US State Offering Free Marijuana To Those Getting Covid Vaccine With Its 'Joints For Jabs' Initiative

In order to increase the rate at which people are getting vaccinated, the US state of Washington is offering "joints for jabs" to encourage Americans to get inoculated against COVID-19.

This is due to the fact that inoculation rates continue to have a slow pace.

Pharmacies selling cannabis in the northwestern state will be allowed to offer one free, pre-rolled joint to anyone aged 21 or above who takes vaccine jabs at an in-store clinic.

AFP

Recreational marijuana sales were legalised in the US state of Washington in 2012.

Till now, only 54 per cent or just over half of Washington state adults have been given one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to recent health department figures.

Last month, bars were allowed to give out one free alcoholic drinks to adults in Washington state if they receive their vaccine doses within a six-week 'window'.

Washington state's temporary "joints for jabs" exemption, requested by cannabis retailers, will run until July 12.

Due to the pace of inoculations slowing down, several states have come up with a slew of measures to encourage more uptake.

AP

California and Ohio have operated vaccine "lotteries" offering cash prizes or college scholarships to randomly selected vaccinated people.

A cannabis dispensary in Arizona offered to give free products to those receiving jabs. Free sports tickets, airline flights and beers are among other freebies being offered to get more people vaccinated against COVID-19.

US President Joe Biden has set a target of inoculating 70 percent of American adults with at least one vaccine shot by July 4, the country¡¯s Independence Day.

The White House

According to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, the current figure is 63.7 percent.