Question 8: should Massachusetts end recreational marijuana sales?

Question 8 would end licensed retail sales of recreational marijuana and the taxes on them, starting Jan. 1, 2028. Medical marijuana and small amounts of personal possession would stay legal. Voters allowed recreational sales in 2016.

A Yes vote makes that change. A No vote keeps sales as they are.

Supporters say the rollout went too far, too fast, and point to stronger products. Opponents say it would shut small businesses and return sales to the illicit market.

As of Oct. 26, the Yes side had reported about $3.8 million and the No side about $3 million, according to the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

Read the full Question 8 explainer, with what each vote does, the background, the data and every source. The Cape Ann Current takes no position on any ballot question.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Early voting runs through Thursday, Oct. 29, in Essex and through Friday, Oct. 30, in Gloucester, Rockport and Manchester; see the last week of early voting for hours. All nine questions and the candidates are in our Election 2026 guide.