Kamala Harris Says ‘We Need To Legalize’ Marijuana For First Time As Democratic Presidential Nominee

In a groundbreaking moment for her presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris has publicly declared the need to legalize marijuana, a statement that has reverberated across the political landscape. During her recent appearance on the popular podcast “All the Smoke,” she stated unequivocally, “We need to legalize it and stop criminalizing this behavior.” As Marijuana Moment covered, this declaration not only highlights her commitment to cannabis reform but also positions her as a progressive leader within the Democratic Party as she prepares for the 2024 presidential election.

Harris’s comments come at a time when public perception of marijuana is shifting dramatically. With a growing number of states legalizing cannabis for recreational and medicinal use, and an increasing number of Americans supporting legalization, Harris’s stance may resonate with voters who prioritize social justice and criminal reform. This article delves into the implications of her statement, the historical context surrounding marijuana legalization, and what this means for her campaign and the broader political landscape.

The Historical Context of Marijuana Legalization

 A Brief Overview

The journey toward marijuana legalization in the United States has been long and fraught with controversy. Cannabis was widely used in the early 20th century for medicinal purposes until it became stigmatized during the 1930s. The passage of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 effectively criminalized its use, setting off decades of punitive drug policies that disproportionately affected communities of color.

The War on Drugs, initiated in the 1980s, further entrenched these disparities, leading to mass incarceration rates that continue to impact millions of Americans today. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Black individuals are nearly four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than their white counterparts, despite similar usage rates.

Shifting Attitudes

In recent years, public attitudes toward marijuana have shifted dramatically. A Gallup poll from 2023 revealed that 68% of Americans support legalizing cannabis, up from just 12% in 1969. This shift is particularly pronounced among younger voters, with nearly 80% of those aged 18-29 favoring legalization. As more states move toward legalization 33 states and Washington D.C. have legalized medical marijuana, while 21 states have legalized recreational use the conversation around cannabis is evolving.

Kamala Harris’s Position on Marijuana

A Longstanding Advocate

Kamala Harris has been vocal about her support for marijuana legalization long before her recent podcast appearance. As California’s Attorney General from 2011 to 2017, she faced criticism for her handling of marijuana-related offenses; however, she later shifted her stance to advocate for reform. In 2018, she co-sponsored the Marijuana Justice Act, which aimed to decriminalize cannabis at the federal level and expunge nonviolent marijuana convictions.

Harris’s advocacy is rooted in a belief that legalization can address systemic inequalities perpetuated by decades of harsh drug laws. By advocating for legalization and expungement, she aims to rectify past injustices and create economic opportunities for those disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition.

The Podcast Declaration

During her appearance on “All the Smoke,” hosted by former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, Harris articulated her vision for a future where marijuana is legalized nationwide. She emphasized that “the war on drugs has failed” and highlighted how legalization could benefit communities historically marginalized by punitive drug policies.

Her statement is significant not only because it reinforces her commitment to social justice but also because it distinguishes her from President Biden, who has not fully endorsed legalization despite expressing support for decriminalization and expungement efforts.

Implications for Her Campaign

Harris’s declaration could energize young voters who prioritize social justice issues and are more likely to support candidates advocating for cannabis reform. As seen in previous elections, younger voters have become increasingly influential in shaping electoral outcomes. By aligning herself with their views on marijuana legalization, Harris may enhance her appeal among this demographic.

Legalizing marijuana aligns with broader criminal justice reform efforts that many Democrats advocate. By framing cannabis legalization as part of a larger strategy to address systemic racism and inequality within the justice system, Harris can position herself as a candidate committed to meaningful change.

As a leading figure in the Democratic Party, Harris’s stance on marijuana could influence party dynamics leading up to the primaries. While some moderate Democrats may be hesitant about full legalization due to potential backlash from conservative voters, Harris’s bold declaration could encourage other candidates to adopt similar positions or risk alienating progressive voters.

 The Broader Political Landscape

 Bipartisan Support for Legalization

Interestingly, support for marijuana legalization is not confined to one political party. Recent polls indicate that a significant portion of Republicans also favors legalization. This bipartisan support presents an opportunity for candidates like Harris to appeal to a wider audience by framing cannabis reform as an issue that transcends party lines.

Economic Opportunities

Legalizing marijuana has economic implications as well. The cannabis industry has emerged as a lucrative market, generating billions in revenue and creating thousands of jobs across various sectors. By advocating for legalization, Harris can highlight potential economic benefits that resonate with both liberal and conservative voters concerned about job creation and economic growth.

