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Topics: US News
Emma Guinness
You could soon be able to buy marijuana in the form of flower buds, pre-rolls, vapes, and edibles while filling up your car.
The news was announced by Green Thumb Industries, a cannabis manufacturer, on Wednesday (19 October), who revealed that they were partnering with Circle K to create at 10 'RISE Express' dispensaries.
CBS MoneyWatch reports that these dispensaries, located in Florida, will have separate entrances from those of the normal gas station, although the cannabis will be sold alongside standard products like tobacco and snacks.
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The products will be made at 28-acre facility in Ocala, Florida that is on track to open at the end of this year.
News of the gas stations partnering with the cannabis firm was confirmed by Ben Kovler, the founder and CEO of Green Thumb, who said that the partnership will make it 'easier and more efficient for patients to purchase high-quality cannabis as part of their everyday routine when stopping by their local convenience store'.
However, the owner of Circle K, Alimentation Couche-Tard stressed to CBS MoneyWatch that cannabis will not be for sale in the gas stations per se, but instead available in a separate store adjacent to the stations.
They stressed: "Circle K is not selling cannabis in its U.S. stores."
The Florida Department of Health stated that it is currently legal for people to buy and use cannabis in a medical capacity in the state, however, the drug does remain illegal at a federal level.
There are around 560,000 people in Florida who have a card granting them access to medical marijuana.
"The opening of RISE Express stores at Circle K locations is a game-changer," Kovler added. "Convenience is a strong channel in retail, and people want more access to cannabis."
News of the new gas station offering comes after President Biden announced that he is pardoning anyone currently convicted for the simple use or possession of cannabis.
He wrote on Twitter: "As I've said before, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana. Today, I'm taking steps to end our failed approach.
"We classify marijuana at the same level as heroin - and more serious than fentanyl. It makes no sense."
As reported by the BBC, it's been estimated that 6,500 people charged with simple possession will have their lives transformed by the federal pardon.
The president said that the change will make it easier for these people to gain employment, housing and other necessities.
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