As cannabis legalization gains increasing support across the U.S., two key figures in the 2024 election—Kamala Harris and Donald Trump—are taking notable positions on this important issue. Both candidates have evolved their views over the years, aligning with shifting public opinion, but their approaches to cannabis reform are distinct. In this blog post, we explore their current stances on cannabis legalization and decriminalization.

Kamala Harris: A Strong Advocate for Federal Legalization

Kamala Harris’s position on cannabis reform has seen significant evolution. Early in her career, she was known for her tough-on-crime stance, including opposition to cannabis legalization. However, since 2019, Harris has been one of the strongest proponents of marijuana reform. During her time as a senator, she co-sponsored the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, aimed at fully decriminalizing and legalizing cannabis at the federal level, while also addressing the racial injustices tied to cannabis-related arrests.
Most recently, in March 2024, Harris reaffirmed her commitment to cannabis legalization, stating at a White House roundtable that "We need to legalize marijuana". While she acknowledged the Biden administration's push to reschedule marijuana to a Schedule III substance as an important step, she argued that rescheduling alone isn't enough. For Harris, full legalization is the only way to address the disparities in enforcement and create a consistent legal framework across states​.
Additionally, Harris has pointed out the absurdity of cannabis being classified as dangerous as heroin under current federal law. She has consistently voiced her frustration over cannabis’s Schedule I status, which prevents the comprehensive study and medical use of the plant​. If elected, Harris could likely push for the most significant federal cannabis reform in U.S. history.

Donald Trump: Support for State-Led Legalization and Reclassification

Donald Trump, historically more reticent on the issue of cannabis, has recently taken a more active stance in supporting state-driven cannabis legalization. In September 2024, Trump endorsed Florida’s Amendment 3, a ballot initiative that seeks to legalize recreational cannabis for adult use. He expressed his belief that individuals in states like Florida should not face legal penalties for something that is already legalized in many other states. He also supports reclassifying cannabis to Schedule III, which would make medical research and industry operations much easier​.
While Trump has yet to fully embrace federal legalization, his focus on rescheduling cannabis to enable medical research marks a significant shift from his earlier positions. He also supports states' rights to legalize cannabis, an approach that allows individual states to decide their own cannabis laws without imposing federal legalization​.

Decriminalization: Both Candidates Show Support

On the subject of decriminalization, both Harris and Trump agree that cannabis-related convictions need reform. Harris has been vocal about the need to end mass incarceration, emphasizing how cannabis laws disproportionately impact communities of color. She’s long pushed for expunging cannabis-related records and reducing prison sentences for non-violent drug offenses​.
Trump, while not as aggressive in advocating for widespread federal decriminalization, has signaled support for reducing cannabis-related arrests. He noted that cannabis laws should not make individuals criminals in states where marijuana is already legal, advocating for a reduction in penalties tied to minor offenses​.

Where Do They Diverge?

While both candidates have aligned themselves with reform movements, the key difference lies in the scope of their approaches:

• Harris is pushing for full federal legalization and broader criminal justice reform. Her approach is rooted in addressing the racial and social justice aspects of cannabis prohibition.
• Trump supports state-led efforts and medical cannabis research, opting for a more gradual approach through reclassification rather than full legalization at the federal level.

What’s Next for Cannabis Reform?

As the 2024 election approaches, cannabis reform remains a key issue, with public support for legalization at an all-time high. 70% of Americans support some form of cannabis legalization, and this bipartisan issue could play a role in swaying voters in swing states​.
Both candidates have embraced cannabis reform in different ways, but the future of marijuana legislation will depend heavily on who is elected and what policy pathways they choose to pursue. Whether it's full federal legalization under Kamala Harris or state-driven reform under Donald Trump, cannabis policy in the U.S. is undoubtedly on the cusp of significant change.

Stay informed on cannabis reform as the 2024 election unfolds!