Anti-cannabis advocates have gathered enough signatures to place a measure on Massachusetts’s November ballot that would overturn the state’s recreational marijuana laws, originally passed by voters in 2016. If successful, it would be the first time any U.S. state has reversed marijuana legalization.
The ballot question asks voters whether to repeal laws legalizing, regulating, and taxing recreational cannabis sales, which currently generate hundreds of millions in annual tax revenue. Medical marijuana would remain unaffected, and any repeal would not take effect until 2028.
The pro-cannabis opposition campaign, Stop the Repeal, is largely funded by marijuana industry operators. However, organizers acknowledge financial challenges, as the industry faces an oversaturated market and low cannabis prices. The repeal effort has received $1.5 million from Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), a Virginia-based advocacy group, which opponents characterize as out-of-state dark money influence. SAM counters that the cannabis industry itself represents well-funded outside interests.
Repeal supporters argue that legalization has led to higher-potency products, increased youth use, and driver safety concerns. Opponents stress the economic and regulatory benefits of the established industry.
Polling presents a mixed picture. A University of New Hampshire survey found 63% of voters opposed to repeal, while a separate April–May poll showed a much closer race: 41% in favor of repeal, 48% opposed, and 11% undecided.
The campaign has also faced controversy over signature-gathering practices, including allegations of deceptive tactics, though a state commission found insufficient evidence of fraud. One signature gatherer was fired after appearing to misrepresent the campaign’s purpose.
Both sides describe themselves as underdogs heading into the fall campaign.