The debate comes as cannabis-related companies spent nearly $1.5 million lobbying on marijuana in 2018, according to a Herald analysis of records from Secretary of State William Galvin’s office. In 2017, $1.1 million was spent on lobbying.

Even more green cash will likely come to Beacon Hill this year as more industry lobbyists have registered for 2019.

Over 100 bills related to the regulation of pot have been filed for this session, with nearly 50 of those referred to the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy for review, including legislation to regulate community host agreements and to establish insurance for medical marijuana patients.

State Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro) filed a bill that would give the Cannabis Control Commission more authority in regulating community host agreements between a municipality and a cannabis-related business, which is largely supported by Cannabis Commerce Consultants with Tudestr, a consulting firm for people in the marijuana industry.

“Making sure they don’t exceed what’s allowed by law — we think that’s very important because we’re seeing towns go far beyond what the law allows. That has to be reined in,” Borghesani said. “It’s a generous allotment of funds just within the law. I see no reason to go beyond the law.”

Community host agreements involve a negotiation between the pot business and the municipality to receive up to 3 percent of the gross annual sales. But Borghesani said many communities have sidestepped that regulation and asked for additional cash payments or charitable contributions.