Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Faces Record Sales, Reform Bills — and Possible 2026 Repeal Vote

Published: 23 July 2025

Updated: 8 August 2025

Massachusetts’ cannabis industry continues to hit new highs — both in sales figures and in political attention. As of late June, the state had recorded over $8 billion in adult-use cannabis sales since the market launched in 2018. The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) attributes the surge to record-setting months in early 2025 and consistently strong consumer demand, especially for flower products.

Between January and early July 2025, flower accounted for more than $338 million in sales, with vape products ($168.8 million) and pre-rolls ($116.4 million) trailing behind. The momentum places Massachusetts on track to surpass 2024’s record annual sales of $1.64 billion.

But even as lawmakers consider expanding and refining the industry, a new proposal could roll it back entirely.

Legislative Reform Push

On July 22, the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held a public hearing to evaluate 12 bills that touch nearly every aspect of the cannabis ecosystem. Lawmakers are considering restrictions on advertising near schools (HB154), stricter youth protections in ad targeting (HB187), labor peace agreements (SB77), equity-focused initiatives (SB85, SB86), sustainability improvements (HB165), and operational flexibility through drive-thru sales (HB175).

Medical patients and recreational users could benefit from proposed legalizations of drive-up services and cannabis seed sales (HB150), while businesses may welcome new allowances for loyalty programs and marketing (SB81). Sustainability efforts, such as including cannabis drinks in the state’s bottle redemption program (HB3982), signal an evolving concern for environmental impact as well.

Coupled with the upcoming launch of Social Consumption lounges — where cannabis can be legally used on-site — Massachusetts appeared poised to position itself not only as a revenue leader but also as a policy innovator.

Ballot Repeal Effort Emerges

That trajectory could change dramatically. On August 7, it emerged that Massachusetts voters may face a 2026 ballot question that would end the state’s commercial marijuana industry, halting adult-use retail sales and banning home cultivation while leaving the medical program intact.

Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s office is currently reviewing 47 proposed ballot measures from 19 groups, including two nearly identical cannabis repeal initiatives from the same activist. Both proposals would keep personal possession legal for adults 21 and over (up to one ounce, with no more than five grams in concentrate form) and decriminalize possession of between one and two ounces with a $100 civil fine. Adults could still gift cannabis without compensation — but the regulated commercial market would be dismantled, and home growing for personal use prohibited.

One version of the proposal adds THC potency caps for the medical program, barring flower over 30% THC and concentrates above 60% THC or more than 5 mg THC per dose, with strict labeling and packaging limits.

The AG’s office will decide whether the proposals meet constitutional requirements for ballot placement. If certified, supporters must gather at least 74,574 valid signatures by December 3, 2025, to move forward in the 2026 ballot process.