In October 2024, Harris Announced Her Plan for Cannabis: What Do Experts Think?
Vice President Kamala Harris has long been a proponent of cannabis reform. In October 2024, she unveiled a comprehensive plan that addresses issues related to the decriminalization of cannabis and social justice reforms. While her proposal has generated significant attention, various experts have weighed in on its potential impact and areas for improvement. Here’s a breakdown of what they think of Harris’s plan and how it could be enhanced.
Harris’s Vision for Cannabis: Decriminalization and Social Justice
Harris’s plan includes a critical aspect: expunging the records of individuals convicted of non-violent cannabis offenses. This step is seen by many as a crucial move toward repairing the long-standing harms caused by cannabis prohibition. By focusing on social justice reform, Harris aims to correct the disproportionate impact of cannabis laws on marginalized communities.
The Positive Aspects of Harris’s Plan
Social Justice Focus: The expungement of non-violent cannabis convictions is a meaningful and long-overdue step toward addressing racial disparities in cannabis-related arrests. Harris’s focus on repairing these harms has been widely praised.
Commitment to Decriminalization: Harris’s backing of decriminalization has significant support from advocates of cannabis reform. It could pave the way for broader legalization efforts across the country.
Equity-Centered Policies: Harris’s commitment to ensuring that communities affected by the War on Drugs have access to business opportunities in the cannabis industry is seen as a significant policy move. This could ensure that those historically disadvantaged have a fair shot at success in the growing cannabis market.
Expert Opinions: What Works, What Needs Improvement?
While Harris’s approach to cannabis reform is largely seen as positive, experts have offered suggestions on how it could be improved to achieve a more comprehensive and equitable future for the industry.
Anzarut: Focus on Comprehensive Federal Regulation and Banking Reform
According to [Expert Name], the plan could have been stronger with a clear focus on creating a unified federal framework for cannabis regulation. This would include necessary reforms in banking, testing standards, and equitable business opportunities for communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs. Anzarut emphasizes that creating a standardized framework would reduce inconsistencies and promote nationwide growth within the cannabis sector.
Audino: A Call for More Research on Long-Term Effects
Dr. Susan Audino, founder of S.A. Audino & Associates, applauds Harris for her openness and foresight in addressing cannabis reform. However, she highlights the need for more direct research on the long-term effects of cannabis use. Specifically, she notes that the impact of regular cannabis use on cognitive development, particularly for people under 25, should be better understood. This would help mitigate any potential harms, particularly for younger individuals, who may be more vulnerable to the cognitive effects of regular cannabis consumption.
Hildenbrand: A Trust Issue Based on Past Record
Dr. Zacariah Hildenbrand, a research professor at the University of Texas at El Paso, has expressed some skepticism about Harris’s position on cannabis, given her record on cannabis-related criminalization in California. While he acknowledges that individuals can change, Hildenbrand questions whether Harris’s stance has evolved sufficiently to ensure that she is a true ally to the cannabis reform movement.
The Push for Cannabis Testing Standardization
Cannabis testing standards remain a significant point of debate, and experts are hopeful that the outcome of this year’s election could lead to progress. With cannabis legalization sweeping across more states, experts agree that standardized testing protocols will be key to ensuring consumer safety and industry credibility.
Anzarut: Election Could Pave the Way for National Testing Protocols
Anzarut believes that with the right administration in place, the FDA or another agency could establish national cannabis testing standards. This would mark a significant step toward reliable and consistent testing, offering benefits to both businesses and consumers.
Audino: A Call for Clear Scientific Guidelines
Audino, on the other hand, cautions that while testing standards are crucial, they should be scientifically backed and tailored to the unique characteristics of cannabis. She expresses concern over the current incentivization for labs to manipulate test results to appease customers, thus undermining consumer trust.
Vaillencourt: Optimism for Federal Standardization Under New Administration
David Vaillencourt, CEO of The GMP Collective, is optimistic that the growing momentum toward cannabis standardization will continue. He points to the role of organizations like the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) and ASTM International, which have made significant progress in defining standards for cannabis testing at the state level. If the right political environment emerges, these voluntary consensus standards could soon be adopted at the federal level, further facilitating the normalization of cannabis practices nationwide.
Lessons from State Legalizations: What Can Other States Learn?
As more states push for cannabis legalization, many are looking at existing models for guidance. Lawmakers in newer states can benefit from analyzing the successes and failures of early adopters.
Anzarut: Focus on Equity and Public Education
Anzarut suggests that lawmakers look to states like Illinois, where cannabis legalization included robust social equity programs and expungement policies. He believes that equity-focused programs are essential for addressing past wrongs and ensuring that all communities benefit from legalization. Additionally, phased rollouts with strong public education campaigns can help ease public concerns and minimize opposition to new laws.
Audino: A Unique Approach, Not a Copy
Audino warns against states copying each other’s cannabis policies without considering local contexts. She argues that each state must better define its regulations and understand the unique issues it faces with cannabis legalization. “Regulation is complex, and one-size-fits-all solutions will only create more problems,” she says.
Hildenbrand: A Cautionary Tale from Oversaturation
Hildenbrand points to states like Oklahoma and New Mexico, where oversaturation of licenses led to significant market instability and high attrition rates. He urges future states to take a more moderate approach, starting with limited licenses and expanding gradually to avoid overexposure.
Room for Improvement in Harris’s Cannabis Plan
While Harris’s October 2024 plan for cannabis has received widespread support, experts agree that there are several areas for improvement. These include the need for federal standardization of cannabis testing, more research into the long-term effects of cannabis use, and an even greater focus on equitable policies that ensure those most harmed by the War on Drugs benefit from legalization. Moving forward, a clear, unified federal cannabis framework will be crucial to addressing these issues and ensuring that cannabis reform benefits all communities.
