Eric Taubel appointed as permanent Office of Cannabis Management director

More than two years after it was created, the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management has its first permanent leader.

Eric Taubel, who has served as OCM’s interim director since January, will now be the office’s executive director. Taubel was the OCM’s general counsel before his appointment to lead the office.

Under Taubel, the OCM has taken strides toward establishing a recreational cannabis market in Minnesota, formalizing rules for the industry and holding lotteries for cannabis business licenses.

To date, the OCM has given preliminary approval to 1,273 prospective cannabis businesses and issued 10 licenses.

Related stories:

Office of Cannabis Management gets new interim director as Charlene Briner steps down
Judge signs off on recreational cannabis rules, clearing way for licensing
Lottery for recreational cannabis licensing in Minnesota begins Thursday
Minnesota’s first cannabis license is issued to Pine County business

“Eric Taubel’s stewardship of the Office of Cannabis Management over the past eight months has ensured that the priorities that drove cannabis legalization in Minnesota are reflected in Minnesota’s emerging market,” said Governor Tim Walz. “Under his experienced leadership, I am confident that OCM and the Minnesota cannabis industry will continue to prioritize public health and safety, consumer confidence, and market integrity.”

Taubel is the second person Walz has nominated for the position. His first nominee, Erin DuPree, backed out one day later after reports came out revealing that her Apple Valley THC shop might have sold products that didn’t comply with state law.
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