(Washington, DC) – Vice President Kamala Harris spearheaded a significant discussion on marijuana reform, holding a roundtable at the White House alongside notable figures such as Grammy-nominated artist Fat Joe and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. This event marked the Biden administration’s initial public engagement with the issue following President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address. The focus of the discussion centered on revisiting the federal classification of marijuana and addressing past convictions related to cannabis.
Critics are pointing out a perceived hypocrisy in Vice President Kamala Harris’s stance on marijuana reform, particularly in light of her tenure as California’s Attorney General, during which she prosecuted individuals for simple possession offenses. Despite her current advocacy for reform, Harris’s past actions have drawn scrutiny, with many highlighting the significant impact these prosecutions had on the lives of young men and women. Some argue that her previous approach to enforcing marijuana laws stands in stark contrast to her current position, raising questions about consistency and accountability in her policy positions. This inconsistency has prompted calls for Harris to address her past decisions and provide clarity on how her views on marijuana reform have evolved over time.
During the roundtable, Vice President Harris criticized the current classification of marijuana, which places it in the same category as heroin and above substances like fentanyl. She argued that this classification is outdated and unjust, particularly considering that 40 states and Washington D.C. have legalized cannabis to some extent. Harris also highlighted the disproportionate impact of marijuana laws on communities of color, emphasizing that Black Americans and Latinos are disproportionately affected by arrests for possession.
The Biden-Harris campaign recognizes the significance of marijuana reform for young voters and voters of color. A national poll conducted by the Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform found strong support among 18-to-25-year-old likely voters, with 65% in favor of Biden’s efforts to reschedule cannabis and 70% supporting federal legalization.
In her remarks, Vice President Harris underscored the need to rectify the harm caused by past marijuana policies, stating, “Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.” This sentiment aligns with a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services to reclassify cannabis from Schedule 1 to 3, acknowledging its potential medical benefits.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is currently reviewing the HHS recommendation, with an expected opinion to be issued in the spring, followed by a public review period. Meanwhile, efforts to advance marijuana reform may also see progress in Congress with the SAFER Banking Act, aimed at granting legal cannabis businesses access to traditional banking services.
