Massachusetts Attorney General Proposes Adult-Use Marijuana Rollbacks for 2026 Ballot
In a significant development for cannabis policy in Massachusetts, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s office has unveiled 47 proposed ballot initiatives for the 2026 election, including two controversial measures aimed at rolling back adult-use marijuana legalization. These proposals, spearheaded by Caroline Cunningham, seek to eliminate the commercial adult-use market while preserving access for medical cannabis patients and allowing individuals to possess up to one ounce of recreational marijuana.
Under the proposed “An Act to Restore A Sensible Marijuana Policy,” adults aged 21 and older could still possess one ounce of cannabis, although only five grams may be in concentrate form. Possession of more than one ounce would be decriminalized with a $100 fine for violators. The initiative would also revoke the state’s voter-approved marijuana law provisions that permit commercial cannabis sales and the cultivation of cannabis at home.
Notably, there are two similar versions of the initiative, with one imposing THC potency limits for medical marijuana, requiring regulators to cap flower THC levels at 30%, and concentrates at 60%. It would also mandate clear packaging and serving sizes.
The Attorney General’s office will now assess these initiatives to ensure they meet legal requirements for ballot placement. Should they gain certification, proponents must collect 74,574 valid signatures from registered voters by December 3 to advance to the ballot.
Massachusetts legalized adult-use marijuana in 2016, witnessing over $8 billion in sales since. As the market continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether these proposed rollbacks will gain traction among lawmakers and voters.
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