This election is a historic one for several reasons, including cannabis policy. Both major party candidates support some form of cannabis reform, a significant shift from previous elections. Vice President Kamala Harris has emphasized full federal legalization as a social justice issue, focusing on racial disparities in cannabis-related arrests and convictions. Her past work includes co-sponsoring the MORE Act, a bill aimed at decriminalizing cannabis and expunging certain criminal records.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has supported adult-use legalization in Florida and indicated openness to federal reforms, including rescheduling cannabis and easing banking restrictions for cannabis businesses. His approach favors state-level decision-making rather than sweeping federal legalization.
For voters focused on cannabis policy, the candidates’ differences lie mainly in the scope and structure of reform: Harris advocates for broad federal changes, and Trump favors a state-driven approach.