With marijuana on the ballot in several states this Election Day, the spotlight is on where the presidential candidates stand on legalization.
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Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, once known for her tough stance on marijuana offenses, has adopted a more progressive approach to marijuana legislation over recent years.
Harris’ Shift Toward Legalization
During her time as California’s attorney general and San Francisco district attorney, Harris was criticized for her aggressive prosecution of marijuana-related crimes. From 2004 to 2011, her office in San Francisco convicted more than 1,900 people on cannabis charges, and as attorney general, over 2,000 Californians faced marijuana-related incarcerations. While she initially opposed California’s legalization of recreational marijuana, citing concerns over impairment detection, her views have evolved since entering federal politics.
In her 2020 campaign, Harris introduced a federal legalization proposal that included provisions for expunging marijuana-related convictions, aiding those impacted by the War on Drugs, and funding small marijuana businesses. Since becoming vice president, she’s actively supported President Biden’s federal pardon for past marijuana use, advocated for reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance, and voiced consistent support for full federal legalization.
Public Support and Upcoming Ballot Measures
As public sentiment shifts, so does policy attention. A Pew Research Center study found that 88% of U.S. adults support legalization for medical or recreational use, with 57% favoring it for both. On Election Day, voters in Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Florida will decide on marijuana-related measures. In Massachusetts, where cannabis is already legal, voters will weigh the potential legalization of psychedelics.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Harris affirmed her support for marijuana reform, pledging to legalize recreational use and break down “unjust legal barriers.” During a September interview on *ALL THE SMOKE*, Harris emphasized the need to legalize marijuana, citing the disproportionate impact criminalization has had on certain communities.
Republican Candidate Stance and Broader Implications
While Harris has made her stance clear, her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, has supported rescheduling cannabis but stopped short of advocating for full legalization. The rescheduling of marijuana, supported by the Biden administration and Harris, would reclassify marijuana to a Schedule III drug, acknowledging a "moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence," aligning it closer with drugs like ketamine and codeine.
Harris’ evolved stance on cannabis shows her recognition of the broader call for reform and the potential impact on the upcoming election, as states nationwide continue to weigh legalization.
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