Marijuana-related companies in California spent a sizable $455,000 on lobbying efforts in Sacramento in just the second quarter of 2018, a telltale sign of how the regulatory situation is still being shaped.
According to an analysis of state records by The Recorder, most of that nearly half-million dollars was focused on influencing cannabis delivery regulations and the first draft of permanent industry rules, which were released July 13.
The company that spent the most on lobbying was Irvine-based Weedmaps, an online advertiser for cannabis businesses. That company threw down $75,000 on lobbying and donated an additional $157,850 to various political campaigns.
Not far behind was another ancillary firm, Eaze Solutions, which runs a website and smartphone app that facilitates marijuana deliveries. Eaze spent $66,000 in the second quarter on lobbying, The Recorder reported.
Other lobbying expenditures of note included the California Cannabis Manufacturers Association, which spent nearly $70,000 in the second quarter, and Bay Area MJ retailer Harborside, which spent $47,500.
