A new statewide poll finds Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly oppose Question 8, the November ballot measure that would repeal the state’s legal recreational marijuana retail market and eliminate home cultivation.
According to the latest University of New Hampshire Survey Center Bay State Poll, 71% of voters say they plan to vote “no” on Question 8, compared with just 24% who plan to vote “yes.” Another 5% said they don’t know or are unsure.
The 47-point margin makes Question 8 one of the most decisively opposed measures included in the poll.
Question 8 asks voters whether Massachusetts should “repeal laws that permit the sale of recreational marijuana and the personal cultivation of cannabis in homes.” A “yes” vote would enact the repeal, while a “no” vote would leave the current system in place.
The proposal would end licensed recreational marijuana sales and home cultivation while continuing to allow adults 21 and older to possess limited amounts of marijuana. Existing recreational marijuana businesses would be able to seek conversion to medical marijuana operations, with the changes taking effect January 1, 2028.
The latest numbers show opposition to the proposal has remained substantial throughout the year. An April UNH poll found 69% of likely voters opposed repealing recreational marijuana laws, compared with 22% who supported the proposal. An August UMass Amherst/WCVB poll found 55% opposed or were likely to oppose Question 8, while 33% supported or were likely to support it.
Massachusetts voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2016, with licensed retail sales beginning in 2018.
According to the state’s official 2026 voter guide, recreational marijuana taxes generated approximately $280 million in state revenue and another $50 million for local governments during fiscal year 2025.
Massachusetts voters will decide Question 8 in the November 3 general election.
