Vice President Kamala Harris recently expressed astonishment upon discovering a marijuana strain bearing her name while underscoring her support for decriminalizing cannabis use.
The Vice President, despite overseeing numerous marijuana convictions during her tenure as a District Attorney, has since advocated for cannabis legalization, Daily Mail reported.
During a segment on Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, the Vice President was informed about the existence of 'Kamala Kush,' a cannabis strain described as 'earthy and grounding' by Alibi Cannabis in Oregon. Responding with laughter, Harris exclaimed, "Really? Seriously? I did not know that."
Harris, who has overseen over 1,900 marijuana-related convictions as the District Attorney in San Francisco, notably expressed her lack of interest in using the strain, saying, "I'm not touching that." Despite her judicial history, Harris has since expressed evolving views on marijuana policies.
Addressing her stance, Harris reiterated, "Look, I think we both agree, people shouldn't have to go to jail for smoking weed." This statement underscores a significant pivot from her earlier prosecutorial stance, reflecting broader societal changes.
In the early stages of her career, specifically in 2010, Harris opposed a California ballot measure aimed at legalizing recreational marijuana for adults. Her opposition during that period aligned with the broader sentiment labeling marijuana as a ‘gateway drug’, a notion she now denounces.
Highlighting the change in her perspective, Harris remarked, "There was a time people would say, marijuana is a gateway drug. These are failed policies, right?" Emphasizing the need for a strategic allocation of resources, she advocated for law enforcement focus to shift towards tackling opioid addiction and improving mental health care.
Harris’s current advocacy includes redirecting efforts away from penalizing marijuana usage to addressing more pressing issues like fentanyl and other opioids. She stated, "The resources should be better directed and will be better directed to deal with opioid addiction and what we need to do around fentanyl."
Despite her current endorsement of marijuana legalization, advocates have criticized Harris for her perceived delayed support. Veteran marijuana legal reform advocate Steve DeAngelo voiced his disapproval: "She absolutely has no moral authority to speak on this issue whatsoever."
In contrast, Harris has developed a more positive outlook on marijuana’s social impact. Reflecting on the joy it brings to users, she commented, "Listen, I think it gives a lot of people joy. And we need more joy." This statement in 2019 signifies her evolved beliefs on the substance’s cultural role.
In alignment with her reformed stance, Harris has even engaged with public figures such as rapper Fat Joe to discuss the implications of marijuana-related incarcerations. This move underscores her commitment to addressing outdated policies and promoting reform.
Harris’s personal history with marijuana also came to light during her campaign. In an interview with Charlemagne tha God on The Breakfast Club, she admitted, "I have. And I inhaled. I did inhale," referring to her own college experiences with the substance.
To summarize, Vice President Kamala Harris's stance on marijuana has shifted dramatically from her days of prosecuting marijuana-related offenses to now advocating for its decriminalization and legalization. Her reaction to the 'Kamala Kush' strain emphasizes her evolving views despite drawing some criticism from reform advocates. Harris has engaged with celebrities on cannabis laws and has focused on reallocating law enforcement resources to more pressing issues.
