Cannabis on the Ballot: Your 2026 Election Guide
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Millions of Americans will head to the polls to choose members of Congress, state and local representatives, and vote on ballot measures that will shape their communities for years.
For several election cycles now, voters have helped decide the future of cannabis, from legalization to taxes. This year is no different. Measures at both the state and local level could reshape the industry, and this guide breaks down where cannabis is on the ballot and what a “yes” or “no” vote means for each one.
However you plan to vote, make sure you’re ready. Check your voter registration and find your polling location before November 3. Deadlines vary by state, and some are coming up fast.
State Level Measures
Idaho
Grant Legislature Exclusive Authority and Prohibit Citizen-Initiated Measures on Marijuana, Narcotics, and Psychoactive Substances Amendment (HJR 4)
This constitutional amendment would make the state legislature the only body that can legalize marijuana, narcotics, or other psychoactive substances in Idaho. Voters could no longer use ballot initiatives to legalize them. Cannabis is currently illegal in Idaho for both medical and adult use.
A yes vote amends the constitution so only the legislature can legalize these substances.
A no vote keeps the constitution as is, so citizens can still put legalization measures on the ballot.
Massachusetts
An Act to Restore a Sensible Marijuana Policy (Question 8)
This statewide measure would end adult-use cannabis sales and home growing in Massachusetts. Medical cannabis would not change.
A yes vote shuts down the state’s legal adult-use market, starting January 1, 2028. Licensed recreational businesses could apply for fast-tracked approval to become medical dispensaries or sell their inventory to medical operators. Adults 21+ could still have up to one ounce without penalty. Having between one and two ounces would bring a $100 civil fine, and the cannabis would be taken.
A no vote keeps the adult-use market as is.
Local and Municipality Measures
California
Arroyo Grande
Local Cannabis Business Tax (Measure C-26)
If it passes, the City Council could tax cannabis businesses in the city up to 10% of their total sales. Arroyo Grande is one of the last cities in San Luis Obispo County that still bans commercial cannabis. The tax wouldn’t allow dispensaries to open, but it could be a first step toward letting them in.
A yes vote lets the city tax cannabis businesses, including deliveries from stores outside the city. The tax is expected to bring in about $500,000 a year for roads, public safety, and recreation, as the city faces a $2.8 million budget gap.
A no vote means there would be no cannabis tax.
Baldwin Park
Good Government Cannabis Reform Measure (Measure CR)
Retail cannabis businesses in the city already pay a 4% tax. This measure would put non-retail businesses, like growers, manufacturers, and distributors, at that same 4% rate.
A yes vote means non-retail operators (cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, etc.) would pay the same 4% tax as retail cannabis businesses.
A no vote keeps the taxes as is with different rates for retailers and non-retailers.
Guadalupe
Local Cannabis Business Tax (Measure G2026)
This measure would replace the fee cannabis businesses currently pay the city with a tax on their sales. Root One, one of Guadalupe’s dispensaries, pushed for the change. Under federal tax rules, cannabis businesses can’t deduct the fee, so they end up paying federal tax on money they already gave the city. A tax would be added at checkout and paid by customers instead, which takes that cost off the business.
A yes vote replaces the fee with a tax starting January 2027: up to 8% on retail sales and up to 4% on other cannabis businesses, like growers, manufacturers, and distributors.
A no vote keeps the current fee.
Colorado
Niwot
Authorization to Levy a Marijuana Special Sales Tax (Issue 3)
This measure would add a 3% special tax on retail cannabis, on top of any other local sales tax. Niwot isn’t incorporated yet, so the tax only takes effect if voters also approve a separate question to make Niwot an official municipality.
A yes vote creates a 3% tax on retail cannabis starting January 1, 2028. It’s estimated to raise $60,000 in its first full year.
A no vote means no local cannabis tax.
Illinois
Rantoul
This is a non-binding question asking voters whether the village should lift the ban on cannabis businesses. The result won’t change any laws, but it tells the village board where residents stand.
A yes vote signals support for allowing cannabis businesses to operate in Rantoul.
A no vote shows support for keeping the ban.
Michigan
Bad Axe
Bad Axe banned cannabis businesses in 2019, and city leaders have debated lifting the ban several times since without changing it. This citizen-led measure would lift the ban and allow up to two cannabis establishments (retailers, growers, processors, etc.) in the city.
A yes vote ends the 2019 ban and caps cannabis businesses at two. It takes effect 10 days after the election results are certified. Businesses would still need state licenses and would have to follow local rules.
A no vote keeps the ban.
Menominee
The city currently allows up to nine cannabis retailers. This citizen-led measure would raise that limit to 13.
A yes vote allows four more stores, for a total of 13.
A no vote keeps the limit at nine.
Niles
Proposal to Limit the Number of Marihuana Retailers in the City of Niles
This measure would raise the city’s cap on retail cannabis licenses from four to five. Microbusiness license caps would not change.
A yes vote raises the city’s retail license limit to five.
A no vote keeps the current limits.
Niles Charter Township
Niles Charter Township Marihuana Retail Establishments Ordinance
Township voters are revisiting a question they decided last year. In November 2025, about 60% voted to ban cannabis stores after the board had tentatively approved 21. Supporters are back with a much smaller request: four stores. The township has also proposed keeping any shops in retail areas and at least 1,000 feet from schools and parks.
A yes vote allows up to four recreational cannabis dispensaries to operate at any one time.
A no vote keeps the ban.
Oregon
Estacada
Prohibition on New Marijuana Production, Processing, and Wholesaling Businesses (Measure 3-638)
This measure is aimed at the supply side of the industry, rather than retail. It would stop new cannabis growers, processors, and wholesalers from opening in the city. Businesses already operating could stay open, and dispensaries wouldn’t be affected.
A yes vote bans new cannabis production, processing, or wholesale businesses from opening within the city.
A no vote lets them keep opening under current city rules.
Sutherlin
City of Sutherlin Repeals citywide ban on marijuana facilities upon update of regulations (Measure 10-217)
In 2016, Sutherlin voters banned licensed cannabis businesses from the city. This measure would lift that ban.
A yes vote ends the ban and allows state-licensed medical and recreational cannabis businesses, from growers to dispensaries, to open in the city.
A no vote keeps the ban.
City of Sutherlin Imposes 3% Local Tax on Retail Marijuana Sales (Measure 10-218)
This measure would add a 3% city tax on retail cannabis sales, on top of state taxes. It only takes effect if voters also pass Measure 10-217 to lift the city’s ban.
- A yes vote creates the 3% tax , but only if the ban is lifted and cannabis stores open.
- A no vote means no city tax on retail cannabis.
Warrenton
Amend City Code Chapter 3.10.030(C) to Impose 3% Marijuana Tax
This measure would cut the city’s cannabis tax from 10% to 3%, the most state law allows. The city set a 10% rate in 2014 before Oregon capped local cannabis taxes, and its code was never updated to match.
A yes vote amends the city code from a 10% tax to 3% to match state law. Medical cannabis cardholders and their caregivers stay exempt.
A no vote keeps the tax at 10% in the city code, even though the state no longer allows it.
Whatever the Results, We’ve Got You
Whether your market is opening up, tightening, or changing its tax rules, what happens on November 3 could change how your business operates. LeafLink is watching the results and what they could mean for our customers across the wholesale landscape. Whatever happens, our products are built to adapt to each state’s rules, and we’ll be here to support you through every change.
Don’t forget to check your voter registration and find your polling location. See you at the polls!
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