Vice President Kamala Harris is facing renewed scrutiny over her evolving stance on marijuana legalization, as she now promises to legalize recreational marijuana if elected president. This pledge comes despite her track record as San Francisco District Attorney, where she oversaw over 1,900 marijuana-related convictions. Harris’s current efforts are aimed particularly at black male voters, a demographic that polls indicate is showing less support for the Democratic Party than anticipated.
On Monday, Harris posted a list of policy initiatives specifically targeting black men, highlighting her intent to “legalize recreational marijuana and create opportunities for black Americans to succeed in this new industry.” The following day, she doubled down on this message with another post, declaring, “No one should go to jail for smoking weed,” underscoring her support for decriminalizing marijuana.
These social media posts were timed ahead of an interview with radio host Charlamagne tha God, where the topic of marijuana convictions was brought up directly. In the interview, Charlamagne referenced criticism Harris has faced for her past prosecutions, especially the claim that she disproportionately targeted black men during her tenure as District Attorney. “One of the biggest allegations against you is that you targeted and locked up thousands of Black men in San Francisco,” he said. “Some say you did it to boost your career, others say it was pure hatred for black men. Please tell us the facts.”
Harris responded by calling these claims “simply not true” and emphasized her progressive approach to marijuana cases during her time as a prosecutor. “Public defenders who were around at the time will tell you that I was one of the most progressive prosecutors in California on marijuana cases,” she said, adding that she did not send people to jail for simple possession. She also highlighted her efforts as Vice President to push for marijuana to be reclassified as a less dangerous substance under federal law.
However, critics remain unconvinced. Harris’s record as San Francisco District Attorney includes over 1,900 convictions for marijuana-related offenses. Additionally, when she ran for California Attorney General in 2010, she opposed Proposition 19, a state ballot measure that would have legalized marijuana for recreational use. At the time, she argued that it would lead to unintended legal and social consequences. These actions have fueled accusations of hypocrisy, especially from those who believe she is now taking a politically convenient position to garner votes.
The debate over marijuana legalization is gaining traction in the broader political landscape as well. Former President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the issue, offering a different approach. Trump has expressed support for states’ rights to determine their own marijuana laws. Last month, he endorsed a Florida ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana, stating that individuals should not face jail time for personal use.
“I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use,” Trump posted on Truth Social. He also called for marijuana to be downgraded to a Schedule 3 drug, which would remove some federal restrictions and penalties for its use and sale. Trump has emphasized the need for further research on marijuana’s medical benefits and has pushed for reforms like safe banking for state-authorized cannabis companies.
Currently, 24 states have fully legalized recreational marijuana, and about a dozen more allow its use for medicinal purposes. The push for federal legalization has gained momentum, with advocates arguing that the current patchwork of state laws creates confusion and inequities. Harris’s recent statements suggest she wants to position herself as a leader in the movement for nationwide legalization, particularly in terms of providing opportunities for black Americans in the emerging cannabis industry.
Still, her past actions as a prosecutor, coupled with her late embrace of the issue, leave some questioning the sincerity of her pledge. As the 2024 election approaches, marijuana legalization is likely to remain a key issue, particularly for voters who are concerned with criminal justice reform and racial equity.