“Joints for Jabs” is real in Washington state.
According to the state’s Liquor and Cannabis Board this week, state licensed cannabis retailers are allowed to “provide one joint to adult consumers who receive COVID-19 vaccination at an in-store vaccination clinic.”
Just days ago Washington reached its goal of at least vaccinating 70% of state adults. Gov. Jay Inslee has said reaching that milestone will encourage the reduction or possibly the elimination of most remaining coronavirus-driven restrictions across the state.
The board said it received multiple requests from cannabis retail licensees to help promote the state vaccination efforts. The approval for what the board called “Joints for Jabs” is effective immediately and will expire July 12. Another name for the plan has been dubbed “poke and toke.”
The fine print states only one joint, no substituting other pot treats, only good for people 21 years of age and older. Advertising is allowed.
An Arizona business, the Mint Cannabis Dispensary partnered with a medical group to offer free, on-site vaccinations at its three Phoenix-area locations. Those who were vaccinated at the clinics and 21 years of age or older received a free pre-rolled joint and an edible cannabis gummy during an initiative the dispensary called “Snax for Vaxx.”
The Washington state board noted that it has provided dozens of allowances for alcohol and cannabis licensees throughout the pandemic in an effort to support businesses during the restriction period and to support the vaccine effort. It has already approved free beer, wine or cocktails for those vaccinated by June 30.
Last week, Inslee unveiled the “Shot of a Lifetime” , a lottery campaign aimed at promoting vaccination in the state, which early in the pandemic was the primary U.S. hot spot for COVID-19 deaths. The Washington State Lottery will conduct a weekly drawing for $250,000 for four consecutive weeks and then a final drawing for $1 million.
The lottery campaign also includes $1 million in incentives for students in the form of free tuition and other scholarships. Additionally, the state Department of Health is distributing $500,000 in gift cards through its Care-A-Van mobile vaccination drive.