Massachusetts Governor's Race: Andrea James Weighs In on Cannabis Legalization and Question 8

As Massachusetts prepares for its November 3, 2026, gubernatorial election, voters face a decision that could reshape the state's marijuana industry. Nearly a decade after recreational cannabis was legalized, a new ballot measure threatens to end regulated adult-use sales. Independent gubernatorial candidate Andrea James, responding to our cannabis policy questionnaire, says she opposes reversing legalization and believes the state should focus on improving its existing system.

The debate centers on Question 8, a proposed law that would eliminate recreational marijuana retail sales while preserving medical cannabis access and limited adult possession. A Yes vote would approve the repeal, while a No vote would maintain current laws. If approved, the changes would take effect January 1, 2028.

James: Improve Regulation, Not Repeal Legalization

James supports maintaining Massachusetts' regulated adult-use market, arguing that existing problems should be addressed through stronger oversight rather than eliminating legal sales.

"I support a legal, regulated adult-use cannabis market and a NO vote on Question 8," she stated.

Her proposed reforms include improving transparency at the Cannabis Control Commission, establishing predictable licensing timelines, strengthening product testing, and expanding opportunities for smaller businesses. She also supports preserving home cultivation rights and reviewing cannabis taxes and licensing costs to ensure regulations do not unnecessarily burden businesses.

The stakes are significant. Massachusetts has recorded more than $10 billion in cumulative recreational marijuana sales since the market opened in 2018. Supporters of Question 8 cite public health and safety concerns, while opponents warn that repealing retail legalization could disrupt businesses and reduce tax revenue.

Medical Cannabis: Lower Costs and Easier Access

James also emphasized the importance of maintaining a separate, patient-centered medical marijuana program, regardless of the recreational market's future.

She supports preserving the medical program's tax exemption, expanding delivery access, and making certification and renewal requirements easier for patients to navigate. Her proposals include affordable medical evaluations, appropriate use of telehealth, multilingual assistance, and fewer administrative barriers.

On patient protections, James believes lawful medical cannabis use should not automatically jeopardize employment, housing, healthcare, or parental rights. She supports reasonable workplace accommodations while maintaining restrictions against impairment and unsafe conduct.

Criminal Justice Reform and Economic Opportunities

Drawing on her experience as a former criminal defense attorney, James supports automatic, no-cost expungement for eligible marijuana convictions involving conduct that is now legal.

She also favors reviewing disproportionately harsh cannabis sentences and helping individuals clear records that may affect employment, housing, or education.

On economic development, James wants Massachusetts' existing social equity programs to produce measurable results. She supports grants, affordable financing, technical assistance, and protections that allow small businesses and applicants from communities affected by prohibition to maintain genuine ownership.

Her position is that social equity should be measured by businesses that successfully open and survive, rather than licensing approvals alone.

Public Safety and Cannabis Regulation

Despite supporting legalization, James acknowledged concerns involving youth access, impaired driving, and high-potency cannabis products.

She favors stricter age verification, child-resistant packaging, accurate potency labeling, independent product testing, and public education about responsible consumption.

On impaired driving, she emphasized distinguishing evidence of actual impairment from evidence of previous marijuana consumption. She also supports prevention and treatment programs rather than relying solely on criminal penalties.

What Comes Next for Massachusetts

The November election will determine both the state's next governor and whether Massachusetts retains its recreational cannabis retail market.

James's questionnaire responses outline an approach centered on maintaining legalization while improving medical access, regulatory accountability, criminal justice protections, and economic opportunities.

However, many of her proposals would require legislative cooperation and additional regulatory changes.

For Massachusetts voters, the immediate decision is whether the legal recreational marketplace should continue operating. The broader question for the next administration will be how to balance consumer safety, patient access, and the economic and social consequences of marijuana policy.