Massachusetts Gov. Speaks Out Against Cannabis Industry Repeal Initiative

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) said last weekend that she is planning to vote no on Question 8, the ballot initiative seeking to repeal the state’s voter-approved adult-use cannabis industry.

“We’ve got to keep recreational marijuana here in Massachusetts. It’s an important industry, the cannabis industry, and I hope the voters keep cannabis.” — Healey, via WCVB Boston

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) also came out in support of the industry, saying in a statement released by the ‘No on 8’ campaign that, “Cannabis legalization and regulation is positive for small businesses, local communities, and restorative justice. And keeping marijuana legal in Massachusetts is both economic justice and racial justice policy.”

A recent poll found the idea of re-prohibiting cannabis sales to be unpopular with voters, with 71% of respondents saying that they oppose repealing the reforms.

“There’s no ‘buyer’s remorse’ among Massachusetts’ voters when it comes to legalizing cannabis and this fact will become even clearer come November,” NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said in a statement. “That’s because these policies are largely working as intended and because Massachusetts voters prefer legalization and regulation over the failed policy of marijuana prohibition.”