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Is the promise of full legalization enough to get cannabis supporters on board to vote for Harris? Her statements sound just like what the industry has been waiting to hear. The extreme racial disparities in cannabis policing disproportionately impacted Black Americans, particularly Black men. According to a 2018 statistic from the ACLU, Black Illinoisians were 7.5 times more likely to be arrested, with Illinois ranking third only to Montana and Kentucky.
Even with statistics showing the vast inequitable sentencing and arrests affecting Black communities, the mixed perspectives in Congress muddle marijuana progress. Some have hinted at the complexity of cannabis stigmas held tightly by older generations. The War on Drugs was successful at criminalizing the crop, leading to a highly conservative view of the plant, despite its vast potential to generate significant revenue, seed new small businesses, and rectify an unfair justice system. The average age of the 118th Congress is 58 years old, with 65% of the Senate being led by Baby Boomers. If Vice President Kamala Harris becomes the first woman President of the United States, both chambers will need to work collectively to facilitate equitable legalization.
Harris has already made history as the first major party presidential nominee to advocate for federal legalization. “People should not be going to jail for smoking weed,” she stated during an interview on the basketball podcast “All the Smoke.” Her vision for an opportunity economy for cannabis and Black men is attractive. However, is it enough to earn the vote of Black men who are on the fence? More importantly, is the issue a strong enough draw to encourage people to vote for a candidate who supports cannabis reform? In interviews, her running mate Walz has been less ambitious, favoring leaving it up to the states.
State decriminalization, however, does not favor increasing opportunities for small businesses, especially those owned and operated by Black entrepreneurs. Full federal legalization would make cannabis legal for banks, allow it to cross state lines, and end the “green tax” that plagues the industry, often bankrupting small businesses before they even become operational. Harris’ strategy for supporting ambitious small businesses includes increasing deductions from $5,000 to $50,000, which could be financially transformative for cannabis startups.
Furthermore, global cannabis commerce is stalled, along with employment and ancillary industries. While Harris has voiced support for not imprisoning people for consumption, there are still risks of losing housing, medical coverage, and government pensions as a result of cannabis use. As you prepare to cast your vote, consider how candidates’ policies on cannabis reflect broader philosophies about government regulations, personal freedom, and addressing economic inequities.
Cannabis reform is not just about legalization; it’s about establishing a fair system that addresses past injustices while providing new opportunities for economic growth. Your vote and continued civic engagement can help shape cannabis conversations and lead to meaningful change that reflects your values and beliefs. Take the time to educate yourself. Use nonpartisan cannabis voter guides to get a fair perspective on positions and proposed policies. As an educated voter, you’re empowering your vote and advocating for a brighter, more equitable future for your community.
Dr. Mila Marshall is an environmental professional and journalist with a passion for advancing sustainability in all sectors. Her passion is directed towards urban food systems in segregated cities.