
Kamala Harris’s stance on marijuana sees a dramatic reversal, but is this change genuine or politically motivated?
At a Glance
- Kamala Harris now supports decriminalization, a reversal from her days as California’s AG.
- Critics argue hypocrisy, while supporters see progressive social alignment.
- Harris’s tenure saw a high conviction rate for marijuana offenses.
- Her stance is now a cornerstone of her criminal justice reform platform.
A Noteworthy Shift in Perspective
As Vice President Kamala Harris calls for the decriminalization of marijuana, people are wondering how she squares her new position with her time as a prosecutor when she jailed people for using and possessing the drug. Her earlier policies were characterized by rigorous prosecution, with nearly 1,900 individuals facing conviction during her tenure. Now, Harris argues individuals should not be jailed simply for marijuana use, suggesting a shift influenced by evolving drug policy debates and increasing support for legalization across the United States.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf6H0ARWwEI
Funny, huh?
Critics have accused her of inconsistency, suggesting her new stance on marijuana reflects a politically opportunistic decision. During her time as DA, her office had a higher conviction rate for marijuana charges—24% compared to the 18% under her predecessor. Some defense attorneys perceived her approach as more aggressive regarding marijuana sales, even though most low-level possession cases resulted in no jail time. Only 45 individuals were sent to state prison for marijuana-related charges, highlighting nuances in the punitive measures adopted.
https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1791225113112609160
Criticism and Reassessment of Past Policies
Harris’s evolving stance on marijuana has spurred critiques from various corners, with detractors accusing her of hypocrisy. They argue her aggressive past prosecution of marijuana offenses is inconsistent with her recent advocated reforms. This inconsistency fuels ongoing debates about the responsibilities of public figures to acknowledge and rectify past policy decisions that conflict with current societal norms.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/09/11/kamala-harris-prosecuting-marijuana-cases/
Despite the critiques, some see her shift as aligning with progressive viewpoints and societal changes over drug policy and legalization. This realignment, combined with broader support for cannabis reform, positions her stance on marijuana as a central component of her criminal justice reform agenda. By advocating for marijuana legalization starting in 2018, Harris joins a growing number of officials seeking to transform America’s drug laws.
https://twitter.com/MarijuanaMoment/status/1840751755040055740
Kamala knows this is a hot issue right now, and so her principles have gone out of the window. What was left of them, anyway.