Kamala Harris Emerges as Pro-Cannabis Advocate Amidst Potential Presidential Bid

LOS ANGELES- Vice President Kamala Harris, once opposed to cannabis legalization during her tenure as District Attorney of San Francisco, has now become a leading advocate for the cause. In April, she made history as the first U.S. vice president to publicly support cannabis legalization, emphasizing the need for reform in her statement, “We need to legalize marijuana.”

Harris’s support for cannabis reform has been consistent since 2019, when she called for an end to mass incarceration and the legalization of cannabis. She further demonstrated her commitment by sponsoring the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, which aims to deschedule cannabis.

Under her vice presidency, Harris has backed the Biden Administration’s efforts to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III, a move she described as a long-overdue change. As she positions herself as a potential Democratic nominee following President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection, Harris’s stance on cannabis legalization sets a new precedent in U.S. politics.

Several potential vice-presidential running mates have also expressed support for cannabis reform, suggesting a possible fully pro-legalization ticket. Among the names mentioned are Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, all of whom have demonstrated varying levels of support for cannabis legalization.

Harris’s evolution on this issue marks a significant shift in her political stance, potentially making her the most pro-cannabis presidential candidate in U.S. history. This development is closely watched by advocates, as it could shape future cannabis policy in the United States.