Joints for Jabs

Remember the days when the doctor offered you a lollipop in exchange for taking an injection?  Well, for residents of Washington State, a scenario reminiscent of such days has come around again… Sort of.

With the Biden administration pushing to reach a goal of getting 70% of Americans vaccinated for Covid-19 by July 4, a growing number of consumer brands and non-profits have launched incentive programs to help make it happen.

In an effort to entice more people to get vaccinated, Washington’s State Liquor and Cannabis Board announced the approval and launch of the “Joints for Jabs” promotion, which runs from 7 June 2021 until July 12. The initiative is that of DC Marijuana Justice, a non-profit that played an integral part in the legalisation of cannabis in Washington. According to DCMJ’s press release “this community effort aims to highlight the need for further local and national cannabis reform while also advocating for equitable distribution of the critical vaccine. DCMJ notes that to safely share a cannabis joint without potentially contributing to the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, each user must be vaccinated–an objective that necessitates accessibility for all District residents.”

“We are looking for ways to safely celebrate the end of the pandemic and we know nothing brings people together like cannabis,” says DCMJ co-founder Nikolas Schiller. “DCMJ believes that cannabis should be consumed safely and responsibly, and the pandemic has made this incredibly difficult for many adults to share their homegrown cannabis. When enough adults are inoculated with the coronavirus vaccine, it will be time to celebrate – not just the end of the pandemic, but the beginning of the end of cannabis prohibition in the United States.” 

The State Liquor and Cannabis Board is allowing for State-licensed cannabis stores to temporarily operate as Covid-19 vaccine clinics where customers who are 21 or older may receive a free pre-rolled joint when they get a first or second COVID-19 shot on-site.  The promotion applies only to joints, not other products such as edibles though.
Advertising of cannabis products and businesses has been mostly prohibited, with the exception of two sign boards close to your shop. However, advertising of these “vaccine clinics” and one complementary joint for those receiving a first or second COVID-19 vaccine is allowed until 12 July, so long as licensees maintain compliance with all other advertising regulations.
The LCB has provided dozens of allowances for alcohol and cannabis licensees throughout the COVID pandemic in an effort to support the vaccine effort as well as businesses during the restriction period. Most recently, a free beer, wine or cocktail for those who can prove that they received their shot before the end of June.   

Media Release: LCB  Allows “Joints for Jabs” Promotions to Support Vaccinations (govdelivery.com)