Massachusetts Ballot Initiative 8 Could Dismantle Cannabis Industry

Massachusetts voters are scheduled to vote on Ballot Initiative 8 this November, which would criminalize the retail sale of recreational marijuana. The initiative would also repeal laws that allow adults over 21 to legally own more than one ounce of marijuana without a prescription. The Center for State Policy Analysis found that passing the initiative would dismantle a developed industry that currently generates billions of dollars in sales and revenue.

The initiative, written by Smart Approaches to Marijuana, seeks to end the commercialization of recreational marijuana use in the state. Analysts predict that while the law repeal might reduce overall marijuana use, the initiative could lead to increased black market activity as people seek access to the substance.