 Public Health Considerations

While advocating for legalization, it is essential to address public health concerns associated with increased access to marijuana. Critics often raise issues related to addiction rates and mental health effects. Harris’s campaign will need to navigate these concerns carefully by promoting responsible use and emphasizing education around potential risks while advocating for regulation similar to alcohol and tobacco.

 Conclusion

Kamala Harris’s declaration that “we need to legalize” marijuana marks a pivotal moment in her presidential campaign and reflects broader societal shifts regarding cannabis use. As she positions herself as a progressive leader advocating for social justice and economic opportunity through marijuana reform, her stance may resonate deeply with voters seeking change. As we approach the 2024 election cycle, it will be fascinating to observe how this issue evolves within political discourse. Will other candidates follow suit? How will public opinion continue to shift? One thing is clear: Kamala Harris’s commitment to legalizing marijuana signals a new chapter in American politics one where progressive values intersect with pressing social issues. As Harris continues her campaign trail with this renewed focus on cannabis reform, it remains essential for voters to engage critically with these discussions and consider how policies around marijuana can shape not only individual lives but also communities across America. In conclusion, Kamala Harris’s bold assertion during “All the Smoke” encapsulates a growing movement toward normalization and acceptance of cannabis use in America a movement that reflects changing attitudes toward drug policy and social justice at large. As we look forward to the upcoming election cycle, one can only hope that this conversation continues to evolve toward greater understanding and equity in our society.

SUPPORT FOR CANNABIS LEGALIZATION GROWS, READ ON…

ALMOST 70% OF AMERICANS NOW SUPPORT LEGALIZATION!

Pot is good for parents new study finds

Cannabis and parenthood: two concepts that have long been considered incompatible. For decades, the prevailing wisdom suggested that responsible parenting and marijuana use were mutually exclusive. This belief, deeply ingrained in our societal fabric, has led to countless families being torn apart, with children removed from their homes due to their parents’ cannabis consumption. The war on drugs, at its peak, painted a grim picture of neglectful, intoxicated parents unable to care for their children properly.

But what if we’ve been wrong all along? What if, like peanut butter and jelly, cannabis and parenthood actually complement each other in ways we never imagined? A groundbreaking new study, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suggests exactly that. The research, published in the journal Parenting: Science and Practice, offers compelling evidence that cannabis use might actually enhance positive parenting behaviors.

This revelation challenges long-held assumptions and forces us to reconsider our approach to cannabis in the context of family life. It seems that the leaf we’ve long demonized might actually be a tool for nurturing healthier parent-child relationships. But before we all rush to light up in the name of better parenting, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of these findings.

In today’s article, we’re going to take a deep dive into this fascinating research. We’ll explore what it truly means to be a “pot parent” in light of this new data. We’ll examine the potential benefits of cannabis use in parenting, but we’ll also look at where the line is drawn – when does cannabis consumption stop being helpful and start becoming counterproductive?

Most importantly, we’ll discuss how these findings might be applied practically to raise healthy, well-adjusted children. Can cannabis, used responsibly, actually make us better parents? It’s time to set aside our preconceptions and let the data speak for itself. Join us as we explore this paradigm-shifting research and its implications for families everywhere.

JG

Now write 500-words on, “Let’s review the study”

In this segment focus on:

• The most important points the study found, both positive and negative.

• Provide actual quotes from the study

• Provide statistics and discuss methodology of the study

• Talk about the sample group size

• Talk about how this should alter our understanding of pot and parenthood

Let’s review the study

This groundbreaking research, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between cannabis use and parenting behaviors. Let’s dive into the key findings, methodology, and implications of this study.

The researchers analyzed survey responses from 77 parents recruited at Sacramento area cannabis retailers. This sample group, while relatively small, provided rich data through a comprehensive survey process. Participants completed a baseline survey, followed by five brief surveys per day for 14 days, and a final survey on day 15. This ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approach allowed for real-time data collection, capturing the nuances of daily life more accurately than retrospective surveys.

One of the most striking findings was the positive correlation between cannabis use and affirmative parenting behaviors. The study reports, “Parents had greater odds of using positive parenting during the same and subsequent time periods when using cannabis.” This challenges the long-held assumption that cannabis use necessarily leads to neglectful parenting.

Importantly, the research also found that parents were generally responsible in their consumption habits. The study notes, “Parents reported that children were not present in 92.3% of the episodes when they reported using cannabis.” This statistic suggests that most cannabis-using parents are conscientious about separating their use from direct childcare responsibilities.

