Kamala Harris Pushes Crypto and Cannabis in New “Opportunity Economy” Agenda

The vice president targets Black-owned businesses, digital assets, and federal cannabis legalization in her latest campaign push.

United States Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris is set to deepen her support for cryptocurrency and federal cannabis legalization as part of her "Opportunity Economy" agenda. On October 14, Harris is scheduled to meet with a group of Black entrepreneurs in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she will address topics like Black-owned small businesses, digital asset regulation, and the nationwide legalization of cannabis.

This new direction in Harris' campaign signals her growing embrace of the crypto community and broader economic reform. Cedric Richmond, a co-chair of Harris’ campaign, explained that the vice president's proposal is aimed at empowering Black men through entrepreneurship and financial growth. Richmond highlighted Harris' vision of an economy where Black men are "equipped with the tools to thrive—buy a home, start a business, and build wealth.”

Harris' stance on cryptocurrency seems to have softened compared to earlier perceptions of her being part of a supposedly anti-crypto regime. According to documents related to the Erie event, her focus has shifted towards protecting individuals who "own" cryptocurrency, signaling a potential regulatory framework that ensures the safety of digital asset investors rather than limiting or restricting crypto ownership. The campaign’s language underscores a commitment to protecting the financial interests of those participating in the rapidly growing cryptocurrency market.

This pivot has garnered mixed reactions from the crypto community. While some see it as a positive step toward bipartisan legislation and regulatory clarity for digital assets, others remain skeptical of Harris’ long-term commitment to the crypto industry. Notably, Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen contributed approximately $1 million worth of XRP to the Harris-Walz 2024 presidential campaign, showing support from some high-profile figures in the digital asset space.

Beyond cryptocurrency, Harris' pledge includes the federal legalization of cannabis, which is seen as a key issue for social equity and economic reform. The vice president’s backing of cannabis reform aligns with her broader campaign messaging of supporting marginalized communities, particularly Black entrepreneurs.

As Harris continues to build her “Opportunity Economy” platform, it is clear that her campaign aims to address critical economic issues by bridging traditional financial systems with emerging technologies like cryptocurrency. The upcoming event in Pennsylvania will likely be a key moment to gauge her support for crypto and cannabis, as well as how these initiatives resonate with voters.

photo source / Blockonome