In a shocking twist, President Joe Biden announced he is dropping out of the 2024 election race, throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s nominee. This unprecedented move has set the political world abuzz, with Harris now taking center stage as she campaigns not just for the presidency, but for significant cannabis reform.
Harris’ Stance on Cannabis: A Rehashing of Her Views
Kamala Harris has been vocal about her views on cannabis for some time. At a roundtable earlier this year, she expressed strong opinions on the current federal classification of marijuana, calling it “absurd” and “patently unfair” that it is treated the same as heroin and more seriously than fentanyl.
“Marijuana is considered as dangerous as heroin and more dangerous than fentanyl, which is absurd, not to mention patently unfair,” Harris emphasized. She acknowledged the slow pace of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in addressing this issue, urging for swifter action.
Rallying the Base
As she campaigns for the presidency, Harris is rallying Democratic voters with the promise of cannabis reform and broader criminal justice changes. “I believe that the promise of America includes equal justice under the law. And for too many, our criminal justice system has failed to live up to that core principle,” Harris stated, drawing from her extensive experience as a former prosecutor in California.
An Evolving Perspective
Harris’ views on cannabis have evolved significantly over the years. She openly admitted to using cannabis during her college years in a 2019 interview, famously saying, “And I inhaled – I did inhale.” However, her early career as San Francisco’s district attorney was marked by a tougher stance, with numerous marijuana convictions and opposition to a 2010 legalization effort in California.
By 2015, Harris had shifted her position, calling for an end to the federal ban on medical cannabis. In her 2019 book, she went further, advocating for full legalization. This shift mirrors a broader change in public opinion, with increasing support for cannabis reform.
The Path to Reform
The push for cannabis reform faces new challenges following a recent Supreme Court decision in Loper v. Bright. The ruling limits the power of regulatory agencies, complicating efforts to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule 3 substance. This means Congress may need to take the lead, a process historically known for its slow pace.
Popularity Among Voters
Despite these obstacles, cannabis legalization enjoys strong support among American voters. With a 70% approval rating for full legalization, the issue remains a potent motivator for younger voters and those disproportionately affected by existing laws.
A Bipartisan Issue?
Cannabis reform has the potential to bridge partisan divides, appealing to advocates of personal freedom across the political spectrum. With 35 million cannabis users of voting age, the push for reform could significantly impact the upcoming election.
The Road Ahead
As Kamala Harris steps into the spotlight as the likely Democratic nominee, her stance on cannabis will be a key element of her campaign. Her journey from a tough-on-crime prosecutor to a proponent of cannabis reform reflects the changing tides of American politics. However, let’s not anoint anyone a hero just yet. Politicians have a knack for saying what people want to hear to garner votes. True change will be celebrated when cannabis is fully rescheduled and legalized through and through.
Williams, M., & Waldenberg, S. (2024, March 15). Harris says it’s absurd and unfair that marijuana is treated more seriously than fentanyl under federal law. CNN.
Forrest, J., & Gainor, D. (2024, July 22). Is Harris the Democratic nominee now? Answers to key questions about Biden’s decision to exit the race. CNN.
Lavin, K. (2024, July 18). Congress might be the quickest path to rescheduling marijuana. MJBizDaily.
