The state's legislative auditor is out with a report showing the administration of Governor Tim Walz failed to do a thorough background check on the governor's first choice for Director of the new Office of Cannabis Management.
Erin DuPree left the post shortly after media reports surfaced that she had sold THC products in her Apple Valley store that exceeded legal limits. DuPree claimed those reports were one-sided because she was advised not to comment.
Dupree told WCCO Radio at the time she never knowingly sold anything that was out of compliance.
In the meantime, the Walz Administration has announced it will be using a professional recruiter from the Minnesota Management and Budget office to complete the national search for a new director.
Charlene Briner, who has worked on creating the new Cannabis Management Office for the past several months, has been named interim director.
"I’m excited to have Charlene Briner leading this office while we continue our national search for a permanent director,” said Governor Walz. “For the last eight months, Charlene has worked tirelessly across state agencies to build the new Office of Cannabis Management from the ground up. I’m grateful for the work being done to not only revamp our vetting process but also expand our recruiting process. Today’s news marks months of work to modernize state government as we work to remain competitive with the private sector and bring talented executives into public service.”
Last May, Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize adult-use cannabis. The law established OCM to regulate cannabis, issue licenses, and develop regulations outlining how and when businesses can participate in the industry. The director serves as the chief executive and administrative officer of OCM and plays a key leadership role in establishing and regulating the new adult-use cannabis market in Minnesota.
Applications will be accepted through Monday, February 26, with a final candidate to be named at the conclusion of the search.