Pot. Weed. Herb. Mary Jane. MMJ. Whatever nicknames users give their often beloved marijuana, legal now both medically and recreationally in Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, the fact remains that sometimes users are parents with kids in the house–and while they most often shield them from any discussion of these types of issues until they are older, those in charge must also, more importantly, shield little ones from access–and potentially serious reactions.
In states like Colorado, where the green rush may be the new gold rush, pot is indeed legal–and plentifully available. It’s sold in retail shops, discussed openly, and many who enjoy it are indeed parents with small children, just as are those who enjoy a craft beer or a glass of wine. There is also the aspect of marijuana as medicine, making it even more logical that yes, it needs to under lock and key from children.
Many would attest that medical marijuana is much, much stronger than what used to be out there. With so many users–and product–out in the open, and especially those obtaining marijuana medically, the need for a strong device locking children out is obviously there.
In order to keep curious little minds and chubby little fingers away from the weed and the very popular–and enticing–pot edibles, Green Technology Solutions, Inc. is partnering with a Texas-based 3D printing company, 6th Dimension Technologies, specializing in custom products. Together they are working to engineer safety solutions which are undoubtedly unique, but also aesthetically pleasing and affordable.
While Green Technology Solutions, headquartered in California, professes to ‘enable medical marijuana growers, practitioners, and resellers’ for thriving within their unique and rather new economy, they are also looking into making sure the kids stay safe, as they work on 3D printed prototypes with sturdy locking mechanisms.
“We’re working to engineer a rigid container that can be easily opened by an adult but remains inaccessible to small children,” said GTSO CEO Wallace W. Browne. “We’re exploring a wide variety of potential production methods, including additive manufacturing, injection molding and milling. The prototypes that receive the best feedback from our focus groups will be patented.”
Children being poisoned, especially by edibles with a higher concentration of THC is definitely a concern, and unfortunately for some has been a reality. While not known to be fatal, children can land in the hospital after an accidental ingestion. With this in mind, GTSO and 6th Dimension are working on the Lock Box design, featuring a sliding lid mechanism. It’s engineered, of course, so that a child would not be strong enough to open it.
The 3D printed prototype is still being tested for the optimum size and materials before they begin manufacturing. With the rapidly growing industry centered about MMJ and recreational cannabis use, GTSO definitely plans to release their first childproofing product early next year, along with a host of new tools to help growers and retailers offer quality–and safety. Discuss this story in the 3D Printed Cannabis Container forum thread on 3DPB.com.
