Washington Announces Free Marijuana Joints For Adults To Encourage Vaccination Among Citizens

Washington: US President Joe Biden has set a goal of vaccinating 70 per cent of Americans by July 4. To that end, states have been encouraged to think outside the box in order to persuade citizens to vaccinate.

Washington state in the US has said licensed marijuana stores can offer free joints to promote coronavirus vaccine clinics.

State officials announced the Joints for Jabs programme, which will allow marijuana retail shops to give away a single pre-rolled joint to anyone over the age of 21 who gets a shot at an on-site vaccine clinic by July 12.

Breweries, wineries, and restaurants are already permitted to offer free drinks in exchange for proof of vaccination.

Other incentives include free sports tickets and cash prizes of up to a million dollars (£705,000).
The goal is to get more people to get vaccinated.

Governor Jay Inslee plans to lift all pandemic restrictions by the end of the month, or sooner if 70% of those over the age of 16 have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

According to the board, marijuana stores must purchase any joints they intend to distribute from licenced producers or processors, and they must keep records of any product distributed.