Read more about Washington s joints for jabs Covid-19 vaccine programme falling flat on Business Standard. It was designed as an innovative way to promote Covid-19 vaccinations, but Washington s new joints for jabs programme is off to a rough start
US News: SEATTLE: It was designed as an innovative way to promote Covid-19 vaccinations, but Washington's new 'joints for jabs' programme is off to a rough sta.
SEATTLE – It was designed as an innovative way to promote COVID-19 vaccinations, but Washington’s new joints for jabs program is off to a rough start.
Officials announced Monday that the state s nearly 500 licensed marijuana retailers could begin hosting vaccine clinics and offering a single, free pre-rolled marijuana cigarette to any 21-plus adult who received a shot there.
It s one of many vaccine incentives being offered in Washington, including free pints of beer, sports tickets and prize money to lure those who have been hesitant or just lazy. Washington and Colorado in 2012 were the first states to legalize the adult use of marijuana, with regulated sales beginning in 2014. The industry brought Washington close to $474 million in taxes in the last fiscal year.
But few things are simple in an industry that s illegal under federal law, and the hurdles to offering the free joints are substantial enough that few of the state s legal pot shops are saying they will participate, even if they would like to do so. Retailers told the state Liquor and Cannabis Board during a meeting on Wednesday that many didn t have the space to host a vaccine clinic. Some healthcare providers were queasy about setting up a clinic on the site of a marijuana business because they didn t want to jeopardise federal funding by being involved in the distribution of an illegal drug. And the programme is set to expire July 12 – too soon for them to offer a second shot to customers who might show up for a first shot in mid to late June.