Lobbyists spent a record $1.9 million in 2019 to campaign on marijuana legalization—half a million dollars more than 2018, according to the report.
Those efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and the question has since been bounced to voters for the presidential election this November.
“Given the big numbers from other states and the fact that the creation of a lucrative new industry hangs in the balance, it isn’t inconceivable that the fall ballot contest could cost upwards of $10 million,” Brindle said.
Acreage Holdings, the cannabis giant looking to buy out Compassionate Care Foundation, an Egg Harbor Township dispensary, spent $245,000 last year. Mainline Investment Partners, the Philadelphia-area investment firm that has financed the permitting and start-up for dispensaries across the country, spent $120,000.
The San Francisco area cannabis delivery company Eaze Solutions Inc. spent $99,225 in 2019, while medicinal marijuana company Holistic Industries spent $96,276.