Gov. Tim Walz Names Former Minneapolis City Attorney To Lead Minnesota's Cannabis Expungement Board

Gov. Tim Walz tapped James Rowader as the executive director of the new Cannabis Expungement Board.

Rowader, former Minneapolis City Attorney and director of people and culture for Minnesota’s ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), will assume the new position on March 25, reported CBS News.

Walz said he was proud to name Rowader to the position. “The board will play a critical role in addressing and reducing disparities in our criminal justice system," Walz continued. "Rowader has demonstrated leadership and legal talent across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and I'm confident in his ability to lead this work.”

Meanwhile, the Walz administration still has not found a full-time cannabis management director, following the resignation of Erin DuPree after allegations of selling cannabis products through her company.

Once appointed, the new head of the cannabis regulatory body will establish the new agency and then set up and regulate the recreational cannabis market statewide.

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 in the process of soliciting public input on regulations for the burgeoning marijuana industry.

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