Arizona Cannabis Dispensaries Give Away Free Edibles for COVID-19 Vaccination
The Mint, a chain of recreational cannabis dispensaries in Arizona, has launched a campaign to support the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination effort. The dispensary is offering free edibles containing active cannabis extracts to any adult who provides proof of vaccination. This promotion is currently available at all Mint locations, including stores in Mesa, Tempe, and the state capital, Phoenix, where the company recently opened a 5,000-square-meter flagship store.
To receive the cannabis gift, visitors do not need to make any purchases—simply show staff your vaccination certificate. The campaign is expected to run until the end of the month.
Looking ahead, the dispensary chain plans to expand its cannabis-infused food giveaways to attract more customers. At the start of the month, the company will launch a new promotion for the beginning of Major League Baseball’s training season, offering customers complimentary hot dogs and French fries with cannabis-infused sauce with their purchases.
Similar Promotions Across the U.S.
It’s worth noting that such cannabis edible giveaways are not limited to Arizona. Currently, free snacks with cannabis extracts and other cannabis products are being distributed in several other cities and regions across the country. Earlier this month, a similar program began in Washington, D.C., organized by the local activist group “D.C. Marijuana Justice.” Representatives of the group are handing out free bags of premium cannabis to anyone interested, right outside vaccination sites.
“This is our way of helping fight the coronavirus pandemic and bringing some joy to our fellow citizens, who are understandably tired of the ongoing situation and constant lockdowns,” says Nicholas Schiller, head of the activist group. “Of course, the campaign also has a clear pro-cannabis message. Given the promises of the new presidential administration, it’s possible that by the end of the year, we’ll have overcome not only the coronavirus but also the federal criminalization of cannabis, which has already been effectively overturned in nearly half the states.”
Michigan Dispensary Joins the Effort
A similar cannabis giveaway for vaccination was also held by Greenhouse, a dispensary in Walled Lake, Michigan, from early January through the end of February. In this case, visitors who provided proof of vaccination received a pack of pre-rolled cannabis cigarettes from UBaked Cannabis Company.
“Besides drawing attention to our business, this campaign raises public awareness in the state about the importance of vaccination as a way to collectively fight the spread of the epidemic,” says store owner Jerry Miller. “Additionally, we hope that by receiving cannabis, our customers will use it safely at home, further reducing the risk of spreading infection.”