Petition Launched to Shut Down Maine’s Recreational Cannabis Market

A small group of prohibition advocates has received state approval to launch a petition drive aimed at shutting down Maine’s recreational cannabis market and increasing oversight of the state’s medical marijuana system.

According to the Kennebec Journal, Sen. Scott Cyrway, R-Albion and a longtime D.A.R.E. training coordinator, is among eight petitioners. He said the effort is driven by concerns over illegal grow operations and contaminated products. “Maine is tired of this,” Cyrway said. “Let’s send it back to the people to decide.”

The group must gather 67,682 signatures by Feb. 2 to put the measure on the November 2026 ballot. The newspaper explained that, if approved, the citizen initiative would repeal the sections of Maine’s Cannabis Legalization Act that allow commercial growing, manufacturing and sale of recreational marijuana.

Maine’s adult-use market, approved by voters in 2016, has grown rapidly from $82 million in 2021 to $244 million in 2024, with 2025 on track for $248 million! Ending it would cost the state about $45.8 million in annual tax revenue, $1.6 million in fees, and likely eliminate 29 regulatory jobs, the KJ said.

Rep. Dave Boyer, R-Poland, who helped lead the 2016 legalization campaign, said such economic fallout makes the proposal unlikely to pass. “Cannabis is a really big part of our economy now,” Boyer said.

CentralMaine.Com reported that if the initiative succeeds, adults could still possess up to 2.5 ounces but would lose the ability to grow cannabis at home. The proposal also calls for stricter testing and tracking of medical marijuana, a requirement many in that industry have long opposed.

Petition supporters include leaders of Calvary Chapel of Greater Portland, the Maine Christian Civic League, Cyrway, and several Albion dairy farmers, who argue cannabis use has become too widespread and harmful in Maine communities.