New England’s Largest Chamber of Commerce Joins Campaign to Stop Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization Repeal

The largest chamber of commerce in New England has joined the campaign seeking to defeat a Massachusetts ballot measure that would repeal the state’s regulated recreational marijuana market.

The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, which represents roughly 2,100 businesses across 40 cities and towns through its network, has endorsed the No on 8: Stop the Repeal campaign ahead of the November 3 election.

The chamber describes itself as the largest chamber of commerce in New England and regularly advocates on public policy affecting businesses throughout the region.

“Legal adult-use cannabis businesses across Massachusetts have worked hard to become part of their communities, supporting neighborhood events, providing jobs and bringing countless economic benefits to each region,” said Stop the Repeal Chairperson Ryan Dominguez. “We are grateful to have the support of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce in helping us to defeat this damaging ballot question which would hurt local jobs, economic opportunities and the vast public policy gains created since Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly approved legal marijuana in 2016.”

Question 8 would repeal Massachusetts laws legalizing, regulating and taxing recreational marijuana sales. Under the proposal, licensed recreational marijuana businesses could apply on an expedited basis to become medical marijuana dispensaries, while the Cannabis Control Commission would remain in place but regulate only the medical market.

Adults 21 and older would still be allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana under the measure, but the state’s licensed recreational retail system would be eliminated. The proposal would take effect January 1, 2028.

“Continuing our state’s path of allowing a highly regulated, safe, and secure way through which Bay Staters can access recreational marijuana ensures responsible patronage, while respecting the rights and safety of both user and community. Removing that right will force those who choose to use marijuana to find their sources through unsafe and unverified sources,” said Worcester Chamber President and CEO Timothy Murray. “Massachusetts should continue looking for ways to make its legal cannabis market work better while supporting this industry, which has expanded municipal tax bases and strengthened the state economy.”

The chamber pointed to marijuana tax revenue generated locally since recreational sales began. According to figures cited by the organization, Worcester has received about $8.54 million in marijuana excise revenue since legalization, including $1.89 million last year.

Municipalities throughout Worcester County have received approximately $22.59 million in marijuana excise revenue since 2019, according to the chamber.

The endorsement gives the campaign opposing repeal support from a major organization representing businesses well outside the marijuana industry.

The Worcester Regional Chamber says its membership spans companies of all industries and sizes. Its network includes seven affiliate chambers and serves communities throughout Central Massachusetts and beyond.

The No on 8 campaign argues that eliminating recreational marijuana sales would threaten jobs, local tax revenue and the regulated system established after Massachusetts voters approved legalization in 2016.

Massachusetts election officials have formally designated the initiative as Question 8, titled “Prohibit Retail Sale of Adult Recreational Use Marijuana.”

A “yes” vote would eliminate the state’s legal recreational marijuana retail market and change possession rules, while a “no” vote would leave existing marijuana law in place.