‘Joints for Jabs’: Washington States Bribes Residents With Free Marijuana To Encourage Innoculation

In yet another desperate move by the government to encourage more vaccination, Washington State has introduced a new program called “Joints for Jabs.”

The state’s Liquor and Cannabis Board announced this week that it grant state-licensed cannabis retailers permission to “provide one joint to adult consumers who receive COVID-19 vaccination at an in-store vaccination clinic.”

This program comes after the state has seen an incredibly high rate of adult vaccination, currently registered at over 70%. Governor Jay Inslee claimed that reaching this level will result in the elimination of most but not all remaining COVID-19 restrictions in the state.

Recent trends of providing indulgences as a reward for taking the COVID-19 vaccine are not at all new, with Mint Cannabis Dispensary in Arizona participating as well. Mint provided free and onsite vaccinations in various locations, rewarding those who partook with a free pre-rolled joint and edible cannabis gummy, with the initiative being called “Snax for Vaxx.”

Additionally, other incentives such as free rides for vaccines have been offered as well. Big League Politics reported on this previously.

“So many states declared cannabis retailers and employees as essential early on in the pandemic,” New England-based cannabis brand and business consultant Ben Mervis told USA TODAY.  “This is a poetic opportunity for them to not only give back but to incentivize efforts to create safer, vaccinated communities.”

The Washington state board pointed out that it has supported numerous efforts regarding free alcohol or cannabis for those who choose to get inoculated. Through June 30th there are offerings of free beer, wine, cocktails, and other liquors, with the marijuana incentive set to expire on July 12th respectively.