In a significant move for cannabis reform, Vice President Kamala Harris recently expressed her support for legalizing marijuana during an interview on the All the Smoke podcast. This marks her first public statement on the issue since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee, and it highlights a notable shift in political discourse surrounding cannabis.
“I just feel strongly, people should not be going to jail for smoking weed,” Harris stated, emphasizing the historical implications of marijuana criminalization. “And we know historically what that has meant and who has gone to jail.” Her comments underscore a growing recognition of the disproportionate impact that cannabis laws have had on marginalized communities.
Harris, who previously sponsored a federal cannabis legalization bill as a U.S. senator, reiterated her longstanding stance: “Actually, this is not a new position for me. I have felt for a long time we need to legalize it. So that’s where I am on that.” Her remarks are significant as they reestablish her commitment to cannabis reform in the context of her current campaign.
Until now, Harris had not emphasized her cannabis position, which contrasts with the more cautious approach taken by other Democratic leaders. Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, recently suggested that marijuana legalization should be a state-level decision. “I think it’s an issue for the states,” he said, noting the potential for federal reforms, such as banking protections for cannabis businesses, if Democrats gain more congressional seats.
While Walz’s comments reflect a pragmatic approach to reform, Harris’s bold endorsement of legalization marks a departure from the traditionally cautious stance of some political leaders on the issue. Harris has previously advocated for comprehensive cannabis decriminalization and highlighted the need for access to medical marijuana for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The cannabis conversation has also gained traction among Republican candidates. Former President Donald Trump announced his support for federal marijuana rescheduling and banking access. “As President, we will continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug,” he claimed in a recent social media post. He added that his administration would work with Congress to support state rights regarding cannabis laws.
However, the Harris-Walz campaign quickly countered Trump’s statements, accusing him of “blatant pandering” that contradicts his administration's record on cannabis. In a campaign memo, they asserted that Trump’s “brazen flip flops” on cannabis policy deserve scrutiny, reminding voters that he had taken steps backward on marijuana reform during his presidency.
The backdrop of this political posturing comes as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends moving marijuana to the less-restrictive Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. However, this proposal faces resistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which has scheduled a hearing for December 2—after the upcoming presidential election—raising concerns about the timeline for potential reforms.
In a curious twist, Trump criticized Harris’s prosecutorial history regarding marijuana, claiming she had incarcerated “thousands and thousands of Black people” for cannabis offenses. This attack, while misleading, suggests that the GOP may be attempting to position itself as a more palatable option for voters who support cannabis reform, even as they grapple with their own inconsistent past policies.
Both candidates’ shifting stances reflect a broader evolution in public opinion regarding marijuana. Polls consistently show that legalization is popular among voters, particularly in swing states, making it a potentially decisive issue in the upcoming election.
The U.S. Cannabis Council responded to Harris’s remarks by commending her for re-engaging with the cannabis conversation. “This is the first time as a presidential candidate that Harris has come out in support of cannabis legalization, officially making it the first time ever that candidates for both major political parties support cannabis reform,” the council stated. “This is a major change in the federal dynamic and should mark the end of party nominees opposing cannabis reform.”
As the election approaches, both Harris and Trump are navigating a landscape where marijuana legalization has become a significant topic. With voters increasingly favoring reform, the candidates’ positions may play a crucial role in shaping their appeal to the electorate.
While Harris has consistently supported cannabis reform throughout her political career, Trump’s newfound advocacy raises questions about sincerity and consistency. As the debate continues, the outcome of the upcoming election could have lasting implications for cannabis policy in the United States.
In an era where cannabis legalization is gaining momentum, it appears that both parties may be recognizing the importance of aligning with public sentiment on this critical issue. Whether this shift leads to meaningful reform remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussion about marijuana in American politics.
