Free joints given to people getting vaccinated in Washington

Cannabis shops in the US state of Washington have been given permission to offer free joints to those who take the COVID-19 vaccine.

The promotion has been nicknamed “Joints for jabs”, and means that anyone can over the age of 21 can receive a single pre-rolled joint if they get vaccinated at a vaccine clinic by July 12.

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The idea originated across the country in Washington, D.C., when drug reform advocacy group DC Marijuana Justice handed out over 4,200 joints across 30 vaccination sites in D.C. on 4/20.

The Biden Administration is encouraging state officials to use inventive methods in order to increase vaccination rates. Many other US states are trying to incentivise citizens in other ways, including lottery prize draws in Ohio, and free beers in New Jersey, as governors work to compensate for vaccination rates that continue to fall across the US.

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Free joints or edibles are also available in Arizona, for those of legal age who get the vaccination.

A New York Times database has reported that as of June 7, 58% of Washington’s citizens have had a single dose, while 49% have been fully vaccinated.

Tope Olufemi is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow them on Twitter here