Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management to Get New Interim Director
The interim director of the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, Charlene Briner, is stepping down from her role on January 17. Briner has been leading the office since its creation in 2023 and has played a crucial role in establishing the state’s cannabis industry. She will be replaced by Eric Taubel, the office’s general counsel, who has been serving in that position for the past year.
Governor Tim Walz praised Briner’s work, stating that she has “gotten Minnesota’s emerging cannabis industry off the ground in a safe and responsible way.” Walz also thanked Briner for her dedication to the office, saying that she has built a strong team that will continue to carry out the office’s work without disruption.
Briner had initially planned to leave the post in September 2023, but she was asked to stay on after the permanent director appointed by Walz left the position within a day. She has now served as interim director for over a year and a half, and has expressed her confidence in the team’s ability to continue her work.
Taubel, who will take over as interim director, has a strong background in state government and regulatory affairs. He has served as general counsel for the state Department of Education and has played a significant role in drafting the regulations that will govern the state’s cannabis industry.
The Office of Cannabis Management is currently working towards launching retail sales in the state and is planning to hold lotteries later this year to award cannabis business licenses. The office is also working to ensure that the industry is equitable and accessible to all, with a focus on social equity applicants.
Under Taubel’s leadership, the office is expected to continue to move forward with its plans to establish a competitive and successful cannabis industry in Minnesota.
