Montpelier — Organizations have spent nearly $8 million to try to influence policy throughout this legislative biennium, according to reports filed with the Secretary of State’s office. That includes more than $7.66 million in compensation, $155,199 in gifts and $152,244 in other expenditures.

Four top Montpelier lobbying firms received $4.9 million, or 63 percent of all lobbyist compensation during that two-year period.

Those firms were MMR, with slightly more than $1.45 million; KSE Partners, at just under $1.4 million; Necrason Group, with slightly over $1.33 million; and Downs Rachlin Martin, which received $796,278.

The American Beverage Association was the top spender, though activity trailed off this session after passage of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages last year.

The association has sunk more than $745,000 into Vermont politics over two years, including $524,740 on advertising and $96,999 in telemarketing.

The Marijuana Policy Project, a pro-legalization group, has spent heavily as the House and Senate grapple over whether and how marijuana should be legalized and regulated in the Green Mountain State.

The organization spent more than $60,000 on advertising this biennium, plus $76,071 on compensation for lobbyists.

The largest gifts have come from Whistle Pig Rye Whiskey, a Shoreham-based creator of spirits. The company donated $50,000 to the state’s Working Lands Fund, a project of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.

Other highlights:

The Vermont Public Interest Research Group spent $255,431 on a cadre of 25 lobbyists. The group, which is active on a range of environmental, health and consumer protection issues, spent an additional $89,542 on various expenses, including $12,218 on telemarketing.

Jay Peak Inc. spent $61,144 on lobbying.