Systematic Signature Misrepresentation by Campaign to END Adult Use Cannabis Sales in Massachusetts.

Anti-Cannabis Campaign’s Alleged Organized Systematic Signature Misrepresentation Warning Across Massachusetts

BOSTON — An urgent warning is being issued to all registered voters in Massachusetts by cannabis advocates and concerned citizens regarding alleged systematic signature misrepresentation. These concerns specifically target the Anti-Cannabis campaign’s signature-gathering efforts.

The Massachusetts Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) is pointing to the use of deceptive tactics by paid signature gatherers for the Coalition for a Healthy Massachusetts, the committee sponsoring two ballot questions. These initiatives aim to completely end the Adult Use industry, effectively rolling back cannabis laws to a medical-only system, and making personal home cultivation illegal.

This alleged fraudulent activity by the Anti-Cannabis campaign is being carried out under the banner of “An Act to Restore A Sensible Marijuana Policy.” Cannabis advocates are urging voters to be vigilant regarding the methods used by this opposition group and the true impact of the proposed law changes.

View the full text of the bill here.

Reports of Deceptive Petitioning

David O’Brien, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Cannabis Business Association, stated that public reports from online news, social media, and multiple voter accounts confirm that “for-hire, out-of-state signature crews are using deceptive tactics to trick people into signing the petitions needed for the cannabis repeal questions to appear on the ballot.”

• Voters in cities like Wilmington reported being falsely informed that the questions would prevent young people from being arrested for marijuana possession, a claim that is not contained in the proposed ballot language.
• O’Brien continued, “These out of state crews go from state to state collecting signatures and clearly they’re having trouble here in Massachusetts finding people who want to repeal our highly effective cannabis laws and kill our successful cannabis industry. This is systematic signature misrepresentation that people should report to their local town hall.”

David O’Brien, Massachusetts Cannabis Business Association, (617) 784-2088, david.m.obrien.64@gmail.com

Reports of misleading and “bait and switch” tactics have been cited by voters in various communities statewide, including Burlington, Chicopee, Brockton, Longmeadow, and Westfield.

• Chris Faraone, co-founder of the Boston Center for Investigative Journalism, recently reported on alleged fraudulent signature gathering tactics employed by the group outside commercial locations in Hanover and Weymouth. TJM’s Reporting Here
• In Waltham, numerous voters claimed they were presented with fraudulent cover sheets and were told they were signing petitions for unrelated causes such as “affordable housing” and “same day voter registration.” Other alleged misrepresentations to voters included claims that the ballot question would strengthen fentanyl testing rules for marijuana or expand buffer zones between dispensaries and schools. Reddit Post Here.

Economic Impact and Current Employment: A Look at the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry

In 2016, Massachusetts voters made a landmark decision to legalize and decriminalize the possession, sale, use, and cultivation of cannabis. This established the legal, regulated market that has since become a significant component of the state’s economy. However, the continuation of this market is currently threatened by initiative petitions that are supported by Anti-Cannabis groups and aim to repeal the original law.

Since the launch of recreational cannabis sales in 2018, the industry has experienced substantial growth, resulting in significant fiscal benefits for the Commonwealth. To date, the industry has generated nearly $2 billion in total revenue through state excise and local option taxes. This substantial tax revenue provides crucial, earmarked funding that supports a variety of vital public programs, including those dedicated to public health initiatives, educational resources, and law and public safety efforts across the state.

Beyond generating tax dollars, the legal cannabis sector has rapidly become a major job creator. Recent reports indicate that the Massachusetts cannabis industry supports an estimated 27,000 full-time equivalent jobs as of early 2024. Furthermore, the number of registered agents working within the adult-use and medical-use sectors—which includes cultivators, processors, and dispensary staff—totals over 20,000 individuals. This employment surge has provided stable career opportunities and contributed to the state’s overall economic health.

Source Here

Voter Vigilance and Next Steps

Meg Sanders, CEO of Canna Provisions, an employee-owned dispensary with locations in Lee and Holyoke, offered this advice: “Voters going to the polls on Election Day next Tuesday, Nov. 4, should expect signature gatherers to be at polling places throughout the state. Know what you are signing! Take your time and read the petition language. If it doesn’t say what the collector claims, don’t sign it.”

Individuals who believe they were fraudulently led to sign Petitions 1D or 1E are advised to contact their Town Clerk immediately and request that their signature not be certified.

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