A new statewide poll finds that more than seven in 10 Massachusetts voters oppose a November ballot measure that would repeal the state’s recreational marijuana sales law, with just 21.4% supporting the proposal.
The Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll, released Tuesday, October 20, surveyed 500 likely voters ahead of the November 3 election. When asked about Question 8, which would prohibit the regulated retail sale of recreational marijuana, 71.4% said they would vote no, compared to 21.4% who would vote yes. Another 5.8% were undecided, while 1.4% declined to answer.
The results show opposition to the proposal across multiple demographic groups. Among Democrats surveyed, 80% opposed Question 8, as did 73% of independent and unenrolled voters. Republicans were more evenly divided, with 46% supporting the measure and 44% opposing it.
The survey also examined marijuana purchasing habits, finding that 60.6% of respondents said they never purchase marijuana from a dispensary. Another 13.4% said they rarely make purchases, 10% said occasionally, 8% said at least once a month, 3.4% said at least once a week and 0.6% said daily.
Question 8 would repeal the laws governing recreational marijuana sales that Massachusetts voters approved in 2016. If enacted, it would eliminate the state’s regulated adult-use retail market while preserving medical marijuana sales. Adults 21 and older would still be allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, including no more than five grams of concentrate, but possession of more than one ounce and up to two ounces would carry a $100 civil penalty.
The proposal would also allow existing recreational marijuana businesses to apply for expedited medical marijuana licensing. According to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s official ballot summary, the changes would take effect January 1, 2028.
Supporters of Question 8 cite public health and safety concerns associated with commercial marijuana sales, while opponents argue that eliminating regulated retailers would shift purchases toward the unlicensed market. State officials estimate that recreational marijuana taxes generated approximately $280 million in state revenue and $50 million in local revenue during fiscal year 2025.
The Suffolk University poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points for the full sample. Massachusetts voters will decide Question 8 on November 3, exactly two weeks after the poll’s release.
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