Vice President Kamala Harris announced her plan to fully legalize adult recreational cannabis on a federal level if elected, becoming the first presidential nominee to take such a clear stance. Harris also committed to ensuring that Black men, disproportionately affected by the war on drugs, could benefit from the industry. However, experts note that legalization would require Congressional action, not just an executive order.
Some observers, like attorney Griffen Thorne, believe the timing of the announcement—three weeks before the election—is strategic, aimed at boosting support from Black voters. Polls show Black men are less likely to support Harris than they were Biden. Meanwhile, industry reactions are mixed. Some welcome the promise, while others, like CEO Caleb Counts, express skepticism, citing past unfulfilled promises.
Harris’s plan emphasizes social equity, something her opponent, Donald Trump, has not prioritized, though Trump recently endorsed Florida’s cannabis legalization ballot initiative. Harris previously co-sponsored the MORE Act, which included provisions to support communities impacted by the war on drugs. However, similar state-level initiatives have struggled to address systemic barriers, including high costs and banking restrictions, that keep the cannabis industry dominated by wealthy, predominantly white men.
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