Only weeks ahead of Minnesota accepting licensing applications to operate marijuana-based establishments, the state’s Interim Director of its Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced that she will step down.

Filling In

The person in question, Charlene Briner, who has headed the oversight agency in the absence of a permanent leader, remained in control much longer than she or anyone else anticipated. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s original pick to head the governmental entity withdrew from consideration after reports surfaced that the individual sold THC-containing hemp products that failed to meet compliance standards.

Replacing Briner will be Eric Taubel, who currently holds the position of general counsel for the agency. Taubel is set to take command on January 17, which happens to be Briner’s last day on the job.

“It has been an honor to assemble and lead the incredible team at OCM that is building something entirely new and necessary for Minnesota,” Briner said. “Turning the words on the pages of a new law into a living, breathing, high-performing office has been some of the most novel, challenging, and rewarding work of my career.”

Briner also stressed that her work was always meant to be short-term. She expressed full confidence that the existing team and whoever is chosen to replace her permanently will continue to excel in the organization’s crucial mission.

Bad Timing

Briner’s departure does not come at the most opportune moment. Her exit occurs merely days before the state is scheduled to begin accepting and reviewing applications from candidates seeking to own and operate cannabis-based businesses. Moreover, the licensing schedule follows a court challenge to a lottery system that would have enabled a certain number of businesspersons to get a jump on the proceedings ahead of the actual legal market launch.

The effort was blocked by a judge. In response, the OCM scrapped those plans and placed their attention on the general licensing period, which starts soon.

“Charlene Briner has gotten Minnesota’s emerging cannabis industry off the ground in a safe and responsible way,” the Governor said when asked to offer his comments regarding Briner’s impending departure. “It’s no easy task to build a regulatory framework around an entirely new industry from scratch, but under Charlene’s leadership, Minnesota laid the foundation for a successful marketplace for years to come.” 

The OCM Genesis

In 2023, the Minnesota State Legislature legalized recreational marijuana usage. As part of this initiative, the body of lawmakers created the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to manage the growing adult-use market, the already-existing medical cannabis program, and the low-dose, hemp-derived THC products sold in thousands of stores throughout Minnesota.

Briner’s Accomplishments

The outgoing director is credited with guiding the entity during its early developmental period when it implemented new laws and prepared for the state’s first legal sales. Initially, the legal sales market was scheduled to launch early this year. The first licenses may be issued as soon as March, though some might not be granted until this summer.

Additionally, under Briner’s leadership, the OCM increased state enforcement against the circulation of non-compliant hemp-based THC products, including a lawsuit involving a retail establishment for selling illegal marijuana flowers.

Looking Towards Taubel’s Leadership

Taubel has authored stricter, more in-depth guidelines governing the cannabis industry as a whole. Moreover, according to a news release from Walz’s office, the soon-to-be Acting Director formulated the legal enforcement strategy designed to implement these regulations. 

“Eric is a proven, effective leader who brings legal expertise and a deep understanding of state government and regulatory affairs,” said the Governor. “He will ensure the continued growth and success as we work to make Minnesota competitive in the new industry.”