For Gabriel Vieira, co-founder of Zyp Run, Boston’s first cannabis delivery service, Question 8 could mean losing more than a business. It would upend the industry that gave him the opportunity to build something in his community.
Raised in Mattapan, Vieira launched Zyp Run through the state Cannabis Control Commission’s social equity program. He now employs 50 people and serves more than 60,000 customers, working in the building he used to walk past on his way to school.
“It means a lot to be able to run an operation out of there, but even more so to do it with some people you grew up with and know that you’re making a change,” he said. “It’s cool to have it come full circle and it means everything to me because essentially Question 8 would take that away from myself and everybody else that was so excited for the launch of the adult use cannabis market.”
A decade after Massachusetts voters legalized recreational marijuana, Question 8 would repeal that decision, making recreational use illegal again and repealing laws allowing adults to grow cannabis at home. It would also reduce the amount of marijuana adults 21 and older can possess without penalty from two ounces to one ounce.
Medical marijuana would remain legal. The Cannabis Control Commission, established to regulate recreational marijuana, would instead monitor its medical use.
If passed, it would be the first time a voter-approved measure legalizing marijuana would be repealed by voters.
What supporters are saying
The Coalition for a Healthy Democracy, a group of educators, health professionals, and psychiatrists, is leading the campaign to repeal recreational marijuana.
The organization is largely funded by Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a Virginia-based non-profit that has contributed $3.7 million to the campaign.
Supporters have raised concerns about public safety, including drug-impaired driving, as well as marijuana’s impact on young people.
“There is mounting evidence that especially for young people but also for all people that marijuana-induced psychosis is increasing with the increased levels of THC and the sort of pot that’s available now,” said Wendy Wakeman, chair of the Yes on 8 Committee.
A study by Mass General Brigham, conducted after recreational marijuana was legalized, found that commercial cannabis use could disproportionately impact adolescents with psychiatric illnesses, requiring them to need more emergency care.
Research published through the National Library of Medicine has also documented an increase in marijuana potency over time. One study found that the average THC concentration in marijuana rose from 4% in 1995 to 12% in 2014.
Wakeman alleged that manufacturers have increased THC levels to drive sales and encourage continued use.
“Addiction is a great business model,” Wakeman said. “And how do you have addiction as your business model? Well, you increase the strength of your product, and that’s exactly what we’ve seen.”
What opponents are saying
The Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, a trade association that represents licensed cannabis businesses, is leading the opposition to Question 8.
Opponents argue re-criminalizing the drug would push consumers toward the illicit market, where cannabis products are not subject to the same testing and safety requirements as those sold by licensed retailers.
“In the illicit market, you’re looking at folks who are potentially growing the products, potentially lacing the products, et cetera,” said Ryan Dominguez, chair of the Stop the Repeal campaign. “There’s no actual testing program in place that’s testing for things like mold, aspergillus, things that are harmful for any human being.”
When asked about marijuana’s health effects on minors, Dominguez cited a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that found teen and child use of marijuana decreased in a regulated market.
Dominguez also argued that repealing legalization would hurt the state’s economy, costing Massachusetts billions of dollars in tax revenue and tens of thousands of jobs.
Since recreational marijuana became legal, the industry has generated $2 billion in state and local tax revenue and created 18,000 jobs.
For Vieira, the potential economic impact is concerning beyond his own business. He urged voters to consider the people employed across the industry.
“There are 20,000 people, hardworking Massachusetts residents and everyone here in Massachusetts knows what it’s like to live in an economy that’s very expensive,” he said. “These are hardworking individuals who are just like you who are employed, the only difference is it’s a cannabis business versus another industry.”
