A San Francisco non-profit organisation is pulling out all the stops to ensure people get their COVID-19 vaccines, offering free weed to anyone who gets the jab.
Code Tenderloin, a charity that distributes health kits, clothing, and food to the vulnerable, will hold a mass vaccination event where anyone over 21 with a valid ID can score 3.5 grams of marijuana - approximately three and a half tinnies.
The event also invites rappers and singers to create an original song about the vaccine. All performers will receive a $200 Visa gift card.
While unconventional, the scheme has drawn praise from San Francisco politician Matt Haney.
"Code Tenderloin has been walking the streets daily and has vaccinated thousands of people in the past few months," he wrote on Twitter.
"If this works, more people are protected, that's a win. If it doesn't, then fine. We need to try everything we can."
As of June 11, 80 percent of eligible people in San Francisco have been vaccinated.
A press release from Mayor London Breed celebrated the milestone, saying it is allowing businesses to reopen and drastically reducing deaths and hospitalisations from COVID-19.
The idea of having live music at a mass vaccination event has been floated in Aotearoa too, with the Ministry of Health suggesting last week it would consider "building events" around the campaign.
"While there isn't any specific entertainment scheduled for the mass events being planned at this stage, it's certainly something DHBs can consider," a statement given to Newshub read.
"These events could provide entertainment such as acoustic live music that creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for people waiting to be vaccinated, as well as their whānau."
