Arizona Ballot Initiative Seeks to End Legal Cannabis Sales by 2028

Arizona is poised for a significant shift in its cannabis landscape as a new ballot initiative aims to dismantle the state's legal cannabis market while keeping personal use intact. According to High Times, the Sensible Marijuana Policy Act for Arizona was filed with the Arizona Secretary of State on December 17, 2025. If the required 255,949 signatures are collected by July 2, 2026, the initiative will appear on the ballot, potentially taking effect on January 1, 2028

The initiative does not criminalize marijuana use but seeks to eliminate the commercial market established under the Smart and Safe Arizona Act of 2020. This act had previously legalized adult-use cannabis, leading to the growth of over 100 licensed dispensaries statewide. The proposed measure would repeal the statutes authorizing these dispensaries and instruct the Arizona Legislature to revise laws concerning advertising, taxation, and regulatory oversight to fit the new framework

Sean Noble, president of American Encore and leader of the initiative, argues that the campaign addresses concerns over youth exposure, increased THC potency, and inadequate tax revenues. In a statement to the Arizona Daily Star, Noble expressed dissatisfaction with the current market's impact, stating, 'They said we’re not going to be marketing to children. We’re not going to be making this easy. That’s not what we’re seeing.' The initiative is also supported by Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a national organization opposing cannabis legalization

The proposal has sparked debate among critics who warn that ending legal sales could push consumers back to unregulated markets, undermining the original voter-approved legalization. Morgan Fox, political director of NORML, argues that the initiative misleads voters into believing that dismantling the legal market enhances public safety. Critics contend that the move could pave the way for further restrictions under the guise of regulation and public health

Arizona's initiative reflects a broader national conversation about the commercialization of cannabis. While support for personal use and medical access remains high, there is growing scrutiny over the concentration of licenses and the influence of large operators. This reflects a tension between maintaining the spirit of voter-approved legalization and addressing concerns over the current market dynamics. The outcome of this initiative could set a precedent for how states balance personal freedoms with commercial interests in the cannabis sector