Minnesota School Allows Medical Marijuana For Student With Autism, Gov's Cannabis Appointment Sparks Investigation

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's (D) appointment of Erin DuPree as the cannabis director prompted the legislative auditor to embark on a preliminary inquiry.

According to Star Tribune, Judy Randall, the State Legislative Auditor, stated her intention on Monday to inquire into the appointment process with the governor's office.

Gov. Walz initially named DuPree as the first executive director of the state's new Office of Cannabis Management in late September.

DuPree resigned the next day due to allegations that she sold illegal cannabis products through her company.

"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 allegedly 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.

Walz has acknowledged his accountability for the fiasco, saying his office will review its vetting process.

According to Randall, it is still being determined how long her office's investigation might last, as there currently needs to be a fixed timeframe.

"We just have some questions about the process," Randall said. "I would classify it as a preliminary inquiry."

She stated that the official investigation into the matter hinges on her office's findings.

School Officials Permit Medical Cannabis Use For Student With Autism

Meanwhile, over the weekend, the unwavering determination of an Elk River family paid off as they successfully fought for their daughter to obtain medical cannabis at school, reported CBS News.

The parents of nine-year-old Krystal Mattis, who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and epilepsy, fought for the school to allow her to use medical marijuana throughout the school day,

Last Friday, Sabrina and Tim Mattis received an email from the school district superintendent informing them their daughter would be allowed to receive her medication at school. Initially, school officials told the parents that Krystal would have to leave the premises and take her medication elsewhere before being allowed to return.

"I felt like her advocate," Sabrina Mattis, the girl's mother, said. "Parents need to advocate for their kids to create change and I just hope to continue to do that for Krystal and other medical cannabis students in Minnesota."

Photo: Courtesy of Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash