Both presidential candidates agree: We need to stop arresting people for marijuana
In a rare moment of agreement, the two leading presidential candidates in the upcoming U.S. election have taken a shared stance on an important issue—stopping the arrest of individuals for marijuana possession.
Despite their historical differences, Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump are aligning on cannabis policy, which resonates with a growing majority of Americans.
Why both candidates now support marijuana reform
Just months ago, Vice President Harris posted on social media stating, “Nobody should have to go to jail for weed,” a clear pivot from her previous opposition to marijuana legalization.
In contrast, Donald Trump, in a more recent post, said, “We do not need to ruin lives and waste taxpayers’ dollars arresting adults with personal amounts of it on them,” signaling a major shift from his earlier tough-on-drugs stance.This evolving position from both political figures reflects a larger shift in public opinion.
According to the latest Gallup polling, 70% of U.S. adults now support marijuana legalization—a stark increase from just a decade ago.This growing support cuts across political lines, with 87% of Democrats, 70% of independents, and even 55% of Republicans now in favor of legal cannabis.
Historical context and failed policies
The movement to criminalize marijuana began in the early 20th century, largely fueled by myths and xenophobia rather than legitimate public safety concerns. Despite decades of prohibition, nearly half of all drug-related arrests today are still for marijuana possession.
Critics argue that this has been an enormous waste of resources, with arrests disproportionately affecting young, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals.
Moreover, marijuana prohibition has done little to curb use. In fact, in states that have legalized cannabis, teen usage has actually decreased, according to surveys. Most consumers in legalized states purchase from regulated retailers, further reducing the role of the illicit market.
The economic benefits of legalization
States that have legalized adult-use cannabis have seen significant economic gains. Since 2014, cannabis sales have generated over $15 billion in tax revenue. These funds have been used to support public services like school construction and affordable housing, providing a tangible benefit to local communities.
- Legalization has reduced marijuana-related arrests.
- Tax revenue from cannabis sales has funded essential services.
- Teens' use of cannabis has dropped in states with legal sales.
Personal Perspective
It is striking to see how marijuana reform, once considered a controversial topic, has become a mainstream political issue. Both Trump and Harris have come a long way in adjusting their positions, likely driven by the overwhelming public support for legalization.
From my perspective, this shift represents more than just political expediency—it reflects a broader societal acknowledgment that the war on marijuana has been costly and ineffective.
While there is still work to be done, it’s encouraging to see both major political parties begin to prioritize sensible cannabis policies that reflect the will of the people.
