Massachusetts Voters Could End Legal Marijuana in 2026

Massachusetts voters could decide to snuff out the state’s recreational marijuana laws if proposed initiatives are cleared for the 2026 statewide ballot.

How Massachusetts Legalized Marijuana in 2016

Recreational cannabis became legal in Massachusetts when the Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker on July 28, 2017, after being approved by voters in a referendum in November 2016.

Licensed recreational sales of marijuana did not begin in Massachusetts until 2018.

READ MORE: 40+ Ballot Questions Could Shape 2026 Massachusetts Election

Forty-seven ballot initiative petitions proposing new laws or constitutional changes have been approved for possible inclusion on next year’s statewide ballot. Boston.com reports, “Two petitions aim to repeal or modify parts of the state’s laws on recreational marijuana.”

What the 2026 Ballot Proposals Would Do

"If passed, the two ballot measures – both dubbed 'An Act to Restore a Sensible Marijuana Policy' – would repeal Chapters 94G and 64N of the General Laws, which regulate the possession, use, distribution, cultivation, and taxation of recreational (not medical) marijuana,” according to Boston.com.

Mass.gov details what the proposed ballot initiatives 25-09 Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to Regulating Marijuana - Version A and 25-10 Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to Regulating Marijuana - Version B would accomplish.

Get our free mobile app

Visit-Massachusetts.com says, "Massachusetts allows purchase and use of recreational cannabis/marijuana by people over age 21.” While you don’t have to be a Massachusetts resident to make a purchase, you must have a government-issued ID.

Signature Collection and Legislative Approval Process

If approved for the ballot by Massachusetts AG Andrea Campbell, petition sponsors would need to collect more than 74,000 certifiable signatures for each petition to advance to the next stage, which requires legislative approval.

If the Massachusetts Legislature does not approve the ballot initiatives, an additional 12,000 certifiable signatures must be collected.