ST. PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) – Governor Walz announced Wednesday that Eric Taubel has been officially appointed as the new executive director of the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), marking a significant step in the state’s preparations to launch its cannabis market.
Taubel, who has been serving as the interim director of OCM since January, brings a wealth of legal and regulatory experience to the role. Prior to joining OCM, he served as an attorney in the Office of the General Counsel at the Minnesota Department of Commerce and also gained experience in private practice law.
“I am honored to be appointed by Governor Walz as the executive director of the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management,” Taubel said in a statement. “Serving the people of Minnesota has been a privilege, and I look forward to continuing to work with the dedicated and talented public servants at OCM as we launch Minnesota’s cannabis market.”
OCM was established in August 2023 to oversee every aspect of the state’s cannabis industry, from licensing producers and retailers to enforcing regulations that ensure public safety and product quality. The office plays a central role in implementing Minnesota’s cannabis legalization law, which Governor Walz signed last year after months of legislative debate.
Under the leadership of Governor Walz, Minnesota has taken a deliberate approach to cannabis regulation, prioritizing public health, safety, and equitable economic opportunities.
Governor Walz noted that Taubel’s background in both government and private law gives him the skills to balance the needs of the industry with the protections required for consumers. “Eric has shown strong leadership as interim director, and I’m confident in his ability to guide OCM as Minnesota’s cannabis market takes shape,” Governor Walz said.
The launch of Minnesota’s regulated cannabis market will include licensing businesses, setting product testing standards, and educating the public about responsible use. Governor Walz has stressed that equity will be a cornerstone of the industry, with efforts to ensure that communities disproportionately impacted by previous cannabis laws have opportunities to participate in the legal market.
With Taubel now in place as executive director, Governor Walz and state officials say they are focused on building a safe, transparent, and thriving cannabis sector. As the state moves closer to full market launch, all eyes will be on OCM to set the tone for how legalization works in practice in Minnesota.