The social context of cannabis use emerged as a significant factor influencing parenting behaviors. The researchers found that “Using cannabis with an individual for whom the parent may only have weak social connections to (compared to using alone) is the only social context in which a parent is more likely to use aggressive discipline.” This highlights the importance of a supportive social environment for cannabis-using parents.

On the positive side, the study revealed that parents who used cannabis with a spouse, partner, or friends “had higher odds of reporting positive parenting in the next time period.” This suggests that cannabis use in a supportive social context might actually enhance positive parenting behaviors.

The method of consumption also played a role in parenting outcomes. Parents who reported vaping marijuana “had lower odds…of using aggressive discipline in the time frame after use.” This finding could have implications for harm reduction strategies in cannabis-using parents.

It’s crucial to note the study’s limitations. The sample size of 77 parents is relatively small and not representative of all cannabis-using parents. The authors caution that their findings should be interpreted carefully, stating, “Much more needs to be understood around the social mechanisms that result in these findings to better understand how the social context of cannabis use may promote positive parenting.”

Despite these limitations, this study challenges our understanding of cannabis and parenthood in significant ways. It suggests that responsible cannabis use, particularly in supportive social contexts, may actually promote positive parenting behaviors. This flies in the face of decades of anti-drug messaging that portrayed any cannabis use as inherently detrimental to family life.

However, it’s equally important to note that the study doesn’t give carte blanche to unrestricted cannabis use by parents. The finding that parents overwhelmingly use cannabis when children are not present underscores the importance of responsible consumption habits.

This research should prompt a reevaluation of policies and attitudes towards cannabis-using parents. It suggests that blanket prohibitions or punitive measures against parents who use cannabis may be misguided and potentially harmful to families. Instead, a more nuanced approach that recognizes the potential benefits of responsible use while still prioritizing child welfare may be more appropriate.

As a father of a 3-year-old toddler and a 3-month-old baby, I can attest to the extreme stress that comes with parenthood. It’s a relentless rollercoaster of joy, exhaustion, and constant vigilance. The demands are never-ending – from middle-of-the-night feedings to toddler tantrums, there’s rarely a moment to catch your breath. You don’t get time to sleep or even take a peaceful bathroom break, as you’re always prioritizing your children’s needs over your own.

While I can’t speak for all parents worldwide, I can share my personal experience. When I’m done with work for the day and it’s time to engage with my kids, I’ve found that a single hit or two of cannabis can work wonders. It’s not about getting high or escaping reality; rather, it’s about shifting my perspective and allowing me to immerse myself more freely in their world.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of building yet another block tower or reading “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” for the hundredth time, cannabis helps me get out of my own way. It allows me to approach these activities with renewed enthusiasm and creativity. I’m no longer avoiding my kids’ play but actively participating in it. And let’s remember, play is how children learn and develop. When a parent fully engages in this play, it becomes even more enriching for the child.

Don’t get me wrong – parenting is still stressful, even with cannabis. But it definitely helps me relate to my children’s problems more empathetically. It opens me up emotionally, making me more attuned to their needs. I find myself more patient, more willing to get down on their level and see the world through their eyes.

In fact, I’d go so far as to say that for some parents, cannabis should be mandatory – especially those who often find themselves too busy or distracted to truly engage with their kids. Of course, I’m being a bit tongue-in-cheek here, but there’s a kernel of truth to it. If cannabis can help parents be more present, more patient, and more engaged, isn’t that a net positive for the family unit?

Now, I’m not advocating for irresponsible use. As the study showed, most cannabis-using parents are conscientious about when and where they consume. It’s about finding that sweet spot where you can enhance your parenting skills without compromising your ability to care for your children.

While there’s undoubtedly more research to be done on this subject, this study is a crucial step in challenging our preconceived notions about cannabis and parenting. For too long, we’ve operated under the assumption that any cannabis use automatically makes someone a “bad” parent. But reality, as always, is far more nuanced.

My experience, backed up by this research, suggests that responsible cannabis use can actually enhance positive parenting behaviors. It can help us slow down, be more present, and connect with our children on a deeper level. In the high-stress world of modern parenting, isn’t that something we should be exploring further rather than dismissing out of hand?

As we move forward, it’s crucial that we continue to reevaluate our attitudes towards cannabis and parenthood. We need to let go of outdated stigmas and instead focus on what actually benefits families. If cannabis, used responsibly, can help create more engaged, patient, and emotionally available parents, then perhaps it’s time we start seeing it as a potential parenting ally rather than an enemy.

CANNABIS MOMS AND THE SILENT WAR AGAINST THEM, READ ON…

THE US IS WAGING A WAR ON CANNABIS MOMS, BUT WHY?

