Harris’s Comments Over Cannabis Reform in the 2024 Presidential Race

LOS ANGELES- Harris’s comments come amid a broader debate over cannabis reform in the 2024 presidential race. While Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz has suggested that cannabis legalization should be handled by individual states, Harris’s stance signals a push for federal-level reform. Walz has emphasized the need for incremental steps, such as allowing veterans access to medical cannabis and passing cannabis banking legislation.

Former President Donald Trump has also voiced support for rescheduling cannabis and allowing banks to work with cannabis companies. Trump’s campaign has proposed moving cannabis to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, while also backing states’ rights to set their own cannabis laws. However, the Harris-Walz campaign has accused Trump of inconsistency on the issue, criticizing his administration’s previous stance on cannabis reform.

Legalization and the Future of Federal Cannabis Policy

The current discussion on cannabis reform comes as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recommended rescheduling cannabis to a less-restrictive category, although the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has yet to act on the proposal. This delay has pushed the issue into the next presidential administration’s term, potentially making it a significant topic for the 2024 election.

As the political landscape shifts, both candidates’ positions on cannabis are likely to remain a focal point for voters, particularly as state-level and federal cannabis policies continue to evolve.