counters.

Some states and cities, however, have moved to limit or ban these types of machines.