Election Day is just over two months away, and campaigns are gearing up for a bitter fight to the finish. Many issues are being debated in the presidential contest, including drug policy reform. Vice President Kamala Harris has campaigned on the promise of righting the wrongs of cannabis prohibition. Now, former President Donald Trump is leaning into the topic as well, endorsing federal rescheduling and adult-use legalization in his home state of Florida.
Trump has mentioned cannabis multiple times in interviews and social media in recent weeks. Posting on his Truth Social platform over the weekend, the Republican presidential nominee wrote, “I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use.”
Trump added that, if elected, his administration would study medical cannabis, empower states to pass their own marijuana laws, and approve banking access for plant-touching businesses.
“…We will continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug, and work with Congress to pass common sense laws, including safe banking for state authorized companies, and supporting states rights to pass marijuana laws,” he wrote.
The former president also announced he would be voting “yes” on Amendment 3, which would legalize adult-use cannabis in Florida. Trump previously hinted at his support of the measure, confirming his stance with the social post. The move directly conflicts with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who vehemently opposes the initiative.
Trump also discussed cannabis during a recent appearance on the Lex Friedman Podcast, calling medical marijuana “absolutely amazing.” He went on to say that legalization will be “very good” for Florida. Trump allegedly met with several cannabis business executives before endorsing Amendment 3, according to Marijuana Moment.
With both presidential candidates seemingly in alignment on the cannabis issue, it’s likely the pair will trade jabs over who is more pro-pot. Trump has already attacked Harris on the issue, saying she put “thousands” of Black people in jail. However, the Democratic presidential nominee has an established history of supporting reform, while Trump’s position is relatively new. With at least one presidential debate scheduled, advocates on both sides of the cannabis coin will have to wait and see if the plant takes center stage.
