This one is hardly surprising, since any thinking person in the state likely opposes Question 8 to close dispensaries, but on the other hand it is somewhat interesting. After all, it’s somewhat odd for officials to stick their neck out for or against a ballot measure. After all, why potentially give people a reason to hate you when you can just sit on the sidelines?
Of course, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu isn’t up for reelection this November. And she doesn’t really have to worry about a competitive race next time she does either.
Considered from a different perspective, though, having Wu on your side isn’t necessarily a bonus. She’s one of the most reviled pols in the state among suburbanites, libertarian-types, and country music fans, many of whom may support cannabis despite lacking compassion in other realms.
It’s doubtful that the mayor’s backing will turn dummies off enough to hate on 8, but the endorsement still doesn’t make too much sense. Either way, you can see what the campaign has to say about it in the media release below.-TJM Editor Chris Faraone
Today, the No on 8: Stop the Repeal Campaign announced the endorsement of Mayor Michelle Wu who joins elected officials, regional leaders, public health officials, law enforcement, small business owners and advocates fighting to protect the Commonwealth’s legal cannabis law.
“A decade ago, I was proud to be among the few elected officials who supported the ballot question to legalize cannabis and end decades of criminalization and its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Since then, legalization has created new businesses and jobs and generated state and local revenue to support substance use recovery and public health programs. I am voting No on 8 to protect that progress, not turn back the clock.”
In the decade since voters made a clear choice to replace restrictive policies with a safe, regulated cannabis market, Massachusetts has built a system that prioritizes public health, consumer safety, responsible regulation and equitable opportunities.
“Massachusetts not only has a legal adult-use cannabis system in place that prioritizes public health and consumer safety, but also allocates millions in cannabis tax revenue towards supporting entrepreneurs who were directly impacted by the War on Drugs,” said Stop the Repeal Chairperson Ryan Dominguez. “We are grateful to have the support of Mayor Michelle Wu in defeating this damaging ballot question, helping to support local Boston businesses, jobs, and public health and safety programs.”
Boston has one of the most robust Cannabis Equity Programs in the nation, which helps to support individuals and communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs in achieving success within Boston’s cannabis industry. The Boston Cannabis Equity Program prioritizes equity by designating qualified licensees as Certified Boston Equity Applicants, providing access to financial and technical assistance, leveling the playing field in the licensing process, and focusing on people of Black and African American, Hispanic and Latino, Indigenous, and Asian descent.
In Boston, there are more than 40 adult-use retailers, including 18 that are Social Equity Participants, eight Economic Empowerment participants and four that hold Diverse Business Enterprise statuses.
The Massachusetts Division of Local Services has reported more than $9.7 million in local cannabis tax revenue for Boston from Fiscal Year 2022 through FY25. The city estimates another $3.6 million for FY26.
The campaign’s growing coalition includes Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, labor organizations, cannabis industry leaders, small business owners, community advocates, and voters who believe Massachusetts should preserve the legal, regulated cannabis industry rather than repeal it.
You can learn more about efforts to keep regulated recreational marijuana legal in Massachusetts here.
