During the initial phases of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, businesses and dispensaries across Arizona launched various promotional initiatives to encourage vaccination. These programs ranged from free food items to complimentary cannabis products, generally requiring proof of vaccination or an appointment at specific locations. The offers detailed below were active during the spring of 2021 and were concentrated in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Food and Beverage Incentives
National chains and local establishments offered free food items to individuals who presented proof of vaccination. These promotions were generally available at storefronts across the United States, including Arizona locations.
Krispy Kreme Krispy Kreme launched a nationwide promotion allowing anyone with proof of Covid-19 vaccination to receive a free Original Glazed doughnut. This offer was valid for one doughnut per day for the remainder of the year. To redeem the offer, customers were required to show their physical vaccination card at participating U.S. stores; digital proofs or stickers were not accepted. The offer was available via in-store visit or drive-thru but excluded online ordering and delivery. According to the promotion details, the offer applied to individuals who had received at least one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
White Castle White Castle offered a free dessert on a stick to customers who had received their COVID-19 vaccine. The options included Gooey Buttercake-on-a-Stick, Fudge Dipped Brownie-on-a-Stick, Fudge Dipped Cheesecake-on-a-Stick, or Birthday Cake-on-a-Stick. No purchase was necessary to redeem this offer.
Grocery Store Vaccination Programs Several grocery store chains participated in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, offering incentives for receiving vaccinations at their pharmacy locations. Participating stores in the Albertsons Companies family—which included Safeway, Albertsons, Carrs, Haggen, Jewel-Osco, Pavilions, Tom Thumb, and Randalls—offered a 10% discount on a purchase following vaccination at their on-site locations. Additionally, Target offered a $5 discount on a purchase for individuals vaccinated at a CVS pharmacy located inside a Target store.
Cannabis Dispensary Initiatives
Arizona-based dispensaries, specifically The Mint Dispensary, created high-profile initiatives to incentivize vaccination. These programs were distinct in their offer of free cannabis products in exchange for proof of vaccination.
The Mint Dispensary The Mint Dispensary offered free cannabis edibles and pre-rolled joints to individuals who received their COVID-19 vaccine at participating locations. The dispensary partnered with Commerce Medical Group to provide free, on-site vaccinations at its three Phoenix-area locations during the month of March.
The initiative, titled "Snax for Vaxx," provided the following incentives: * Eligibility: Participants had to be 21 years of age or older. * Proof of Vaccination: A valid COVID-19 vaccination card was required. * Offer Details: Individuals who received their vaccine on-site could receive a free pre-rolled joint and an edible cannabis gummy. * Single Dose Eligibility: The promotion applied even if the recipient had only received one shot of a two-dose regimen.
The specific locations offering these combined vaccination and incentive services included: * Tempe Location: 5210 S. Priest Drive. * Mesa Location: 330 E. Southern Avenue. * North Phoenix Location: 17036 N. Cave Creek Road (opened March 15).
In addition to the on-site vaccination program, The Mint Dispensary previously ran a separate promotion in March offering a free cannabis edible to anyone who had received one or both shots, regardless of where the vaccination took place.
The Greenhouse of Walled Lake While located in Michigan, this dispensary was noted for offering a free pre-rolled joint to anyone over the age of 21 who provided proof of vaccination. This highlights a broader trend of cannabis dispensaries using vaccination incentives, though The Mint Dispensary was the primary entity identified within Arizona.
State Vaccination Landscape
Arizona's vaccination rollout during this period was characterized by steady progress. As of April 10, the state had surpassed 4 million administered doses. By April 11, approximately 34.8% of the state's population had been vaccinated.
Vaccination sites were active across the state, including major hubs such as: * Desert Financial Arena in Tempe (operating daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.). * Locations in Glendale, Flagstaff, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Tucson, and Yuma.
Despite these efforts, reports indicated that vaccine hesitancy remained a challenge in various regions, influencing the overall pace of the rollout.
Conclusion
The promotional landscape in Arizona during the spring of 2021 featured a mix of national food chains and local cannabis dispensaries offering incentives to encourage COVID-19 vaccination. Krispy Kreme provided a daily doughnut, while White Castle offered a free dessert on a stick. In the cannabis sector, The Mint Dispensary stood out by hosting on-site vaccination clinics that provided free pre-rolled joints and edibles to eligible participants aged 21 and older. These offers generally required the presentation of a physical vaccination card and were tied to specific timeframes and locations.
Sources
- CNBC: Free with Covid vaccine
- ABC15: 3 freebies you can get with your COVID-19 vaccine card
- AZ Central: Free marijuana dispensary coronavirus vaccine
- AZ Central: Vaccine freebies say worst things America
- Cheapism: Covid-19 vaccine rollout
- Thrillist: Covid vaccine freebies deals 2021
- Phoenix New Times: Free edibles Phoenix dispensary The Mint March 2021