Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump: Their Stances on Cannabis Reform

With President Biden stepping down from the 2024 race, the spotlight intensifies on Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Their attitudes towards cannabis reform will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of the cannabis market in the United States. Here's a comprehensive look at their positions and what it could mean for the industry.

Kamala Harris's Evolving Stance on Cannabis

Early Career as California Attorney General

Kamala Harris's initial stance on cannabis was notably conservative. As California's Attorney General, she opposed the 2010 initiative to legalize marijuana, labeling it as "flawed public policy" and stressing the potential harms of drug selling on communities. While she supported medicinal marijuana use, she was critical of broader legalization efforts, a stance that attracted criticism from cannabis reform advocates.

Shift in Views as a U.S. Senator

Harris's perspective on cannabis began to shift significantly when she entered the national political arena. She became a co-sponsor of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, advocating for the decriminalization of marijuana at the federal level, expunging prior convictions, and reinvesting in communities disproportionately affected by stringent drug laws. This marked a notable departure from her earlier views, reflecting a broader change in public sentiment and policy.

Advocacy as Vice President

As Vice President, Kamala Harris has been a strong proponent of cannabis reform. She has publicly stated that "nobody should have to go to jail for smoking weed" and has emphasized the need to legalize marijuana and reform the justice system. Harris's support for rescheduling marijuana and pardoning non-violent offenders aligns her with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, positioning her as a key advocate for comprehensive cannabis reform.

Donald Trump's Ambiguous Position on Cannabis

Presidential Administration's Approach

During his presidency, Donald Trump maintained a somewhat ambiguous stance on cannabis. He voiced support for states' rights to decide their cannabis laws but did not actively push for federal legalization. His administration took a more conservative approach, notably through then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions's rescission of Obama-era guidelines that had eased enforcement of federal marijuana laws in states where it was legal.

Lack of Significant Steps Toward Broader Cannabis Reform

Despite signing the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and CBD products, Trump did not take substantial steps toward broader cannabis reform. His administration's mixed signals and conservative stance on federal cannabis policies have left many questions about his commitment to meaningful change in this area.

Implications of Biden's Exit from the 2024 Race

Potential Impact on the Democratic Party's Cannabis Policy

With Biden's exit, Kamala Harris is positioned to lead in defining the Democratic Party's approach to cannabis. Her clear support for comprehensive reform, including legalization and social equity initiatives, aligns her with progressive elements within the party and could significantly influence legislative priorities

Future Legislative Priorities and Reform Efforts

Harris's advocacy for cannabis reform could lead to significant changes in federal legislation, potentially reshaping the cannabis industry and addressing historical injustices associated with marijuana prohibition. In contrast, Donald Trump's reserved and state-focused position may result in a more conservative approach to federal cannabis policies, creating a distinct divergence between the two potential leaders.

As the political landscape adjusts to these changes, the future of cannabis reform in the U.S. remains a critical issue. Whether through Harris's progressive advocacy or Trump's conservative stance, the direction taken will have profound implications for the cannabis market and related policies in the coming years.