Kamala Harris Makes History with Pledge to Legalize Marijuana Nationwide
In a bold move, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has announced that if elected, she will fully legalize adult recreational cannabis on the federal level. This is the first time a presidential candidate has taken such a clear stance on ending cannabis prohibition.
Harris’s plan goes beyond simply legalizing marijuana, as she also aims to ensure that Black men, who have been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs, will have the opportunity to profit from the industry. This includes removing barriers that have prevented them from entering the market and creating a more equitable environment.
Experts believe that Harris’s pledge is a strategic move to shore up support among Black voters, particularly Black men, who have been less likely to support her than they were for her predecessor, Joe Biden.
Harris’s plan sets her apart from both Trump and Biden, who have only expressed support for some level of cannabis legalization. Trump has recently come out in support of recreational marijuana in Florida, but his administration’s actions during his presidency have left a lasting sense of distrust among advocates.
Biden, on the other hand, has made promises on cannabis, including expunging criminal records for possession convictions and rescheduling cannabis to make it eligible for FDA approval. However, he has not taken concrete action on these promises.
Harris’s pledge has been met with mixed reactions within the industry. Some, like Caleb Counts, CEO of Connected Cannabis, are skeptical of politicians’ promises and believe that the industry has been strung along too many times. Others, like Bryan Gerber, CEO of Hara Supply, are hopeful that Harris’s support for cannabis reform will lead to meaningful change.
While Harris’s plan is ambitious, it is not without its challenges. Creating a more equitable cannabis industry will require addressing the systemic barriers that have prevented Black men from entering the market, including banking restrictions and the high cost of entry.
As the election approaches, Harris’s pledge to legalize marijuana nationwide has the potential to be a game-changer in the cannabis industry and beyond.
