As the election quickly approaches, many voters are left wondering how the current presidential candidates stand on the issue of marijuana legalization. Both Trump and Harris have unique stances on marijuana legalization that aren’t at the forefront of discussions. So, let’s talk about it!
How do Trump and Harris feel about legalizing marijuana federally, and what states are looking to pass laws in their local 2024 elections?
Let’s find out.
Marijuana Legalization in 2024: The States
Before we talk about the presidential candidates, let’s take a look at what cannabis legalization looks like on a state level this 2024 election season.
Florida
In 2024, Florida’s recreational marijuana legalization initiative is set to appear on the November ballot — and this would be a huge win for FL residents.
This initiative, if approved, would permit adults aged 21 and older to possess, purchase, and use marijuana for recreational purposes.
The measure would allow individuals to obtain marijuana products from licensed retail outlets, and the state’s existing medical marijuana dispensaries would be authorized to acquire, cultivate, process, and sell these products.
Understandably, this proposal has garnered significant support from the public, with recent polls indicating that over 60% of likely voters favor the measure. This strong backing spans various demographics, including bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans.
So, fingers crossed Florida!
North Dakota
Another state that’s looking at recreational marijuana legalization in 2024 is North Dakota.
This measure, if it passes, will allow adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, four grams of marijuana concentrates, and 1,500 milligrams of cannabinoid products, including up to 300 milligrams in edible form.
Additionally, residents would be permitted to cultivate up to three marijuana plants for personal use. The initiative also includes provisions for a regulated system of licensed marijuana dispensaries, of course.
This measure needed a certain number of signatures by July, but we aren’t sure yet if it reached that.
Hawaii
Hawaii is also poised to reconsider recreational marijuana legalization in 2024. Earlier efforts saw significant progress, with Senate Bill 669 passing the state Senate overwhelmingly.
Despite the strong Senate support, the bill stalled in the House Finance Committee, preventing it from advancing. Advocates remain determined, planning to push for the bill’s passage in the upcoming legislative session.
Public support for legalization is substantial, with recent polls indicating that a majority of Hawaii residents favor the move
Pennsylvania
Finally, one of the last states considering marijuana legalization this November is Pennsylvania.
House Bill 2210 would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to 30 grams of marijuana. The proposed legislation also permits medical marijuana patients to grow up to five plants, though home cultivation for recreational would remain illegal
Despite these efforts, no specific agreement has been reached yet, but the discussions and hearings held in the legislative committees indicate growing interest and momentum towards legalization
Trump on Marijuana Legalization
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: where does the current Republican presidential nominee stand on marijuana legalization?
Historically, Trump has advocated for state-level decision-making on marijuana laws, which aligns with his administration’s actions during his presidency
Trump has expressed support for medical marijuana, signing the “Right to Try” legislation that allows terminally ill patients to access experimental drugs, including cannabis.
However, in the current campaign, Trump has voiced extreme positions on drug policy, suggesting a link between genetically engineered cannabis and mass shootings. This accurately reflects his continued ambivalence towards broader cannabis reform
Overall, Trump’s position on marijuana legalization in 2024 appears to continue his previous approach of supporting state rights while expressing reservations about broader legalization efforts at the federal level.
So, does Trump support federal cannabis legalization? We aren’t entirely sure at this point.
Harris on Marijuana Legalization
We’re almost certain that Kamala Harris will be the choice as the democratic nominee for the 2024 presidental election. So, where does she stand on marijuana legalization historically? Like Trump, it’s a little complicated.
In general, Harris has taken a strong pro-legalization stance on marijuana. As Vice President and a former U.S. Senator, Harris has consistently called for federal cannabis legalization and the expungement of non-violent marijuana-related offenses.
She co-sponsored the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, which aims to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level and address the damages caused by the war on drugs.
During her tenure as a senator, Harris advocated for various cannabis reforms, including co-sponsoring the SAFE Banking Act to protect banks that work with marijuana businesses and pushing for increased research into the medical benefits of cannabis.
She also supported rescheduling marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance, a move she believes is essential to correct historical injustices and make cannabis more accessible for research and medical use.
Harris’s position on cannabis has evolved significantly from her earlier career as California’s Attorney General, where she was more conservative on the issue. However, in recent years, she has become one of the most vocal advocates for cannabis reform at the federal level.
Marijuana and Politics
Marijuana policy reform has remained a dynamic issue in 2024. President Biden’s administration has taken steps to review and potentially reschedule cannabis, moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III, which would mark a significant shift in federal drug policy
However, the country hasn’t yet seen much movement from this decision, leaving many citizens feeling disappointed by the current administration.
Overall, marijuana legalization continues to be a pivotal issue in U.S. politics, influencing legislative agendas, electoral campaigns, and public policy debates.
The outcomes of the 2024 elections and ongoing legislative efforts will likely shape the future trajectory of cannabis reform in the country.
Getting an MMJ Card Today
Because of the uncertainty that comes with federal marijuana legalization in the US, having your MMJ card is the best way to ensure access to the products you want and need when you want and need them.
Elevate Holistics is here to provide you with that access for low, affordable prices and processes that happen entirely online. Our appointments only last a few minutes and we’ll help you get registered with the state seamlessly.
Get started with Elevate Holistics today and we’ll keep you updated on the current state of marijuana legalization in the US as it comes.
