Vice President Kamala Harris is doubling her outreach to the Black community — a critical Democratic voting bloc that appears to be somewhat hesitant about her candidacy — by presenting a platform that includes highlighting her stance on marijuana legalization.
In an interview Tuesday with radio host and author Charlamagne Tha God aimed at boosting support among Black men, Kamala Harris defended her record as a California prosecutor, describing herself as “one of the most progressive prosecutors” on marijuana cases. She then pledged to federally decriminalize recreational marijuana as president.
“I know exactly how those laws have been used to disproportionately impact certain populations, specifically Black men,” Harris said, after dismissing a question about the false claim that she deliberately targeted Black men for marijuana offenses.
The Claim
In a social media post shortly before the interview, Harris outlined her cannabis legalization plan as part of her 2024 presidential campaign. She emphasized the need to legalize recreational marijuana and stated, “No one should go to jail for smoking weed.”
Part of her “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men,” this isn’t the first time Harris has addressed the issue. In the past, the Vice President faced criticism for her role as a prosecutor, where some claimed her office enforced strict marijuana laws. However, she has since positioned herself as a reform advocate, repeatedly expressing support for legalizing marijuana. Her plan also pledges to give Black men opportunities to participate as the national cannabis industry grows.
The Facts
In recent years, Harris has positioned herself a vocal advocate for reforming federal marijuana laws. Last year, she worked alongside President Joe Biden to pardon thousands of people convicted of federal offenses for simple marijuana possession. The Biden administration’s efforts have included plans to reschedule cannabis as a less harmful substance under federal law, an action that could pave the way for broader reform at the federal level.
H/T: www.newsweek.com
You can view the whole article at this link Fact Check: Is Anyone Going to Jail for Smoking Weed?
