Minnesota Medical Cannabis Director Calls It Quits And Marijuana Czar Position Still Up For Grabs

On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Health revealed that the director of the Office of Medical Cannabis is stepping down after five years.

Chris Tholkes, who was appointed as a member of the new board at the government marijuana regulatory coalition Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) in July, has accepted a position with the City of Minneapolis, reported CBS News.

"I'm grateful for the many opportunities and experiences I've had during my 14 years with MDH," Tholkes said. "I'm incredibly proud of our work and will be cheering folks on for the upcoming implementation work."

Tholkes will begin her new job on Friday.

Minnesota's Marijuana Czar Quits After One Day

The news comes some two months following Gov. Tim Walz’ (D) failed attempt to name the first executive director of the new Office of Cannabis Management. 

In September Walz named Erin DuPree to the role, saying that 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.”

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 at the time.

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, who founded Loonacy in Apple Valley in July 2022, said she took swift action to remove the products from the inventory.

Charlene Briner is serving as interim director at OCM.

Minnesota’s Cannabis Efforts

Meanwhile, Minnesota kicked off its adult-use cannabis program this past August, while continuously amending and improving its medical marijuana program.

The Office of Cannabis Management is soliciting public input on regulations for the burgeoning marijuana industry, with a focus on cultivation, processing and product manufacturing.

Last month, the Minnesota Department of Health confirmed it would add dry herb vaporization to the list of approved delivery methods in the state’s medical marijuana program.