Pubdate: Thu, 31 Jan 2008
Source: Spectator, The (U of WI, Eau Claire, Edu)
Copyright: 2008 The Spectator
Contact: http://www.spectatornews.com/main.cfm?include=submit
Website: http://www.spectatornews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3941
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

GANGE ON THE GO

Marijuana Vending Machine Seems to Be Unnecessary Addition

On Jan. 28, CBS News reported that a vending machine that dispenses 
medical marijuana will be available at the Herbal Nutrition Center of 
Los Angeles. It won't be the same as the snack machines dotting 
UW-Eau Claire, though - this prescription vending machine requires 
extensive hoops for potential buyers to jump through. But the 
proprietors of this PVM should be cautious with providing drugs in 
such a fashion.

The security measures for the medical marijuana PVM are extensive, 
according to the report. Patients have to get an access card to 
enter, go through security, be fingerprinted, submit their 
prescription, pay and then finally pick up their drugs; a camera will 
take a picture of patients to make sure they are actually at the 
machine. The main purpose of the PVM is to allow patients access to 
prescriptions after hours at the pharmacy.

While the idea of allowing patients more access to the medical 
marijuana they need to ease their pain is admirable, the fact that 
the drug is still illegal to sell under federal law brings a host of 
potential problems. First off, where does the Herbal Nutrition Center 
get its marijuana? Does it get it off the streets as doctors are 
forced to tell their patients to do because of the federal ban on the 
drug? The idea of a street peddler making money from this machine is 
unappealing despite the benefits.

Also missing from the PVM is the face-to-face interaction patients 
should have with their doctors. This backdoor means of distributing 
the drug robs patients the ability to express concerns with their 
treatment to a doctor. Is this vending machine idea more convenient 
than having at least one doctor on hand at a 24-hour pharmacy?

The Herbal Nutrition Center should look closely to see if there is an 
absolute need for a machine of this type, as the problems it raises 
could put patients at more of a risk than necessary. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake