Charlene Briner, the interim director contracted until Feb. 15, expressed confidence in the planned successful launch. She is confident that the significant behind-the-scenes efforts will help ensure smooth sailing.
With plans to fill a quarter of the 120 positions at the Office of Cannabis Management by spring, Briner aims to maintain the momentum.
Many have expressed concern due to the upheaval and scandals that have impacted the process. Erin Dupree, initially appointed as the OCM’s director in September, resigned shortly afterward due to concerns about her background, including allegations related to the sale of illegal hemp-derived products.
Despite the challenges, Briner continues to plan on the acceptance of adult-use business license applications in the fourth quarter of 2024. Without a doubt, this is a crucial step in Minnesota’s evolving regulatory landscape for recreational marijuana and oversight of hemp-derived products under the OCM’s jurisdiction.
In the meantime, Indian reservations are actively selling adult use & the state’s medical marijuana dispensaries are actively servicing Minnesota’s marijuana card holders.