Kamala Harris says 'nobody should have to go to jail for smoking weed'

Yahoo Entertainment
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On Late Night With Seth Meyers Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke about President Biden’s recent announcement that he’s pardoning federal convictions for possession of marijuana.

“Let me just start with saying this,” Harris said. “I strongly believe, and the majority of Americans agree, nobody should have to go to jail for smoking weed, right?”

While the reaction from the GOP has been mixed, some states have signaled that they won’t follow Biden’s lead on this. Harris said it’s up to Congress to pass legislation that would legalize marijuana nationwide.

“We’re urging governors and states to take our lead and to pardon people who have been criminalized for possession of marijuana,” Harris said. “And ultimately though, as with so many issues, if Congress acts, then there is a uniform approach to this and so many other issues. But Congress needs to act.”

Harris also urged voters to keep the issue in mind when they cast their ballots in the upcoming midterm elections.

“We’re 29 days away from the midterms,” Harris said. “Ask who you’re voting for where they stand on this, and I encourage you to vote accordingly.”

Video Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING]

KAMALA HARRIS: Let me just start by saying this. I strongly believe in-- and the majority of Americans agree-- nobody should have to go to jail for smoking weed, right?

- Vice President Kamala Harris joined "Late Night With Seth Meyers" Monday, where she spoke about President Biden pardoning federal convictions for possession of marijuana. As some governors have signaled, they will not follow Biden's lead at the state level. Harris said it's up to Congress to pass legislation to legalize marijuana nationwide.

KAMALA HARRIS: We're urging governors and states to take our lead and to pardon people who have been criminalized for possession of marijuana. And ultimately, though, as with so many issues, if Congress acts, then there is a uniform approach.

- Harris has spent years advocating for the legalization of marijuana. And urged voters to keep the issue in mind when the upcoming midterms roll around.

KAMALA HARRIS: But Congress needs to act, we're 29 days away from the midterms. Ask who you're voting for where they stand on this, and I encourage you to vote accordingly.

SETH MEYERS: You--