Massachusetts weed repeal is getting crushed in the polls two weeks out
A new Suffolk/Boston Globe poll has Question 8 losing 71% to 21%. Healey, Warren, Markey and Wu are all voting no, while SAM money funds the yes side.
The repeal crowd has a math problem. A Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll of 500 likely voters, released October 20, has Question 8 failing 71.4% to 21.4%, with under 6% undecided. Democrats oppose it 80%, unenrolled voters 73%. Republicans are the only group close to a split, at 46% yes and 44% no. A MassINC survey in September landed in the same place, 61% no to 27% yes, and a UNH poll put opposition at 71%.
A yes vote would repeal the voter-approved 2016 system: no more licensed adult-use stores and no more home grow. Medical sales would continue, adults could still possess up to an ounce, and existing rec businesses could apply for fast-track medical licenses. It would take effect January 1, 2028.
The Democratic bench is lined up against it. Gov. Maura Healey, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu have all said they're voting no. On the money side, the yes campaign has raised over $3 million, almost all of it from Smart Approaches to Marijuana's fundraising arm, which doesn't disclose its donors. The main no committee has raised more than $2 million, largely from cannabis companies.
Why it matters: A yes win would make Massachusetts the first state where voters repeal an existing adult-use law. So far, the polling says that isn't happening.
