DC Marijuana Justice (DCMJ) launched a weed event in April that encouraged people to get the COVID-19 vaccine in exchange for marijuana goodies just in time for 4/20. The program turned out to be a success as the organization was able to give away approximately four pounds of DC-sourced marijuana which were able to supply more than 4,200 rolls.

With the Joints for Jabs project being a hit, various advocacy groups in other states have formulated plans to offer weed to people who got the shot similar to the DCMJ program. Want to know if such weed events exist near you? Keep reading.

Cannabis in the Time of Corona

The marijuana industry continues to boom even during the pandemic. More and more individuals are looking to cannabis to address various discomforts such as pain, inflammation, stress, and anxiety which may or may not be connected to the current public health crisis. Cannabis sales are at an all-time high going from $10.7 billion in April 2020 up to $18.3 billion in April 2021.

Studies say that this may be related to the fact that people are buying in bulk to minimize the need to go out and get more to reduce the risks of exposure. One sure thing is that the legalization of marijuana in many parts of the United States played a role in this surge as more states pass bills to legalized medical marijuana, and some legalize its recreational use.

A compelling reason that these states are taking on a more friendly stance towards cannabis or at least considering bills that propose its legalization is definitely connected to the pandemic, especially with its economic effects. The slowdown caused by the virus has led states to accumulate debt and see a decrease in revenues and they are turning to cannabis regulation and taxation to help revive their economies.

Understanding Joints for Jabs

Given the fact that more people are willing to experiment with cannabis products, as well as cannabidiol-infused ones, there is no question why DCMJ came up with the Joints for Jabs program. The logic behind it is simple: marijuana consumers would benefit from freebies upon getting the vaccine and the weed goodies can hopefully convince those who are yet to decide to get the jab.

To do this, DCMJ gathered volunteers to be stationed at more than 35 vaccination centers all over Washington, DC. More than 85 volunteers participated in the event and distributed around 4,200 rolls on April 20, 2021.

This is considered a huge success not only for the group but also for the district as this indicates that about 4,200 individuals support cannabis and got the shot, not to mention that there are probably thousands of others who got vaccinated that day but did not get the free cannabis products from DCMJ.

The initiative was a great deal for the medical community because it promoted vaccinations which is an important factor in achieving herd community.

Why it Worked

This program worked because of the timing. Remember that it was held on April 20, 2021, which is considered the unofficial World Cannabis Day, so consumers had high hopes when it comes to all things marijuana. Plus, who would not appreciate getting a freebie just for doing your part in achieving herd immunity against the virus?

Aside from supporting efforts to vaccinate against the virus, the advocacy organization also sought to promote legal cannabis sales in the district as well as to gain support for a new cannabis reform legislation in the capital.

States in the US that Offer Cannabis in Exchange for Vaccines

Because of the significant success of DCMJ in Washington, DC, some states were inspired to launch similar events that aim to promote both cannabis and the vaccine. Here are states that held or are holding similar projects.

·         New York

New York Marijuana Justice (NYMJ) partnered up with DCMJ to give marijuana products to vaccinated individuals in Union Square Park on April 20. According to organizers, they had to get permission from the city, the mayor’s office, and the governor in order to push through with the drive.

The hand-rolled joints were completely gone at the end of the day as a crowd gathered to get their share of the love after getting vaccinated. At 4:20 PM that day, the organization also celebrated with a “smoke out.”

The group was also present at the NYC Cannabis Parade in May.

·         Arizona

Aside from DC and NY, Arizona also had its own version of the Joints for Jabs program called Snax for Vaxx. Mint Cannabis Dispensary worked with Commerce Medical Group to offer a free pre-rolled joint and a cannabis gummy after getting a shot. Even the shot is free thanks to both organizations. The vaccination drive was done early in June.

Mint Cannabis Dispensary is popular for its cannabis-related initiatives designed to help the community. Back in March, it launched a similar program in which individuals can present a COVID-19 vaccination card and they can get a free edible.

·         Washington

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board has an ongoing program also named Joints for Jabs, which gives licensed cannabis stored the ability to give free pre-rolled joints to customers 21 years and above after receiving their first or second dose of the vaccine. Vaccinated individuals can only get a free joint the same day they received the shot. The program will be running until July 12.

This project was initiated by the state board thanks to requests from cannabis dispensaries who wanted to support vaccination initiatives in Washington. Aside from free joints, the board also allows liquor dealers to provide free beers, wines, or cocktails to individuals who get their vaccines by June 30.

·         Michigan

Michigan dispensary The Greenhouse launched the Pots for Shots initiative for eligible individuals who got the jab as a “way of saying thank you for helping to end [the] pandemic and getting [the community] back to normal.”

Customers just need to present proof of vaccination to receive a free UBaked pre-roll from the dispensary. No purchase is required, but the retailer needs to see proof of age eligibility (21 years old and above) or a valid medical card with ID.

The dispensary allows in-store or curbside pickups for the free joint, which is available after getting the first dose.

Jab- and Cannabis-Related Reminders

Before you go and get your jab and get a freebie, you want to make sure that you follow the guidelines that make you qualified for both. For the jab, make sure to bring any documentation needed to show that you are eligible for the vaccine. For the freebie, never forget to bring a valid ID that shows your age and residence, or if you have a medical marijuana card, make sure to bring it as well.

Individuals who got free marijuana products in exchange for showing proof of vaccination are probably excited to consume their freebies. It is best to ask your physician if you can take the cannabis product right after the jab. You should also know your limitations when it comes to smoking or ingesting rolls and edibles.

One thing you should remember, however, is that the shot can have effects on you as your body adjusts to the vaccine including tiredness, headaches, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea, as well as pain redness, and swelling on the vaccinated arm. Like marijuana, the vaccine has varying degrees of side effects in different people.

Now, if you are experiencing these vaccine-related effects, your first thought might be to consume cannabis as a way to relieve pain and nausea. Again, the best plan of action is to consult with your doctor before intaking any substance to alleviate these effects.

If you are thinking of going back to your normal activities right after the second dose, you should remember that the vaccine can take up to two weeks to be fully effective, according to CBD. This means that you are not fully vaccinated until this period is up, so it is best to be careful during the two-week wait.

Those who have been fully vaccinated should remember that they can still contract the virus, although at minimal levels. This means that there is a hugely decreased possibility that you will get the disease although you might exhibit milder symptoms or no symptoms at all. It also ensures that vaccinated people would not reach severe levels that lead to hospitalization.

Given this, you might still need to be careful, especially if you interact with people who are yet to be vaccinated. One this is for sure though, you can get your cannabis products with reduced worries.

The Bottom Line

More and more groups are advocating for the vaccine whole fostering the normalization of cannabis. With the help of such campaigns, people could be more receptive to the idea of getting the shot, as well as the positive view of marijuana. Plus, they are promoting legislative changes such as legalization and reform. So, if you are yet to get the jab, here is your incentive. Make sure to check similar initiatives near you.