Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has publicly stated her support for legalizing marijuana for the first time since becoming the nominee. In an interview with the All the Smoke podcast, Harris emphasized that people should not be sent to jail for smoking marijuana and that it’s time to stop criminalizing the behavior.
Harris, who sponsored a federal cannabis legalization bill as a U.S. senator, has long believed that marijuana should be legalized. She has previously spoken in favor of federal legalization and has backed full federal decriminalization for simple drug possession.
Harris’s stance on marijuana legalization is in contrast to that of her running mate, Tim Walz, who believes that marijuana legalization should be left to individual states. Walz has suggested that electing more Democrats to Congress could make it easier to pass federal reforms like cannabis banking protections.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has recently expressed support for federal marijuana rescheduling and marijuana banking access. However, the Harris-Walz campaign has accused Trump of lying about his support for marijuana reform, citing his administration’s record on cannabis.
The issue of marijuana legalization is gaining attention as the presidential election approaches. The Department of Health and Human Services has recommended moving marijuana to the less-restrictive Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, but the Drug Enforcement Administration has scheduled a hearing on the proposal for December 2, after the election.
Harris’s stance on marijuana legalization is likely to resonate with many voters, particularly younger voters who are more likely to support legalization. The issue has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many states legalizing marijuana for recreational or medical use.
Older patients using medical cannabis have also shown significant health improvements, according to a new study. The study found that cannabis-based products can offer various therapeutic benefits, including reducing pain severity and improving sleep quality.
Overall, the issue of marijuana legalization is likely to be a key topic in the presidential election, with many voters weighing in on the issue.