Minnesota’s First Cannabis Regulation Director Resigns Amidst Illegal Product Allegations
Minneapolis, MN – Erin DuPree, the woman appointed to lead the regulation of cannabis in Minnesota, has announced her resignation after allegations surfaced that her cannabis store, Loonacy, sold illegal products. This development comes just one day after Governor Tim Walz appointed DuPree as the first director of the Office of Cannabis Management in Minnesota.
Reports indicate that Loonacy allegedly sold products with higher concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than legally allowed, as well as products containing ingredients restricted by state law. In response, DuPree released a statement claiming that she had unknowingly sold noncompliant products and promptly removed them from inventory upon realizing the issue.
DuPree, who prided herself on conducting lawful business throughout her career, expressed her decision to step down in order to avoid becoming a distraction hindering the important work that needs to be done. The news of her resignation comes as a disappointment to Walz, who had praised her history as a small business owner and entrepreneur during his announcement of her appointment.
Walz remains focused on ensuring that the cannabis industry in Minnesota is built on community trust and safety. In response to DuPree’s resignation, he stated, “We have a responsibility to assure Minnesotans that this emerging market will be safe, lawful, and well-regulated. We’re making progress toward implementing this work.”
Despite the setback in leadership, Walz remains determined to continue progress in the regulation of cannabis in Minnesota. The Office of Cannabis Management now faces the task of finding a new permanent director as the state’s first non-reservation cannabis shops are scheduled to open in 2025.
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