I am confident OCM, the Minnesota Cannabis Industry and myself will continue to place public safety and health as well as consumer trust and market integrity at the forefront of their priorities.
By Michelle Griffith, Minnesota Reformer
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday that Eric Taubel, who will be the executive director of Office of Cannabis Management, was appointed by Tim Walz. Since August, he has been in this role as an interim.
Taubel oversees a slow roll-out of the cannabis market after 2023, when the Legislature approved adult use cannabis. As of August 6, the Office of Cannabis Management was issuing licenses for marijuana businesses. Nearly 1,100 preliminary approvals had been made. These microbusinesses are allowed to sell and grow marijuana.
Red Lake Tribal nation and White Earth tribes, among others, quickly began their own marijuana operations in order to cater to the newly legal market.
The Star Tribune reports that Minnesota’s dispensaries are only allowed to sell marijuana grown in the state. This means the supply chain is likely to take some time before it becomes fully developed. Taubel told a cannabis industry conference that “a more realized model of market” will be implemented in 2026.
Taubel served previously as general counsel of the Office of Cannabis Management and also was general counsel of the Department of Education.
Walz, in a Wednesday statement, said: “Under the experienced leadership of Mr. Walz, I’m confident that OCM, and Minnesota Cannabis Industry, will continue to prioritise public health, safety and consumer confidence, as well as market integrity.”
Taubel has replaced Charlene Britner as interim OCM Director.
Erin Dupree was Walz’s first choice for OCM Director. She resigned a day after her appointment, after it emerged that the hemp products sold in Dupree’s shop were illegal.
Minnesota Reformer published this article first.