Don’t Shop For Weed Based On THC Alone

Here’s What Else You Should Be Looking For

When you walk into a dispensary, there are so many fascinating things that catch the attention of all your senses.

Of course, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer smell of weed permeating in the air – as well as all the incredible choices of weed before you. Upon closer inspection of flowers and cannabis products, though, there are other details that can influence your purchase. Dispensaries these days highlight important information about strains, such as the concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) versus CBD (cannabidiol), and the potential effects one can expect from consuming it. These may include ‘uplifting’, ‘sedating’, or others.

Most recreational cannabis consumers look for a high THC content when shopping around for weed strains. After all, THC is the main compound responsible for getting you high and making you feel euphoric! Additionally, high THC strains can be more cost-effective: a small dose might be all you need if intense effects are what you are after.

That said, it can be misleading to focus on the THC content of weed only. There are so many other factors that affect the experience and quality of your high, which are also found in weed. Read on to learn what else you should be looking for when shopping around for weed:

Why Are You Buying Weed In The First Place?

The most important question to ask yourself before you go to a dispensary is why you’re buying weed in the first place. People use and buy recreational weed for so many different reasons: to relax and obtain relief from stress after work, to socialize without alcohol, sleep better, unwind with video games, or enjoy other activities. Are you going to consume weed in the comforts of your home, at the beach, or while hiking?

The primary reason you want to consume weed should influence everything else while you’re shopping for it – whether online or at a physical dispensary.  It will help you have a better idea of how much you’re going to purchase, based on how often you want to consume.

Of course, if you’d like to try weed in a new form or product, feel free to explore. Dispensaries these days are always full of exciting cannabis products that you can eat, drink, inhale, put under your tongue, and lather on your skin!

What Should You Consider Exploring?

 

Aside from the THC content of cannabis products, there are so many other factors you can consider when shopping around.

• What’s new? Ask the budtender about new and exciting products that have just been launched or stocked up. Remember that the cannabis market is always full of fresh and thrilling things, most of which are always worth trying.

• Cannabis product labels: Product labels offer a wealth of information for flower consumers. It contains the strain name, type of weed, and weight. Aside from telling you how much THC and CBD it contains, there are other things you can look out for.

• The name tells you the strain, and a budtender of quick Google search online can easily tell you if its effects veer toward indica or sativa. If you’re interested in uplifting or energizing effects, always go for sativa or sativa-dominant weed. On the other hand, if relaxation and sedation is what you’re after, opt for indica.

• Lesser-known cannabinoids: Each strain profile has its own minor cannabinoids, which more cannabis consumers are now considering when buying weed. That’s because we now know that the effects and overall experience of cannabis isn’t brought about by THC and CBD alone. There are minor cannabinoids at play too, and they work together synergistically through the entourage effect.

Even though you may be a recreational cannabis user, the presence of certain cannabinoids also helps make you feel good from the inside out. Many popular minor cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC, and CBN are now highlighted in product labels to help consumers make informed decisions. These very same cannabinoids offer a plethora of therapeutic benefits such as fighting inflammation, pain, anxiety, and so much more.

• Terpenes: Cannabis terpenes are the compounds that are responsible for giving the plant its aromatic characteristics. These are the very same constituents found in essential oils. Terpenes work with cannabinoids, also through the entourage effect, to demonstrate synergic benefits that are enhanced by the other’s presence.

While a myriad of terpenes are already naturally found in cannabis flower, the cannabis industry has gotten creative with the way it adds terpenes for extra flavor, aroma, and health benefits to various products. Also known as terps, are now being added into edibles and drinks more commonly. And since more consumers are become widely educated about the importance of terpenes, some shops and businesses even allow you to browse products online or in-shop according to terpenes; the terpene profile can also be found in some labels.

The most common terpenes you’ll encounter include myrcene, limonene, pinene, linalool, humulene, and terpinolene among others. Aside from contributing to the flavor and aroma profile, terpenes also possess important medicinal benefits. They are antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial, some more than others.

Conclusion

Understanding what goes into each cannabis product you consume can help you tailor the overall experience and benefits you’re getting. Not only does it customize the flavor but it also helps increase the therapeutic and medicinal benefits you are enjoying even if you’re a recreational consumer. Try experimenting with these factors the next time you shop for cannabis and let us know what you think!

SHOPPING FOR THC, GET THE WAY TO DO IT, READ BELOW…

CANNABIS STRAIN SHOPPING BY TERPENES, READ THIS!