SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A major battle is brewing over the future of recreational marijuana in Massachusetts. This November, voters will decide whether to keep the industry or shut it down.

It’s called question 8, and it’s sparking a massive debate between local business owners and health advocates. On one side, people said the industry is a “cash cow” for our towns. On the other, critics say the “human cost” is just too high.

Since 2016, recreational marijuana has been a common sight in western Mass. But a new group called the “Committee for Healthy Massachusetts” is pushing to repeal the law. They say while medical marijuana should stay, the recreational side needs to go. Payton Shubrick, the owner of 6 Bricks Dispensary in Springfield, said this move would be a disaster for the local economy, “this November, Massachusetts voters will vote on a ballot question that would repeal regulated recreational cannabis in Massachusetts and would pose an existential threat to the jobs and local revenue generated by the industry each year.”

Shubrick said the industry has brought in nearly two billion dollars for the state. But those pushing for the repeal say money isn’t everything. Wendy Wakeman, A spokesperson for the repeal effort, argues that the state hasn’t looked closely enough at how marijuana affects our safety and our kids’ mental health, “What’s the cost really? There’s a human cost associated with having cannabis as a recreational choice. A cost to public health, a cost to public safety, and those costs are as real as tax revenue.”

Wakeman also pointed out that there is currently no roadside test for police to use if they suspect a driver is high. Supporters of the cannabis industry, however, say that re-criminalizing it would only lead to more illegal sales and lost jobs.

Both sides are now amping up their campaigns as we head toward November. If you want to have your say, make sure you are registered to vote before the election on November 3rd.

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