Greenstate: Shrooms and THC from the mall? Kiosk ignites controversy

SOURCE: Greenstate.com

EXCERPT:

Wisconsin is one of the few states where cannabis remains illegal at every level. Being caught with small amounts may land someone in prison with up to $10,000 in fines. The state may be competing with Idaho for the most anti-cannabis laws on the books. And, like many places with stringent cannabis policies, the intoxicating hemp market is thriving. This space is so in demand that there is a self-service station in the mall selling everything from cannabis to hallucinogens.

The Ethereal Gold Dispensary kiosk has been in the Brookfield Square shopping mall for a year selling hemp-derived products that are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Still, a recent citizen complaint to police is drawing renewed attention.

Ethereal Gold, a Wisconsin-based hemp dispensary, has three kiosks in the state. One is located at the Waukesha dispensary for easy pick-up. There is another set up at Fusion Liquor in Wales, and then, of course, there is the station in question at the mall in Brookfield. The sales point at Fusion Liquor is open 24 hours, and the one at Brookfield Square can be accessed from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Children can see the machines, and taller ones may be able to access their screens, which prompted concern from the complainant. The machines verify age through a website. Once users activate the kiosk, they must go to the site and upload their 21+ ID before the screen allows the order to continue. Each of the kiosks has different products based on the clientele. Menus and stock change as consumers in each area show their preferences.

Product quality is another valid concern with hemp-derived THC and hallucinogenic mushroom products. The menu at the kiosks varies based on location, but the main dispensary menu shows the complete lineup. Shoppers choose between hemp THC, amanita muscaria, and sundries that combine the two. Dispensary owner Bill Fuchs doesn’t mind the extra press, but acknowledges the safety hazards that come into question with these products. The FDA was forced to issue a critical warning on Diamond Shruumz amanita muscaria products last year after multiple “adverse events” among consumers.