Trump Shows Support for Reclassifying Marijuana, Aligning with Harris

Donald Trump has recently expressed support for a significant shift in federal marijuana policy that could reclassify the drug to a lower-risk category. This stance aligns him with his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, a noteworthy development as it marks the first time that both major-party presidential candidates have endorsed broad cannabis reform, according to the U.S. Cannabis Council.

Late Sunday, Trump took to his social media platform to announce his intentions to “focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana” and to advocate for repositioning it as a Schedule III drug. He also voiced his support for a proposal in Florida allowing adults to purchase marijuana without restrictions.

With a debate approaching, Trump’s comments suggest he may challenge Harris regarding her past decisions related to cannabis enforcement during her tenure as district attorney of San Francisco. This federal stance connects to Trump’s broader campaign efforts to garner support among nonwhite men, as drug-related prosecutions disproportionately impact people of color.

Harris has long championed the decriminalization of marijuana, asserting that it’s “absurd” for the Drug Enforcement Administration to classify it alongside more dangerous substances like heroin and LSD. Notably, her earlier career included a firm stance against legalizing recreational cannabis in California while she was running for attorney general in 2010.

The former vice president has faced scrutiny over her prosecutorial record in past debates, including pointed critiques from Tulsi Gabbard during the 2020 presidential race. Gabbard, who previously identified as a Democrat, later announced her departure from the party in 2022.

During his 2016 campaign, Trump argued that marijuana policy decisions should be left up to the individual states. However, during his presidency, Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded an Obama-era directive that discouraged federal interference in states where marijuana was legalized.

While the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is currently reviewing and potentially modifying the federal classification of marijuana, the process is still ongoing. President Joe Biden initiated this review, but the DEA has yet to make a final ruling. This decision may be postponed until after the upcoming presidential election, placing further emphasis on the candidates’ positions regarding cannabis policy.

In recent years, federal drug policy has lagged behind state actions, with 38 states legalizing medical marijuana and 24 permitting recreational use. A Gallup survey from last year indicated that approximately 70% of adults in the U.S. now favor legalization, representing the highest recorded level of support and a substantial increase from the roughly 30% in favor in 2000. Young voters, a critical demographic in several key battleground states, showed even greater levels of support.

David Culver, senior vice president of public affairs at the U.S. Cannabis Council, stated that cannabis reform could be a significant advantage for candidates, suggesting that it’s a winning issue in the current political climate.

The potential reclassification of marijuana would involve shifting it from Schedule I to Schedule III, where it would join substances like ketamine and certain anabolic steroids. However, this move has faced resistance from advocates who argue that more research is needed. Additionally, over a dozen state attorneys general have expressed opposition to this proposed change, reflecting a diverse range of opinions on how best to address marijuana legalization at the federal level.

The forthcoming presidential election could play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of cannabis policy, highlighting both candidates’ positions on what many believe is a pressing issue.

Source: Associated Press