In a recent campaign pitch, Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted her support for pardoning individuals convicted of low-level marijuana offenses. Harris emphasized that "nobody" should be jailed for simply smoking weed, especially Black and young Americans who have been disproportionately affected by harsh drug laws.
Low-level marijuana users are being purged from the federal government while elites like Vice President Harris at the top get away with no consequences. This has sparked conversations about the disparities in how drug offenses are prosecuted and the need for criminal justice reform.
This momentum in cannabis policy reform has been building, with increased federal access to research, President Biden's push to reschedule marijuana, and ten states legalizing adult-use cannabis since the last election. The shift in public opinion towards marijuana legalization has put pressure on lawmakers to address outdated drug laws.
VP Harris recently released a campaign video touting a non-existent federal cannabis policy reform, which has drawn skepticism from cannabis advocates. The lack of concrete action on cannabis policy has left many wondering if Harris' promises are merely lip service to gain support from progressive voters.
President Biden recently commuted the sentences of 11 individuals serving time for nonviolent drug offenses, signaling a potential shift towards more lenient drug policies. The expansion of pardons for nonviolent offenders reflects a growing recognition of the need to address the harm caused by the War on Drugs.
Under a new directive, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has recommended moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of controlled substances. This move could open up opportunities for more research into the medical benefits of cannabis and pave the way for potential federal legalization in the future.
U.S.-listed shares of major cannabis producers saw a surge in value after Democratic vice president nominee Kamala Harris expressed support for marijuana reform. The industry's reaction to Harris' stance indicates the potential economic impact of federal legalization on the cannabis market.
Despite Harris' past record on cannabis being viewed as unfavorable by some, many advocates are now praising her efforts to push for marijuana pardons and policy reform. Harris' evolving stance on cannabis reflects a broader shift in public opinion towards more progressive drug policies.
