Minnesota's Marijuana Czar Quits After One Day: Here's Why

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) named the first executive director of the state's new Office of Cannabis Management on Thursday. However, after allegations of selling illegal cannabis products through her company, Erin DuPree resigned the next day.

"I have become a distraction that would stand in the way of the important work that needs to be done," DuPree wrote in a letter to local media outlets on Friday.

What Happened

The Star Tribune reported that DuPree had advertised certain products on the Loonacy Cannabis Co. website that were later flagged and removed due to their non-compliance with state regulations. DuPree founded Loonacy in Apple Valley in July 2022.

DuPree said she took swift action to remove the products from the inventory.

"I have never knowingly sold any non-compliant product, and when I became aware of them, I removed the products from inventory," she said. "Conducting lawful business has been an objective of my business career."

Upon appointing DuPree to oversee Minnesota's legal cannabis market Gov. Walz said she "is a proven and effective leader who will be successful in standing up Minnesota's new adult-use cannabis market and helping Minnesotans succeed in the industry."

Minnesota became the 23rd state nationwide to legalize recreational marijuana and launched its program on August 1.

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