MN Weed Boss Resigns After Reports She Sold Illegal Products

ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesota’s first-ever director of the Office of Cannabis Management lasted just one day on the job.

On Thursday, Gov. Tim Walz announced that Erin DuPree would lead the regulatory agency of Minnesota's new adult-use cannabis market, praising her skills in law compliance.

But reports from the Star Tribune and MPR News Friday said DuPree ran a business that sold illegal products at her Apple Valley hemp business and is negligent in paying taxes.

By the early Friday evening, Dupree had resigned.

"I have never knowingly sold any noncompliant product, and when I became aware of them I removed the products from inventory," DuPree said in a statement to MPR News.

"Conducting lawful business has been an objective of my business career. However, it has become clear that I have become a distraction that would stand in the way of the important work that needs to be done."

DuPree is the founder of Loonacy Cannabis Co. in Apple Valley.

On its TikTok page, Loonacy advertised edible products containing 10 milligrams of THC per serving and 150 milligrams per package, the Star Tribune reported. State law only allows a maximum of 5 milligrams of THC per serving and 50 milligrams per package.

The businesses' TikTok page has since been deactivated. Loonacy was also selling illegal vape cartridges on its website, the newspaper reported.

Charlene Briner, who led the search for the state's first Cannabis Office director, will take over the position.