MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Northern News Now) – New leadership is taking over Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management (OMC).

Governor Tim Walz announced on Monday that Charlene Briner is stepping down after building the department from the ground up.

“Charlene Briner has gotten Minnesota’s emerging cannabis industry off the ground in a safe and responsible way,” said Walz. “It’s no easy task to build a regulatory framework around an entirely new industry from scratch, but under Charlene’s leadership, Minnesota laid the foundation for a successful marketplace for years to come.”

Current General Counsel Eric Taubel will serve as interim director.

“Eric is a proven, effective leader who brings legal expertise and a deep understating of state government and regulatory affairs. He will ensure continued growth and success as we work to make Minnesota competitive in this new industry,” said Walz.

While director, Briner established the office and conducted the rule-making process for regulation and more, Taubel has helped with the implementation and tribal negotiations.

He takes over on Jan. 17.

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