News Summary
The Massachusetts Attorney General has certified a petition seeking to repeal the state’s adult-use marijuana legalization and modify medical cannabis regulations. Titled ‘Any Act to Restore a Sensible Marijuana Policy,’ the initiative aims to secure enough signatures to qualify for the ballot by December 2025. If successful, it could significantly alter the existing cannabis market, shaped by years of economic growth and public support for legalization.
Boston, Massachusetts — The Massachusetts Attorney General, Andrea Joy Campbell, has officially certified an initiative petition that seeks to repeal the adult-use marijuana legalization and modify existing medical cannabis regulations in the state. Titled “Any Act to Restore a Sensible Marijuana Policy,” the initiative was certified on September 3, 2025.
The proposed measure aims to rollback the cannabis legalization approved by voters in 2016, which gained a 54% majority supporting its passage. Since the commencement of dispensary sales in December 2018, the adult-use cannabis market in Massachusetts has produced significant economic impacts, generating over $8.3 billion in retail revenue and nearly $900 million in excise tax revenue along with approximately $540 million in sales tax revenue. This market is also responsible for supporting around 27,000 jobs across the state.
The initiative is spearheaded by Carolina Cunningham, a political consultant affiliated with the prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana. For the proposal to qualify for the ballot, its proponents must gather 74,574 signatures from registered voters by December 3, 2025. Following the verification of these signatures, the proposal will be sent to the 2026 Massachusetts Legislature for consideration. If legislators take no action on the initiative by May 6, 2026, an additional 12,429 signatures will need to be collected by July 1, 2026, to enable its presence on the November 2026 election ballot.
Details of the Proposed Initiative
The petition includes two distinct versions regarding medical cannabis regulations. Version A introduces new potency limits, capping THC content at 30% for flower and 60% for concentrates, along with implementing metered dosage requirements. Alternatively, Version B retains the medical cannabis program without imposing new limitations on potency.
Additionally, the proposal changes the status of cannabis possession. It decriminalizes possession of up to 1 ounce of cannabis and 5 grams of concentrates for adults aged 21 and older, allowing them to gift these amounts. However, possession between 1 ounce and 2 ounces would incur a civil penalty of $100 and could result in forfeiture, with specific consequences for individuals under 21, including enrollment in a drug awareness program and community service obligations.
Notably, the initiative includes protections for those possessing less than 2 ounces of cannabis. It ensures that such possession would not adversely affect access to public aid, financial assistance, motor vehicle operations, or eligibility for fostering or adopting children. Should the proposal be approved, the new law would come into effect on January 1, 2028.
Controversies and Public Opinion
The initiative arises during a period of scrutiny regarding the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, which has faced various criticisms relating to mismanagement and regulatory violations. Despite this movement to repeal cannabis legalization, a recent poll indicates that 65% of Massachusetts residents favor maintaining the current framework of marijuana legalization.
Moreover, the cannabis market in Massachusetts hit a record high with $1.64 billion in sales in the previous year, reflecting the growing acceptance and demand for cannabis products among the populace. Current regulations allow adults aged 21 years and older to purchase and cultivate marijuana, with possession limits set at 10 ounces in private residences and 1 ounce in public spaces.
The future of marijuana regulation in Massachusetts hangs in the balance, as the proposed initiative seeks to reshape the landscape of cannabis use and sales in the state. As the petitioners move forward in gathering signatures, the outcome could have substantial implications for both the economics of cannabis and the rights of users and patients alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Cannabis Business Times: Massachusetts AG Approves Ballot Petition
- Boston.com: Ballot Proposal to End Recreational Marijuana
- Telegram: Could Legal Cannabis Be Rolled Back in Massachusetts?
- Forbes: Proposed Massachusetts Ballot Measure to Recriminalize Weed Sales
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medical Marijuana Debate
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
