We've come a long way from "I didn't inhale."

Sen. Kamala Harris, weeks into her campaign for president, not only acknowledged that she has smoked pot, but said she isn't opposed to federal legalization of marijuana.

"I think it gives a lot of people joy and we need more joy," Harris said, laughing, during an interview on the influential hip-hop radio show The Breakfast Club Monday morning.

Harris was being interviewed by Charlamagne Tha God when she admitted she smoked a joint in college. "I did inhale," she said, in a reference to President Clinton's famous equivocation when asked more than 25 years ago on the campaign trail if he had ever smoked weed.

Harris denied accusations that, as a prosecutor, she opposed marijuana legalization. "Half my family's from Jamaica," she said. "Are you kidding me?"

In her new book, Harris explicitly calls for marijuana to be legalized and regulated at the federal level. She writes: "Something else it's past time we get done is dismantling the failed war on drugs ー starting with legalizing marijuana."

Legal recreational use of cannabis, already the law of the land in 10 states, is becoming something of a litmus test for Democratic 2020 candidates, who consider it part of criminal and social justice reform.

Share:
More In Culture
How Buy Now, Pay Later Will Play a Role This Holiday Shopping Season
Less than 30% of consumers will apply for a store credit card this holiday season according to a recent LendingTree survey. Matt Schulz, Chief Credit Analyst at LendingTree, joins Cheddar to discuss the pros and cons to store credit cards, and how 'buy now, pay later' loans are coming into play during the holiday shopping season.
Anika Noni Rose on 'Being Seen' Podcast Season 3, Changing Culture's View of Black Women
Tony award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose joined Cheddar's "Between Bells" to discuss the upcoming third season of the podcast, Being Seen. As Rose's first time hosting the series, she explained that it was important for her to do so to offer a unique perspective potentially with the power to change narratives. "We have the ability in our media and our entertainment to change the space in which Black women are seen, to change the narrative of the strong Black woman, and to show a more humanistic view of Black women and Black femmes that will bring people to an understanding and a connection that maybe they didn't otherwise have," she said. Rose also touched on her role in the Netflix series "Maid."
Paid Family Leave Gets Cut from Biden's Plan
Paid family & medical leave is left out of President Joe Biden's Build Back Better domestic policy plan. Abby Vesoulis, reporter for TIME joins Cheddar News to breakdown what this means for Americans.
Food Left Off of COP26 Agenda
Oatly Chief Sustainability Officer, Ashley Allen joins Cheddar News to talk about food waste and hows its been left off the table in the upcoming COP26 agenda. Ashley will be on the ground at COP26 and advocating for this conversation to get the attention it deserves.
Climate Summit, Rittenhouse Trial & Traffic Deaths
Carlo's flying solo today, talking COP26 and climate change, another racially charged trial gets underway, SCOTUS takes on abortion and a stunning rise in traffic deaths points to a bigger societal breakdown sparked by the pandemic.
Supply Chain Issues Cost Apple $6 Billion, CEO Tim Cook Says
Apple reported strong fourth quarter earnings, but sales fell below expectations. CEO Tim Cook said chip shortages and manufacturing delays cost the company $6 billion. The issues have led to the newly-launched iPhone 13 Pro being in short supply around the world, as well as to back orders for Apple's new Macbook Pro. Exponential Investment Partners Managing Partner Kevin Riley joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
E-Bike Subscription Service Dance Raises $14.9 Million
Electric bike company Dance recently raised $19.4 million, just weeks after rolling out its e-bike subscription service in Berlin. Dance allows users to subscribe to use an e-bike for around €79, or about $91, a month. Dance says its subscription model allows the company to reuse and refurbish its products, and further its mission to build more sustainable and livable cities. Dance founder and CEO Eric Quidenus-Wahlforss joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Load More