This Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris pledged to advance federal cannabis legalization for recreational use. This bold promise is a key component of her “Opportunity Agenda,” aimed particularly at Black men in America—a demographic that has long been disproportionately affected by the nation’s marijuana laws. But does this signify a genuine policy shift, or is it simply another campaign strategy by a politican to garner votes in an upcoming election?
Why Federal Cannabis Legalization is on the Harris Agena
The promise of marijuana legalization is more than just a headline-grabber; it reflects changing societal norms and a response to longstanding issues. Currently, recreational cannabis is legal in 24 states, with several others considering similar legislation in the upcoming election cycle. With only half the states having adult-use cannabis, this creates a patchwork of laws that often results in confusion and inequality throughout the United States.
At the federal level, marijuana remains illegal, although there is a current initiative to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I drug to Schedule III. This situation has led to legal conflicts and uncertainty. Harris’s agenda aims to address these issues, but the stakes are high, and the implications are far-reaching.
Legalizing marijuana is not just about making cannabis available for recreational use. It is intertwined with economic opportunities and social justice, especially for Black Americans who have been disproportionately targeted for marijuana offenses. According to FBI data, while Black Americans comprise 13.7% of the U.S. population, they accounted for 29% of drug arrests in 2022.
No one should go to jail for smoking weed. pic.twitter.com/D932NCGmPP
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 15, 2024
Addressing Racial Disparities Through Legalization
Harris’s “Opportunity Agenda” emphasizes the need to dismantle unjust legal barriers hindering Black men and other marginalized groups in America. The statistics reveal a troubling reality: Black Americans face more frequent arrests and harsher convictions and sentences for marijuana-related offenses than their white counterparts. By legalizing cannabis, if elected, Harris’s agenda hopes to eliminate these disparities and pave the way for equitable opportunities in the marijuana industry.
The Harris campaign has stated its intention to work with Congress to ensure that legal cultivation, distribution, and possession become a nationwide norm. This move is part of a broader effort to rectify the systemic injustices that have plagued Black communities for decades. Beyond legalization, Harris plans to guarantee that Black men can access wealth and jobs as the cannabis industry expands.
Harris’s agenda includes measures to ensure that Black men, historically over-policed for marijuana use, have a fair chance to participate in the evolving cannabis industry. This includes facilitating access to capital, providing industry-specific training, and promoting diversity within the sector.
Potential Economic Impact of Federal Cannabis Legalization
Legalization could potentially unlock substantial economic growth, offering new opportunities for Black entrepreneurs traditionally shut out of the cannabis market. The cannabis industry has surged in states where it is legal, contributing significantly to local economies. By removing federal restrictions, it seems Harris aims to create an inclusive industry that benefits all Americans, with an emphasis on particularly marginalized communities.
The prospect of generating wealth and jobs in the marijuana sector is promising. However, ensuring equitable access and participation remains critical. Harris’s campaign highlights the importance of preparing Black men to seize opportunities in the legal cannabis industry.
“Break down unjust legal barriers that hold Black men and other Americans back by legalizing marijuana nationally, working with Congress to ensure that the safe cultivation, distribution, and possession of recreational marijuana is the law of the land. She will also fight to ensure that as the national cannabis industry takes shape, Black men—who have, for years, been overpoliced for marijuana use—are able to access wealth and jobs in this new market.”
Harris’s Critique of Past Federal Marijuana Policies
Despite the promise of progress, Harris’s pledge has not been without its critics. Some argue that the initiative might merely be a ploy to secure votes from an important demographic. Others question whether Harris’s previous actions align with her current promises.
During her tenure as San Francisco’s district attorney, she and her office prosecuted thousands of marijuana convictions, most of which they later downgraded to misdemeanors. However, as a senator, Harris has shown support for marijuana reform by co-sponsoring legislation aimed at descheduling cannabis. Critics also point to the complexities involved in federal legalization. Harmonizing state and federal laws is no small feat and requires thoughtful planning and execution.
In her recent agenda plans, Harris criticized President Trump’s Department of Justice for its stance on marijuana prosecutions in states where its use has been legalized when he was in office. It claims that the threats of federal prosecution were not only an overreach but also perpetuated the unjust and disproportionate application of marijuana possession laws against Black Americans.
Trump has recently softened his stance on marijuana, stating he will vote for Amendment 3 in Florida for recreational use and support the ongoing process of rescheduling cannabis. However, some might view this as another example of a politician pandering for votes as the election approaches, making it hard to take his words seriously until he takes actual action.
It’s important to highlight that President Biden has initiated cannabis reform by reclassifying it as a less dangerous substance with the judgment of moving cannabis to a Schedule III drug, a process that will continue after the presidential election. Harris’s plan takes it further by advocating for full legalization.
Cannabis in the 2024 Election, Empty Promises or Policy Changes?
With the 2024 election approaching, federal cannabis legalization is poised to be a significant issue for voters. While some see Harris’s pledge as a strategic move to secure votes, others view it as a necessary step toward modernizing drug policy and promoting equality. The outcome of this debate could influence public opinion and sway election results.
Cannabis reform resonates with a broad spectrum of voters beyond the Black community. Its potential impact on criminal justice reform, economic growth, and public health makes it a pivotal topic in the electoral landscape.
The political landscape often suffers from unfulfilled promises, leading to disillusionment among voters. Candidates like President Biden, who vowed to release all non-violent cannabis prisoners when running for president, illustrate the gap that frequently exists between electoral pledges and actual policy implementation.
While there has been some progress in this area, it falls short of the sweeping changes promised. This discrepancy highlights why it’s increasingly challenging to believe that politicians will genuinely propel the cannabis industry forward.
Until we witness concrete actions that match their rhetoric, the promises remain just that—unrealized intentions that fail to advance meaningful progress in drug policy reform and the broader goal of economic equality in the cannabis industry.
