Trump Signals Support for Marijuana Reclassification, Echoing Harris

AP Donald Trump has indicated support for a significant federal policy change to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, aligning his stance with Democratic opponent Kamala Harris. This alignment marks a notable shift towards widespread public backing for legalisation in recent years. According to the US Cannabis Council, it is the first time both major-party presidential candidates support broad cannabis reform.

Trump posted on his social media platform late Sunday, stating he would "continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug." He also mentioned he would vote "yes" on a proposal allowing the sale of marijuana to adults for any reason in Florida. This statement comes just before a crucial debate between him and Harris.

Federal Drug Policy Lagging Behind States

Federal drug policy has not kept pace with state-level changes in recent years. Currently, 38 states have legalised medical marijuana, and 24 have legalised recreational use. The DEA's process to reclassify marijuana federally is already underway, initiated by President Joe Biden's call for a review. However, the DEA has yet to make a final decision on this shift, which may not occur until the next presidential administration.

Harris supports decriminalisation and has criticised the Drug Enforcement Administration for categorising marijuana alongside heroin and LSD in Schedule I. Earlier in her career, she enforced cannabis laws and opposed legalised recreational use for adults in California while running for attorney general in 2010. Harris has faced criticism for her prosecutorial record on cannabis laws, notably from Tulsi Gabbard during the Democratic presidential nomination race in 2020.

Public Support for Legalisation

A Gallup poll conducted last year revealed that about 70 per cent of adults support legalisation, the highest level recorded by the firm. This figure is more than double the roughly 30 per cent who supported it in 2000. Support is even higher among young voters, a key demographic in seven main battleground states.

David Culver, senior vice president of public affairs at the US Cannabis Council, stated on Monday, "We believe cannabis reform is a winning issue." The proposed federal policy shift would not legalise marijuana outright for recreational use but would move it from Schedule I to Schedule III, placing it alongside ketamine and some anabolic steroids.

During his 2016 campaign, Trump said that pot policy should be left up to the states. However, during his presidency, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded an Obama-era policy that prevented federal authorities from cracking down on the marijuana trade in states where it was legal.

The potential reclassification of marijuana faces opposition from advocates who argue there isn't enough data and from attorneys general in over a dozen states. The group Smart Approaches to Marijuana has voiced concerns about this proposed shift.

Trump's recent post sets up a scenario where he could criticise Harris for her past cannabis prosecutions when she was San Francisco's district attorney. Given that drug prosecutions disproportionately affect nonwhite defendants in the US, this line of attack could align with Trump's efforts to increase his support among nonwhite men.

The upcoming debate between Trump and Harris will likely highlight their differing approaches to cannabis reform. Both candidates' positions will be under scrutiny as they address this evolving issue that has garnered significant public interest and support.

The conclusion of this article summarises the current state of cannabis reform in the US and highlights the importance of this issue in the upcoming presidential election.