Erin DuPree appointed as Minnesota's first cannabis director

Erin DuPree, founder of a hemp-derived cannabis business, has been appointed as the director of Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management. Governor Tim Walz chose someone from the industry rather than someone with government experience. DuPree, an entrepreneur and small business owner, will oversee the implementation of Minnesota's adult-use cannabis market. She plans to sell her company and begin work next month. The new agency will have 150 employees and is expected to generate over $1 billion in sales. DuPree aims to have rules and regulations prepared for retail sales by spring 2025.