Massachusetts Voters Decide Nov. 3 on Repealing Recreational Cannabis

Massachusetts voters will decide on November 3 whether to end legal retail marijuana sales, ten years after the state first allowed them, WBUR reported.

Question 8 would ban licensed retail sales of adult-use cannabis and the taxes tied to them. Adults over 21 could still hold up to one ounce and grow plants at home, and medical sales would continue. By WBUR's account, Massachusetts would become the first state to repeal recreational cannabis, ending an $8 billion industry that counts about 400 dispensaries and another 200 related businesses.

The Coalition for a Healthy Massachusetts backs repeal. Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action Inc., a Virginia-based group, has given nearly $3.5 million to the effort. Kevin Sabet, who heads that group, said the campaign faces an uphill fight but wants to start a conversation about the harms of marijuana.

Opponents have formed the Committee to Protect Cannabis Regulation, which has raised $2.3 million. Ryan Dominguez, head of the Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, said repeal would drive buyers to illicit sellers or to other states. He said the industry employs more than 20,000 people.

A University of New Hampshire poll in September found 71% of voters plan to vote against repeal.

This story was first reported by WBUR.