Retail

Smart vending machine uses facial recognition to verify age for THC products

Photo: Adobe Stock

September 24, 2025

A smart vending machine at an Austin shop is using facial recognition and ID scanning to ensure customers are 21 or older before purchasing consumable hemp products with THC, according to a Spectrum Local News report.

The machine, developed by Leaf and Legends owner Nick Mortillaro, dispenses items such as gummies, pre-rolls and beverages. The technology requires customers to scan their face and a government-issued ID. The machine only charges the credit or debit card and dispenses the product if the facial scan and ID match.

Mortillaro said he hopes the technology can help businesses comply with Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order calling for rules to prohibit minors from purchasing consumable hemp products.

"It's really the integration of the age verification to the smart vending kiosk to allow the whole system to be compliant," Mortillaro told the news report.

The use of facial recognition in retail raises some privacy concerns, according to Kevin Frazier, an AI innovation law fellow at the University of Texas School of Law. He suggests businesses disclose how customer data is being used. Mortillaro stated that his machine only performs a facial match and does not upload pictures to a database.