2026-07-28
There is a ballot question in Massachusetts this November that could close every adult-use cannabis store in the state within a year. It is funded largely by out-of-state money, and the panel argues most voters have no idea what it really does. Question 8 would repeal adult use while keeping medical, and because of how the market was built, that would wipe out most operators, tens of thousands of jobs, and billions in tax revenue that currently flows to schools, substance-abuse programs, and city budgets.Jason Reposa sits down with three people fighting it: Ryan Dominguez of the Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, Tito Jackson of Apex Noir Cannabis and former Boston City Councilor, and Caroline Pineau, owner of Stem in Haverhill. They break down how the initiative was written, how signature gatherers collected names, and why "keeping medical" is a trap for an industry built on vertical integration. They also get into who loses access first, what the fight looks like on the ground, and where the polling stands heading into November.21+ where legal. This episode is for information only and is not legal, medical, or voting advice. If you build, work, or shop in Massachusetts cannabis, this is the conversation to hear before you vote. Listen now and share it with someone who does not know Question 8 is on the ballot.