Kamala Harris' evolving view on cannabis legalization

The presidential candidate's relationship with the marijuana industry has been problematic – now she wants to achieve the crucial goal.

The cannabis industry has been nervously awaiting federal action to take the industry to the next level. As consumer consumption increases and the alcohol industry takes a hit, federal resections have significantly impacted the profitability and growth of cannabis. President Biden promised to support the industry in 2020 but waited until 2023 to make a move, with no significant action until 2025. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will make a rescheduling announcement in the first half of December after the election. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has advocated for the DEA not to move the date and made it clear that he strongly opposes cannabis. This would contradict all precedent, as both the Food and Drug Administration and the Health and Human Service have stated this should be done.

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There will be a new president and a new set of rules in December, and the DEA will keep an eye on political developments. What is Kamala's Harris take on cannabis legalization? With nearly 90% of the country believing it should be legalized in some form and groups like the American Medical Association, AARP and the American College of Physicians supporting it, it's not a hot topic except for a few in power.

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The latest statement is that Harris has proposed legalizing marijuana nationwide for recreational use and ensuring Black entrepreneurs have access to the growing cannabis industry. She made the announcement in California. She is the first sitting vice president to support legalization and has become a public advocate. This is more open and aggressive than the current Biden administration's approach. During an extensive conversation on the All the Smoke podcast with former NBA stars Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, Harris expressed her belief that marijuana should be legalized.

Harris stated, “I believe we have reached a point where it is critical to recognize that we must legalize this activity and end the criminalization of this activity.” She emphasized her belief that individuals “are not responsible for using marijuana should expect a prison sentence.”

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Harris has criticized the current federal classification of marijuana. During a roundtable at the White House, she pointed out the absurdity that under current law cannabis is considered as dangerous as heroin and more dangerous than fentanyl. During her 2020 presidential campaign, she expressed support for marijuana legalization and admitted to having used it herself in the past. This change from her previous career as a prosecutor shows a changing perspective on cannabis policy.

The $23 billion-plus industry is full of mom-and-pop businesses. Democrats have traditionally been allies of the industry. Republicans blocked SAFE Banking seven times and then the GOP speaker's coup last year ended any chance of movement. Some marijuana industry executives have no confidence in Biden or Harris, but Republicans in Congress have not supported cannabis and the other party.