Donald Trump has indicated his backing for a potential groundbreaking federal policy change to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, aligning his stance with that of Democratic opponent Kamala Harris. This shift reflects a significant move towards widespread public support for legalization in recent years, marking the first time both major-party presidential candidates endorse broad cannabis reform, as per the U.S. Cannabis Council.
The Republican nominee announced on social media his intention to focus on research to explore the medical applications of marijuana by reclassifying it as a Schedule 3 drug. He also expressed support for a proposal in Florida to permit the sale of marijuana to adults for any purpose.
Trump's announcement, just ahead of a crucial debate with Harris, sets the stage for a potential critique of Harris's past cannabis prosecutions during her tenure as district attorney in San Francisco. Given the disproportionate impact of drug prosecutions on nonwhite defendants in the U.S., this line of attack could align with Trump's efforts to bolster his support among nonwhite men.
Harris, on the other hand, advocates for decriminalization and has criticized the current classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug, equating it with heroin and LSD. Despite overseeing cannabis law enforcement earlier in her career, she opposed the legalization of recreational marijuana for adults in California during her 2010 attorney general campaign.
The DEA is in the process of reviewing the federal classification of marijuana, initiated by President Joe Biden's call for a reassessment. However, a final decision on the reclassification, which would not legalize recreational marijuana outright, may not be reached until the next presidential administration, underscoring the significance of the candidates' positions.
While federal drug policy has lagged behind state laws, with many states legalizing medical and recreational marijuana, public support for legalization has surged. A Gallup poll last year revealed that about 70% of adults favor legalization, a substantial increase from 2000. Young voters, a critical demographic in battleground states, show even higher support for legalization.
The proposed reclassification would move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, alongside substances like ketamine and certain steroids. However, the move faces opposition from advocates citing insufficient data and from attorneys general in over a dozen states, according to the group Smart Approaches to Marijuana.
Trump's stance on the marijuana ballot question coincided with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's strong opposition to two November ballot initiatives: one on abortion rights and the other on recreational marijuana legalization. DeSantis has been vocal in his disapproval of the marijuana amendment, citing concerns about its impact on Florida's quality of life.
The Florida Republican Party has also formally rejected the amendment, expressing fears about its effects on children, family-friendly businesses, and the tourism industry.
