The trouble started back in September 2023 when Walz announced Erin DuPree as the first OCM director, only for her to resign a day later due to allegations that her hemp shop had allegedly sold illegal products. (Full disclosure: I was a runner-up to head the cannabis office. And in case you’re wondering, no, I’m not planning to reapply for the position.) With DuPree stepping aside, the entire application process and plans to bring local leaders into government leadership were abandoned along with her. Instead, longtime state official Charlene Briner, who had served as a deputy commissioner at both the Department of Education and Department of Human Services, took the reins on a contract basis. Then, in January 2024, Walz made her appointment as interim director official, while simultaneously launching another search for a permanent leader.
Amid churn at the state’s Office of Cannabis Management and dropped promises, the governor’s commitment and decisionmaking come under scrutiny. Read More