Massachusetts legalized recreational weed use in 2016 and began sales in 2018. Since then, the state’s industry has thrived—in July, officials reported over $8 billion in adult-use sales. In a time where much of the country is having debates about weed, regression isn’t what weed advocates would like to see. Unfortunately, though, it may be coming to the state. Massachusetts’ attorney general has proposed two initiatives for the 2026 ballot that would recriminalize adult-use marijuana.
RELATED: Mass. ruling exposes widespread problem in cannabis
Caroline Cunningham, a political consultant who previously fought against psychedelics, is among the 17 voters spearheading “An Act to Restore A Sensible Marijuana Policy.” The ballot initiative would eliminate the commercial adult-use weed market while continuing to allow medical users to access the plant. The legislation would still allow lawful possession of up to an ounce of cannabis for all users over 21—amounts between one and two ounces would incur a $100 fine. Adults would still be able to gift up to one ounce of cannabis to each other as long as no money is exchanged.
Home-grow would also be re-banned under Cunningham’s proposals. She did not respond to a request for comment on her bill before the time of publication.
According to Marijuana Moment, “An Act to Restore A Sensible Marijuana Policy” technically has two versions, although they’re mostly identical. The only notable difference is that one of them would require the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) to ban weed flower with greater than 30 percent THC concentration, as well as concentrates with over 60 percent THC or with over five mg THC per serving. Concentrates that don’t provide measured delivered servings of five mg THC would also be banned.
If the attorney general’s office finds these initiatives constitutionally viable, they will be certified and will move to the signature-collecting phase. They will need 74,574 signatures by December 3 for the chance to appear on Massachusetts voters’ ballots in November 2026. If the Legislature rejects the proposal, Cunningham will need to collect an additional 12,429 signatures for consideration.
RELATED: Massachusetts approves marijuana delivery, cannabis cafes
Massachusetts has a thriving marijuana market, and this proposed bill may put it in danger. In a time where many illegal states aren’t budging in their view of the plant, the last thing the weed world needs is for current allies to take back their support.