During an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, the host inquired whether Vice President Kamala Harris knew about a cannabis strain named after her. Her reaction revealed genuine surprise.
Limited-Edition Kamala Kush Strain Sparks Discussion on Jimmy Kimmel Live
A limited-edition cannabis strain named after U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, created by an Oregon-based grower, became a topic of conversation on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Although Harris has no connection to Kamala Kush, she was questioned about it during her appearance on the show.
On June 4, Kimmel brought up the proposal to reclassify cannabis to Schedule III and posed several related questions. According to Benzinga, Harris appeared “visibly surprised” to learn about the strain named after her.
“I think we both agree that people shouldn’t be jailed for smoking weed,” Harris stated. “You don’t go to jail for drinking alcohol, so why should you for smoking? We’ve pardoned several individuals.”
She emphasized that resources should focus on more pressing drug issues, such as fentanyl, and noted that cannabis is not a gateway drug.
“It’s interesting to remember that there was a time when people claimed marijuana was a gateway drug, which led to failed policies,” she said. “Our resources should be better directed towards addressing opioid addiction and increasing support for mental health care.”
Kimmel then asked her directly about the Kamala Kush strain, prompting a light-hearted moment in the discussion.
Harris Reacts to Kamala Kush Strain on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Laughing, Vice President Kamala Harris exclaimed, “Really? Seriously? I did not know that,” when informed about the Kamala Kush strain. This limited-edition cannabis strain was created by Alibi Cannabis, a woman-owned operation based in Clackamas, Oregon. They describe Kamala Kush as “earthy and grounding,” featuring weighty buds shaped like grenades and offering a unique flavor for an active high. The strain is available for a limited time at various OLCC-approved dispensaries across Oregon.
Kimmel seemed surprised that the strain’s creators hadn’t sent Harris a sample, to which she quipped, “I’m not touching that.”
Harris's Evolving Stance on Cannabis
Alibi Cannabis expressed surprise at the mention on Jimmy Kimmel Live and acknowledged Harris’s previous role as a state prosecutor, which often put her at odds with cannabis advocates. “In a wild turn of events, Jimmy Kimmel asked VP Harris about our special edition strain, Kamala Kush. We would love to share our vision of a cannabis industry focused on helping people and providing high-quality plant medicine,” they posted on their website.
While many recall Harris’s history of prosecuting around 2,000 cannabis-related offenders during her tenure as District Attorney of San Francisco, her recent announcements suggest a shift in perspective. In 2019, she remarked that cannabis “gives a lot of people joy,” indicating a change in her views on the plant. In a notable interview, she even admitted to smoking cannabis in college, saying, “I did inhale. It was a long time ago. But, yes,” referencing Bill Clinton’s infamous “didn’t inhale” comment from 1992.
Last March, Harris hosted a White House meeting focused on drug policy reform, featuring guests like hip-hop artist Fat Joe and advocates for cannabis legalization. The meeting included discussions about the impact of pardons granted by the Biden administration, highlighting her evolving approach to cannabis policy.
On May 16, Vice President Kamala Harris joined President Joe Biden in announcing a significant shift in cannabis policy, advocating for its reclassification to Schedule III. In a video speech, she highlighted the importance of this change, stating, “President Biden and I vowed to address injustices in marijuana policy. Today, our Administration takes another major step forward.”
Harris noted the current classification of marijuana as being on par with heroin and more dangerous than fentanyl. “We are finally changing that,” she said in another video. “I want to thank all the advocates and everyone who helped make this possible. We are on the road to getting it done.”
As Harris’s views on cannabis evolve, the move to Schedule III could provide a boost for the Biden administration as the general election approaches this November.