A new poll has emerged. It details voter regret in Massachusetts. Many residents now wish they hadn’t signed a petition. This petition aimed to repeal recreational cannabis legalization. The poll was released January 23, 2026.
This news follows a key ruling. A state commission dismissed an objection to the petition. That dismissal occurred on January 22, 2026. The challenge questioned how signatures were gathered. Attorney Thomas Kiley filed the objection on January 2.
Voter Regret and Deception Claims
Nearly half of surveyed voters expressed regret. They signed the anti-cannabis ballot petition. The survey involved over 2,300 individuals. Many felt misled by signature collectors. Specifically, 1,163 voters stated they wouldn’t have signed. They didn’t know the petition’s true intent.
These voters believed the petition supported other causes. These included public education or housing. Some did not know it targeted cannabis. However, they might have signed it anyway. The Coalition for a Healthy Massachusetts backs the petition. They deny any wrongdoing. A spokesperson stated their signature gatherers received ethical training.
Petition Status and Legal Challenge
The petition seeks to repeal recreational marijuana laws. It would end commercial sales and home cultivation. However, medical cannabis access would remain. The Secretary of State’s office certified over 78,000 signatures. This met the threshold needed for the ballot.
Thomas Kiley filed a formal challenge. He alleged fraudulent signature collection. Kiley claimed signature gatherers misled voters. They presented the petition as something else entirely. The State Ballot Law Commission reviewed the objection. It dismissed the challenge on January 22. The commission cited a lack of admissible evidence.
Background on Cannabis in Massachusetts
Massachusetts voters legalized recreational cannabis in 2016. This created a multi-billion dollar industry. The state has a long history with cannabis. It was the first to outlaw sales in 1911. However, it later decriminalized possession in 2008. Medical use was legalized in 2012.
Now, this trending news highlights a potential shift. The initiative could represent the first rollback of legalization. The cannabis industry expresses alarm. The outcome could significantly impact the state’s economy. It could also affect public health policies related to cannabis.
Campaign Funding and Future Steps
SAM Action Inc., a national group opposing legal drugs, heavily funded the effort. They contributed $1.55 million to the Massachusetts campaign. This group does not disclose its donors. Related cannabis news often covers such funding sources.
Massachusetts officials urged voters to read petitions carefully. The State Ballot Law Commission’s decision keeps the measure on track. It may appear on the November 2026 ballot. Lawmakers have until May 5 to act legislatively. If they do not, the campaign needs more signatures by July 8.
Conclusion
The debate over cannabis in Massachusetts continues. A new poll suggests significant voter dissatisfaction. This stems from alleged misleading tactics during signature collection. The legal challenge failed. Therefore, the measure moves closer to a statewide vote. Voters will ultimately decide the future of recreational cannabis. This situation remains a key point of discussion in state politics.
