Trump and Harris support marijuana legalization as public opinion shifts

In a significant shift in public opinion, both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have expressed support for marijuana legalization. Historically, Trump has fluctuated in his stance; in 1990, he advocated for legalization, calling the war on drugs 'a joke.' However, during his 2016 presidential campaign, he distanced himself from that position, suggesting states should decide while criticizing legalization as a 'bad' policy. Recently, he acknowledged the need for reform, stating that individuals should not be criminalized for marijuana possession in states where it is legal. Kamala Harris's journey has also been complex. Initially opposing a California legalization initiative in 2010, she later avoided taking a clear stance as attorney general. It wasn't until her tenure as a senator that she publicly supported nationwide decriminalization. This evolution reflects a broader trend among politicians responding to changing public attitudes toward marijuana. Despite their newfound agreement on legalization, it remains uncertain whether either candidate would take concrete actions to implement such policies if elected. President Biden has consistently resisted federal legalization, and the current Democratic platform lacks any mention of the issue, while the Republican platform is similarly silent. With 38 states legalizing medical marijuana and 24 allowing recreational use, the political landscape is shifting. The agreement between the two major-party candidates highlights a growing recognition of the need for reform, yet the lack of commitment raises questions about the future of marijuana policy in the United States.