Good morning good people.
What's on my to do list today? To encourage those who are concerned about legalizing cannabis at the federal to listen, support and vote for the candidate who has put legalizing cannabis as a #topten issue for their administration.
I was inspired to make this post after reading this mornings Cultivated Media newsletter by Jeremy Berke. (I read almost daily btw). If you haven't signed up for the newsletter you are missing out on cannabis news with personality and a little provocation. Link in the comments.
The article tackles the nuances of why Harris and Trump voters rank legalization as an important issue backed with stats and charts.
Here's the thing that got me going, they ask why it matters and then answered (I chuckled because I've been saying #marijuanamatters),
"Federal cannabis reform is a legitimate campaign issue, but there’s less daylight between the two candidates than practically any other."
While Jeremy posits that there’s little distance between the campaign positions of Harris and Trump regarding cannabis reform, I respectfully disagree. The nuances of their approaches to cannabis legalization are significant and deserving of attention.
It is true that both candidates are leaning into the cannabis issue, but it’s important to recognize the depths of their proposals. Vice President Harris has not only endorsed full federal legalization but has also made it one of her top ten priorities for her administration. This reflects a thoughtful and intentional approach, addressing not just the legality of cannabis, but the broader implications for social justice and reparative measures for communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs.
In contrast, Trump’s stance has been more laissez-faire, treating cannabis legalization as a mere talking point rather than a policy commitment. His tenure demonstrated a lack of genuine interest in reforming cannabis laws in a way that supports industry growth and prioritizes social equity. History has shown us that we cannot rely on the previous administration to craft a nuanced approach to legalization; instead, there’s a risk of half-measures that don’t sufficiently address the injustices faced by countless individuals and communities.
It’s essential to evaluate the candidates’ commitments on their merits. Harris’s clarity on the need for reform contrasts starkly with Trump’s ambiguous position. The stakes are high, as legalization is not merely about cannabis as a product but about the legacy of the war on drugs and its impact on millions of lives.
I challenge the narrative that there’s minimal difference between the candidates. Harris’s deep commitment to full federal legalization and a social justice lens offers a strong basis for support, and it’s critical for voters to recognize the implications of their choices on a vital issue that influences the lives of so many.
