Kamala Harris has made a significant announcement regarding cannabis legalization, promising to fully legalize adult recreational cannabis on a federal level if she is elected president. This marks a pivotal moment in U.S. political history, as it represents the first time a presidential nominee has taken such a clear and unambiguous stance against cannabis prohibition. Apart from legalization, Harris emphasized her commitment to creating opportunities for Black men, who have been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. Her intention is to ensure that they can profit from the legalization of cannabis, addressing some of the socioeconomic barriers that have historically marginalized them in this industry.
Experts and cannabis attorneys have reacted to Harris’s announcement, with mixed feelings. Vince Sliwowski from the cannabis law firm Harris and Sliwoski expressed optimism about the messaging but noted that such a sweeping change cannot be accomplished purely through executive orders. Similarly, Griffen Thorne, another cannabis attorney, pointed out the timing of the announcement, which occurred shortly before the election, suggesting a strategic move to attract Black voters. Cat Power, a director at Drug Policy Action, reinforced the notion that supporting federal marijuana legalization aligns with both sound policy and political strategy. She recognized the deeper complexities involved in ensuring that legal marijuana markets also benefit historically marginalized communities.
Harris’s position notably contrasts with that of her political opponents, Donald Trump and Joe Biden, who have taken more cautious stances on cannabis reform. While they support some level of legalization, Harris is the first to prioritize the complete end of cannabis prohibition. Biden, during his administration, promised to expunge records related to cannabis possession and reschedule cannabis for FDA approval. However, his administration’s actions fell short of these promises, raising questions about his sincerity and effectiveness regarding cannabis reform. Trump’s shifting views, including his recent support for a Florida initiative to legalize recreational cannabis, reflect a change from his initial hardline stance but have also fostered skepticism among advocates due to his past appointments and inconsistent policies.
Harris’s emphasis on social equity is another aspect that sets her apart from both Biden and Trump, particularly regarding the opportunity for Black men to thrive in the cannabis industry. Nevertheless, implementing such social equity provisions poses challenges. Even when Democrats held a majority in Congress, attempts to pass meaningful cannabis policy reform were thwarted by disagreements about the extent of social equity measures incorporated within the proposals. Although some Republican members of Congress support cannabis reform, they tend to hesitate on bills that include extensive social equity stipulations, limiting the chances for comprehensive reform.
One legislative model that could inform Harris’s efforts if elected is the More Act, which she co-sponsored in 2019. This legislation aims to gather demographic data on cannabis business owners and employees and establish a trust fund to assist communities harmed by cannabis prohibition. However, state-level attempts to initiate similar programs have faced challenges, as the cannabis industry has remained predominantly controlled by affluent white males. Barriers to entry, such as high costs and banking restrictions, often prevent individuals from marginalized communities from participating meaningfully in the legal cannabis market, undermining the goals of social equity initiatives.
The cannabis industry’s reactions to Harris’s pledge are varied, illustrating the ongoing skepticism and hope that characterize the dialogue around cannabis reform. Some industry leaders are wary of political promises, noting that repeated election-year pledges have often resulted in unfulfilled commitments. Conversely, others, like Bryan Gerber of Hara Supply, express optimism based on Harris’s long-established support for cannabis reform, believing that her firm stance could facilitate significant legislative changes—provided Congress works collaboratively to deliver a bill to the president. Ultimately, the journey toward comprehensive cannabis legalization and equity for marginalized communities hinges on both political will and practical legislative action as the election approaches.