Shawn Collins of THC Group and Erik Gundersen of ERG Strategies dig into an unexpected signal heading toward 2026: active ballot initiatives in Maine and Massachusetts that would roll back adult-use cannabis.

They break down what the measures actually do, why they are emerging in mature early-adopter states, and what these campaigns reveal about the second act of legalization. The conversation explores how market maturity, regulatory friction, and public expectations collide, and why ballot initiatives often become a release valve for governance frustration. They also unpack the politics and mechanics of signature gathering, voter confusion, and the tension between what is procedurally legal and what feels legitimate to the public.

It’s an episode about trust, governance, and regulatory reality, with a clear-eyed look at the risks these efforts create even if they never pass.

🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Follow @TheHybridPod on Instagram for updates.

🔎 Topics: cannabis ballot initiatives, Maine cannabis policy, Massachusetts cannabis regulation, adult-use repeal, cannabis legalization, ballot politics, signature gathering, public trust, governance, cannabis tax revenue, regulatory risk, compliance strategy, The Hybrid podcast