As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, the issue of cannabis legalization continues to grow in importance. Both Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, have addressed cannabis policy throughout their political careers. However, their stances have evolved, and their current positions could significantly influence voters, particularly as public support for cannabis reform increases.

Donald Trump’s Cannabis Stance

Donald Trump’s position on cannabis has seen a noticeable shift heading into the 2024 election. While Trump remained relatively hands-off on cannabis during his presidency, more recently he has signaled stronger support for legalization, particularly at the state level. In Florida, a state that has become a political battleground, Trump has openly supported cannabis legalization, aligning himself with public sentiment that favors broader access to cannabis for medicinal and recreational use.

In a recent Truth Social post, Trump expressed support for states like Florida pursuing legalization measures, highlighting the economic and medical benefits. He emphasized that he is in favor of cannabis reform “where it makes sense,” but still maintains that states should have the right to determine their own policies. This is a more definitive stance compared to his previous administration, where he deferred much of the decision-making to states without directly endorsing federal reform.

During his presidency, Trump faced pressure from both sides of the cannabis debate. His administration saw the repeal of the Cole Memo under Attorney General Jeff Sessions, which caused uncertainty in the industry. However, no major federal crackdowns followed, and several states continued with their legalization efforts, undisturbed by federal enforcement. Despite Sessions’ opposition, Trump himself did not take aggressive steps to curb cannabis use or the burgeoning cannabis industry.

Looking toward the 2024 election, Trump’s vocal support for state-level cannabis legalization could appeal to voters in key battleground states like Florida, where cannabis is a popular issue. His campaign’s messaging on cannabis could help him attract younger and more libertarian voters who favor deregulation and state control over federal intervention.

Kamala Harris’ Cannabis Stance

Kamala Harris, who has had a career-long evolution on the issue of cannabis, has emerged as one of the more progressive voices in favor of cannabis reform. As a former prosecutor and California Attorney General, Harris had once taken a tough-on-crime approach, including prosecuting cannabis-related offenses. However, in recent years, she has shifted her stance and become an advocate for decriminalizing cannabis and addressing the racial disparities in drug-related arrests.

Harris was a key co-sponsor of the MORE Act (Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act), a bill aimed at decriminalizing cannabis at the federal level, expunging the records of those convicted of nonviolent cannabis offenses, and reinvesting in communities most affected by the War on Drugs. During the 2020 campaign, she voiced strong support for federal cannabis legalization, particularly to address social justice concerns and inequities in the criminal justice system.

As Vice President, Harris has been part of an administration that has taken steps toward incremental reform. While President Biden has stopped short of fully endorsing federal legalization, he has pardoned individuals with federal cannabis possession convictions and initiated a review of cannabis’s federal classification as a Schedule I drug. Harris, in line with Biden’s position, has continued to advocate for decriminalization, though her push for full legalization has not seen significant legislative traction.

The Future of Cannabis Policy in the 2024 Election

As both Trump and Harris vie for the presidency, cannabis policy is becoming an increasingly important issue, particularly with public opinion heavily in favor of legalization. While Trump has aligned more with a state-led approach, his recent statements suggest a growing openness to broader cannabis reforms. On the other hand, Harris has long championed decriminalization and continues to push for social justice reforms tied to cannabis policy.

For voters prioritizing cannabis reform, Trump’s newfound support for state-level legalization and Harris’ advocacy for federal decriminalization present two distinct paths forward. Trump’s stance may appeal to those who prefer states’ rights and limited federal involvement, while Harris’ position resonates with voters focused on racial justice and national cannabis policy reform.

As the 2024 election draws closer, both candidates will likely clarify and refine their positions on cannabis policy, as it remains a key issue with strong public backing across party lines.