Statement on the Recent Appointment of Minnesota’s Inaugural Director of the Office of Cannabis Management

September 22, 2023

Blunt Strategies partner & principal Leili Fatehi issued the following statement today regarding the recent appointment of Minnesota’s first Director of the Cannabis Management:

The recent appointment of Erin Dupree underscores the critical importance of consulting with local stakeholders when making pivotal decisions for our state's emerging cannabis industry. The local community, industry members, and advocates have a wealth of knowledge and experience that could have been invaluable in this selection process. Engaging with those who are deeply rooted in the industry can help prevent potential oversights and missteps and ensure that we are setting the best course forward for Minnesota's cannabis future.

Appointing someone without the necessary qualifications, who is an active member of the very industry they are meant to regulate, and who has shown a past disregard for compliance, is a textbook example of regulatory capture. Such a decision risks establishing a culture of noncompliance at the very top levels of our state's oversight of this nascent industry. It's crucial that we prioritize integrity, experience, and a commitment to the rule of law as we navigate the complexities of building a responsible and equitable cannabis landscape in Minnesota.

Given the unique and innovative nature of Minnesota's cannabis law and marketplace, there's no doubt that our state should be at the forefront of attracting top-tier regulatory talent. The excitement and enthusiasm we've witnessed from various sectors—be it industry professionals, consumers, or policy and government stakeholders—speak volumes about the potential of our cannabis landscape. It's imperative that the state reopens the job posting and conducts a comprehensive nationwide search to find a qualified regulator who can truly harness this potential and guide our industry with expertise and integrity. Minnesota deserves nothing less than the best as we embark on the important work of dismantling the failed system of prohibition and replacing it with a safe, equitable, and ethical legal marketplace.