Tag: cannabis

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News: Manslaughter Charge Against Alec Baldwin Dropped + More News

Prosecutors are expected to drop manslaughter charges against Alec Baldwin in the accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of "Rust" in October 2021. Some news stories you might have missed: • Variety: Prosecutors are expected to drop manslaughter charges against Alec Baldwin in the accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust” in October 2021. He could have faced up to 18 months in prison if convicted. Continue reading “News: Manslaughter Charge Against Alec Baldwin Dropped + More News”

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What’ll You Have: ‘Joints For Jabs’ Or ‘Shot & A Chaser?’

(photo: Unsplash/Elsa Olofsson)

States are getting more and more creative in coming up with new incentives for folks to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

The Washington state Liquor and Cannabis Board has its new promotion, “Joints for Jabs,” which will allow state-licensed cannabis retailers to give one free pre-rolled joint to customers 21 or older when they receive either a first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. ABC News reports the promotion will run through July 12.

Talk about going gangsta…

The board had previously authorized businesses with liquor licenses to offer a free wine, beer or cocktail to customers who could prove they’d been vaccinated through June 30.

But Washington isn’t the only state offering ‘puffs for pokes.’

An Arizona cannabis dispensary recently announced a similar program where you could get your free shot and receive a free pre-rolled joint and an edible cannabis gummy. The dispensary calls the program “Snax for Vaxx.”

Many states and businesses began incentivizing vaccinations when the demand began to slow in April.

That was when Krispy Kreme started giving out free donuts to those who got their shot.

Los Angeles County offered free Lakers season tickets, and the Hustler Club in Las Vegas ‘put some skin in the game’ by serving up free lap dances and bottle service.

West Virginia’s governor announced young folks between the ages of 16 to 35 would receive a $100 savings bond if they got vaccinated.

Ohio really upped the stakes when Gov. Mike DeWine announced a new lottery giving away $1 million each week for five weeks for those who received at least one dose of COVID vaccine. For winners under 18, the prize is a four year scholarship to an Ohio public university.

Colorado is doing a similar program called “Colorado Comeback Cash” where one vaccinated resident will be chosen to win $1 million each week for five weeks.

Between May 25 and July 3, Maryland is giving away $2 million in daily $40,000 drawings.

In May, New York State launched the “Vax & Scratch” lottery program which offered $20 scratch-off lottery tickets with a chance to win a $5 million prize if they received a COVID vaccination.

Lottery officials in Kentucky gave away 225,000 free lottery tickets in May to residents who stepped up to get vaccinated.

On June 28 Oregon will give away $1 million to one lucky vaccinated winner plus one person from each of the state’s 36 counties will win $10,000.

California is giving 10 lucky winners $1.5 million each on June 15, plus 30 more Californians could score $50,000 prizes.

Previously mentioned Washington state also has a $2 million lottery going on throughout June.

And don’t worry if you got your shot early. In most states, vaccinated residents are being entered automatically from states’ immunization databases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 64% of adults in the U.S. have received at least one dose of an approved vaccine. President Biden set a goal in early May to reach 70% by July 4.

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House Votes 228-164 To Decriminalize Marijuana

For the first time, the House of Representatives voted in favor of decriminalizing marijuana and providing for the regulation and taxation of cannabis. Five Republicans joined 222 Democrats and one independent to approve the bill. The five Republicans: Matt Gaetz, Brian Mast, Tom McClintock, Don Young, Denver Riggleman From the Washington Post:

The vote was 228-to-164 and marked the first time either chamber of Congress has voted on the issue of federally decriminalizing cannabis.

The measure is not expected to pass into law, and, due to political skittishness, it was only voted on after the November election and more than a year after it emerged from committee. But the House took a stand at a moment of increasing momentum, with voters last month opting to liberalize marijuana laws in five states — including three that President Trump won handily.

Currently, 15 states have some form of recreational cannabis legalization, while 36 states have approved marijuana for medical use.