ACT UP New York has come up with a novel incentive to get fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. They’ll pay you to show them your filled-out vaccination card.
And in return, they’ll give you a free joint. That’s right. A joint for a jab.
Related: Gay bar raided by COVID “SWAT team” just hours after mayor changes regulations
So far the group has popped up around town twice with the good time giveaway. First, on April 20 at a 4/20 event and then again on May 1 after the annual Cannabis Day parade.
Never Miss a Beat
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.
“Joints For Jabs 1 was so successful that we want to continue the program through the summer to encourage vaccination among medicinal and recreational marijuana users and young people,” organizer Brandon Cuicchi said. “Now that vaccine demand is slowing, it’s clear that vaccines will need to go where people already congregate such as parks and public spaces in order to reach them.”
The group reports on social media that they gave away approximately 300 joints to “people over 21 showing proof of COVID vaccination.” They say they hope to offer walk-up vaccines on-demand at their next popup event. They are currently discussing the issue with the city Health Department.
“We know that young people are hesitant to get the COVID vaccine, especially if their families are, so rather than relying on the fear of getting COVID, we want to encourage them to get vaccinated in a positive way,” participant Kellen Gold told Gay City News.
