The 2024 presidential election will mark the first time both major party candidates have come out in favor of cannabis reform. Former President Donald Trump recently made a barrage of comments endorsing rescheduling. Vice President Kamala Harris previously endorsed reform and even held a celebrity-filled White House roundtable on the subject. However, Harris had been noticeably silent on cannabis since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee—until now. And it turns out she may want to take reform even further than expected.
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As first reported by Marijuana Moment, Harris talked pot during an appearance on the latest episode of All the Smoke hosted by former NBA stars Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. The Vice President was asked to say the first thing that came to mind regarding cannabis during a “quick hitters” segment.
“I just feel strongly (that) people should not be going to jail for smoking weed,” Harris said. “And we know historically what that has meant and who has gone to jail.”
The comments were in line with previous statements Harris and President Joe Biden have made about marijuana. However, Harris double-downed soon after.
“I just think we have come to a point where we have to understand that we need to legalize it and stop criminalizing this behavior,” the Vice President added.
Some have wondered if Harris would go further than Biden to free the plant if she won the White House race. This significant statement shows she may, as the current push to make cannabis a Schedule III substance does not actually legalize the plant. This is not her first public endorsement; Harris co-sponsored a cannabis decriminalization bill during her time in the U.S. Senate.
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In other news, vice presidential candidate Tim Walz said cannabis reform is an “issue for the states” during an interview with Spectrum News. The former Democratic Governor of Minnesota made pot legalization a top issue during his tenure. Still, he declined to endorse full federal legalization when asked if both adult use and medical marijuana should be legal across the country.
Cannabis is no longer a partisan issue, with candidates from across the aisle recognizing its importance. It’s unclear precisely how the election will impact reform, but advocates are hopeful that change is afoot.
