Minnesota Appoints Head of Office of Cannabis Management

Minnesota’s newly appointed head of its Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), Erin DuPree, estimates that it will take about two or three years before the state launches adult-use sales, FOX 9 reports. DuPree was named to the post on Thursday but will officially begin her duties on October 2.  

“We don’t have to reinvent the wheel here. We’re lucky as the 23rd state to legalize, we can look back on the other 22 states and see what’s been good and what’s not been good and use that to help make policy here.” — DuPree via FOX 9 

DuPree is the founder, vice president of sales and operations, and head of research and development at Loonacy Cannabis Co. but indicated that she plans to divest herself from the business prior to her October start date at OCM.

In a press release announcing DuPree’s appointment, Gov. Tim Walz (D) noted DuPree has “direct experience in Minnesota’s hemp and cannabis industry and over 20 years of success in launching, managing, and growing businesses and organizations.”

“DuPree is a proven and effective leader,” Walz said in the statement, “who will be successful in standing up Minnesota’s new adult-use cannabis market and helping Minnesotans succeed in the industry.”

The agency last week posted nine new positions and will need about 150 employees total.

“It is an honor to join the Walz-Flanagan administration as the first director of the new Office of Cannabis Management,” DuPree said in a statement. “I look forward to working closely with all of the legislators, stakeholders, and advocates who worked so hard to pass this new law and am committed to the work of ensuring Minnesota’s new adult-use cannabis industry will grow and thrive for years to come.”