Minnesota's New 'Marijuana Czar' Resigns Amid Background Questions

Erin DuPree, the newly appointed director of Minnesota's marijuana regulatory agency, resigned just one day after her appointment following an investigation that revealed she ran a business selling products that exceeded state limits on THC potency, owed money to former associates, and had accumulated tens of thousands of dollars in tax liens. The investigation raised questions about the thoroughness of the governor's administration's background check. DuPree's business, Loonacy Cannabis Co., advertised products with THC content above the legal limit and vape products containing THC, which were prohibited. Videos posted by DuPree on social media showed her advertising noncompliant products. The governor's office praised DuPree's compliance with state laws and regulations in a statement, but her past irregularities, including court judgments for unpaid wages and unpaid taxes, raised concerns about her trustworthiness and suitability for the position.