Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM)

Last verified: March 2026

What Is the OCM?

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is Minnesota's standalone state agency responsible for regulating all aspects of the cannabis industry. Created by HF 100 in 2023, the OCM oversees recreational and medical cannabis, hemp-derived THC products, licensing, compliance, enforcement, and social equity programs.

Unlike states that house cannabis regulation within an existing department (such as a liquor control board or health department), Minnesota established the OCM as an independent agency with its own leadership, budget, and rulemaking authority. The agency now employs 100+ staff and manages one of the most complex regulatory rollouts in state history.

A Rocky Start

The OCM's early days were turbulent. Governor Walz's first appointee as director, Erin DuPree, resigned the day after her appointment when it was revealed that a hemp shop she had a connection to had sold products with illegal THC levels. The controversy highlighted the challenges of regulating an industry that was evolving faster than the regulatory infrastructure.

Charlene Briner served as interim director through January 2025, guiding the agency through its critical startup phase — establishing office operations, hiring staff, developing rules, and navigating the political scrutiny that followed the DuPree resignation.

On August 13, 2025, Eric Taubel was appointed as the permanent director, bringing stability to the agency as it prepared for the September 2025 launch of licensed retail sales.

OCM Divisions

Division of Medical Cannabis

Oversees the medical cannabis program that has served 60,000+ patients since 2014. Manages patient enrollment, practitioner certification, qualifying conditions, and the 17 medical dispensary locations. Medical patients benefit from $0 enrollment and full tax exemption on all purchases.

Division of Social Equity

Led by Director Jess Jackson, this division administers the social equity components of the licensing process, including the license lottery system, support for applicants from disproportionately impacted communities, and ongoing equity monitoring. The division conducted the first social equity lottery on June 5, 2025, awarding 249 licenses.

Licensing Division

Processes and issues all cannabis business licenses, including cultivator, manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, testing facility, transporter, and event organizer licenses. Manages the lottery system, application reviews, background checks, and license renewals.

Enforcement and Compliance Division

Conducts inspections, investigates complaints, and enforces compliance with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 342 and Chapter 9810 rules. Responsibilities include product testing oversight, advertising compliance, and unlicensed activity enforcement.

Cannabis Advisory Council

HF 100 established a Cannabis Advisory Council with 28+ members representing diverse stakeholders: patients, industry participants, law enforcement, public health professionals, social equity advocates, tribal nation representatives, and community members. The council advises the OCM director on policy, rulemaking, and implementation priorities.

Contact the OCM

OCM Leadership Timeline

Official Sources

• Office of Cannabis Management
• Division of Medical Cannabis
• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 342