Massachusetts Cannabis Business Association Urges Voters to Withdraw Signatures

OG article by Tony Lange November 25, 2025

The Massachusetts Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) issued a fervent plea to voters who signed petitions for a 2026 ballot initiative to repeal the state's recreational cannabis program, urging them to withdraw signatures amid allegations of deceptive tactics by circulators. MCBA President David O’Brien labeled the Coalition for a Healthy Massachusetts's effort "voter fraud," claiming paid gatherers misled signers by implying the measure protected children or regulated rather than fully repealing adult-use sales, home cultivation, and licensed stores. The initiative, "An Act to Restore a Sensible Marijuana Policy," cleared the Attorney General's review in September and submitted over 74,000 signatures by November's deadline, but faces verification hurdles. O’Brien stated, "This is not about policy debate; it's about integrity in our democracy," highlighting the industry's $10 billion in sales since 2018, $1.5 billion in taxes, and 40,000 jobs at stake. Public polling shows 79% believe legalization benefits the state, with 65% supporting the 2016 vote versus 22% opposing, and the regulatory system rated "Excellent" or "Good" by 59%. MCBA encourages contacting local election offices to retract, noting a one-week window post-submission. Coalition spokesperson Wendy Wakeman denied misconduct, asserting trained gatherers and volunteer efforts, while dismissing fraud claims as desperate. Repeal would preserve decriminalization for small amounts but dismantle the regulated market, potentially boosting illicit trade. This clash intensifies as signatures undergo scrutiny, with MCBA mobilizing allies and running ads to educate on economic contributions and safety gains from legalization.