Vice President Kamala Harris has expressed her view that marijuana should be legalized, positioning herself further along this issue than the current administration’s marijuana reforms. During her initial public comments on the matter since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee, Harris stated, “I just think we have come to a point where we have to understand that we need to legalize it and stop criminalizing this behavior.”
Harris made these remarks in a 45-minute discussion with former NBA players Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes for their podcast “All the Smoke.” She strongly emphasized that individuals should not face imprisonment for using marijuana.
While President Joe Biden has stopped short of advocating for full legalization, his administration began earlier this year the process to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug.
Harris also addressed her mental health strategies during the interview, citing the importance of avoiding negative comments and finding stress-relieving hobbies, with cooking being her personal choice.
In addition, Harris discussed race in the context of allegations made in July by former President Donald Trump, who falsely accused her of altering her racial identity over time. “I’m really clear about who I am and if anyone else is not, they need to go through their own level of therapy – that’s not my issue,” Harris stated.
Harris conveyed a strong sense of responsibility regarding her role in breaking barriers and the significance of potentially becoming the first Black woman to hold the highest office in the United States. “You got to leave that door open more than it was when you walked in,” she remarked, expressing the depth of her commitment to her responsibility.
