Welcome Erin DuPree, Minnesota’s first Office of Cannabis Management Director

Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan announced today (Sept. 21) the appointment of Erin DuPree as the state’s first director of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). DuPree will be responsible for building the new state agency and will play a key leadership role in establishing and regulating the new adult-use cannabis market in Minnesota. She will start on Oct. 2.

Erin DuPree is an entrepreneur, small business owner, and a consultant focused on assisting new start-ups in the implementation phase of their business vision. Erin is the founder, vice president of sales and operations, and head of research and development at Loonacy Cannabis Co., located in Apple Valley. In this position, she managed multiple aspects of the business and led continued research on hemp-derived and cannabis products while maintaining compliance with state laws and regulations. She is also the founder, vice president of operations, and senior business consultant for Cook and Quinwood Consulting, providing consultations for businesses and start-up companies. Since 2009, DuPree has volunteered with Business Network International, where she has held large scale trainings, seminars, and panel discussions on the importance of structure and strategy in business.