June 8, 2021- 11:46 p.m.
Washington state will allow adults to receive a free marijuana joint when they receive the coronavirus vaccine in an effort to motivate more adults to receive the shot.
The “Joints for Jabs” campaign, announced by the state’s liquor and cannabis board on Monday, went into effect immediately and will run through July 12.
The board said it received “multiple requests” from marijuana retailers “to engage in a promotion, in a mutual effort … to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations.” The state will allow cannabis licensed businesses to offer the vaccine at their retail stores and provide one joint at no cost to customers who receive the shot.
The promotion only applies to pre-rolled joints, no other products such as edibles, for adults 21 years and older when they receive their first or second dose of the vaccine at an active vaccine clinic event at a cannabis retail location.
Marijuana is legal for recreational use in the state of Washington for adults 21 years and older.
Last month in another attempt to ramp up COVID-19 vaccinations, Washington state partnered with businesses to allow them to offer one free alcoholic beverage to customers with proof of vaccination.
As vaccination rates in the U.S. slow, states across the country, as well as the federal government and companies, are offering incentives to motivate people to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations.
The Biden administration has partnered with rideshare companies to offer free transportation to vaccine appointments, some states are offering raffles, free college tuition and money and companies, such as CVS are offering chances to win cruises and vacations.
