Washington state: Marijuana stores can offer free joint to people getting COVID-19 vaccine

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – As part of its COVID-19 vaccine drive, Washington state announced Monday that licensed marijuana stores in Washington state can offer a free joint to anyone over 21 who gets a COVID-19 shot at an on-site vaccine clinic by July 12, the Associated Press reports. Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board has called its drive the “Joints for Jabs” program.

Washington state is trying to encourage more of its residents to be vaccinated so that it can reopen fully more quickly, AP said. Gov. Jay Inslee hopes to lift all COVID-related restrictions at the end of June, or when 70% of residents aged over 16 have received at least their first dose of the vaccine, whichever is first.

The Liquor and Cannabis Board has told marijuana stores that they must buy the joints they want to give away from licensed producers or processors and must keep records of what they hand out, AP said.

The states’ breweries, wineries, and restaurants are already allowed to give free drinks upon proof of vaccination. However, businesses that serve alcohol have not been required to host an on-site vaccine clinic to give out their incentive.

Among other incentives, Washington is also giving out free sports tickets and prize money of up to $1 million to encourage residents to be vaccinated, AP said.

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