[PRESS RELEASE] – BOSTON, Sept. 18, 2026 – The No on 8: Stop the Repeal Campaign announced the endorsement of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, adding to the growing coalition of regional leaders, public health officials, law enforcement, small business owners and advocates fighting to protect the commonwealth’s legal cannabis law.
“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,” Stop the Repeal Chairperson Ryan Dominguez said. “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.”
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.
According to the chamber, since legalization, the city of Worcester has seen a total cannabis excise revenue of $8.54 million, with $1.89 million added to the city’s budget last year alone. Since 2019, municipalities across Worcester County have received $22.59 million in cannabis excise, including $1.6 million for Leicester and $904,000 for Shrewsbury.
“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,” Worcester Chamber President and CEO Timothy Murray said. “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 Worcester Chamber of Commerce joins a broad and growing coalition of businesses, advocates, community leaders and voters committed to defeating repeal efforts, including the SEIU State Council.
You can learn more about efforts to keep regulated recreational marijuana legal in Massachusetts here.
