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The search is back on for a state official to lead the launch of Minnesota's newly legal marijuana market.

Catch up fast: Gov. Tim Walz's pick to lead the new Office of Cannabis Management, hemp business owner and consultant Erin DuPree, withdrew from the role on Friday evening, just a day after her appointment was announced. 

Context: The resignation came hours after the Star Tribune and Minnesota Public Radio News reported that DuPree's Apple Valley cannabis business had advertised and offered products that are not allowed by law. MPR also detailed tax liens and other alleged financial issues. 

DuPree, whose social media and website reportedly featured items above legal THC limits, said in a statement she "never knowingly sold any non-compliant product, and when I became aware of them I removed the products from inventory." 

DuPree, who had not previously worked in government, said while her "skills, experience and expertise made me the right person for this job at this moment," she decided to step aside because she had become a distraction. She had been scheduled to start the job on Oct. 2.

What they're saying: In an interview with MinnPost on Saturday, Walz took responsibility for the hire and said it was "not the finest hour."

 "In this case the process did not work, and we got this wrong," he said. 

The other side: In a Monday morning interview with WCCO Radio, DuPree said she felt "hung out to dry" and was hamstrung by advice to not speak directly to media outlets seeking comment last week. She reiterated that she did not knowingly sell non-compliant products and said she had a compliance team to help her navigate the rules.

"I think any small business owner who has a hemp-derived shop or sells hemp-derived products here in the state understands how convoluted and confusing our laws were," she said. "To be quite honest, that's one of the reasons I wanted to serve the state and our community."

DuPree called reports of past financial issues "not accurate." citing "extenuating circumstances." She declined to elaborate, saying that while she plans to put out another statement on the matter, "at this time, I'm not willing to talk about them."

Of note: This is the second time in roughly two months that one of Walz's appointees resigned over concerns related to their personal conduct. 

The governor noted Saturday that he names thousands of people to posts ranging from agency heads to advisory boards. 

What's next: Walz said in a statement Friday that the new office will proceed with hiring agency staff and starting the rulemaking process that needs to happen before the state can offer licenses for cannabis businesses. 

Charlene Briner, a veteran of state government and DFL politics who has been working on the development of the new office, will continue to lead the efforts in the interim. 

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional comments from DuPree.

resigned over concerns related to their personal conduct

"We got this wrong:" Minnesota's first legal cannabis director quits one day after job announcement

Erin DuPree, a hemp business owner, had been named to the post on Sept. 21.

Gov Tim Walz and Erin Dupree in separate head shots

Gov. Tim Walz and Erin DuPree. Photos:Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images and the Walz administration.

The search is back on for a state official to lead the launch of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota&#x27;s newly legal marijuana market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/07/31/minnesota-weed-legal-marijuana-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="2906cc05-e0e9-47b2-ab90-93618949af5f" data-vars-headline="&quot;We got this wrong:&quot; Minnesota&#x27;s first legal cannabis director quits one day after job announcement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/07/31/minnesota-weed-legal-marijuana-what-to-know" target="_self">Minnesota&#x27;s newly legal marijuana market</a>.Catch up fast: Gov. Tim Walz&#x27;s pick to lead the new Office of Cannabis Management, hemp business owner and consultant Erin DuPree, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="withdrew from the role on Friday evening" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/09/22/potent-hemp-products-unpaid-bills-raise-questions-about-new-minnesota-cannabis-czar" data-vars-content-id="2906cc05-e0e9-47b2-ab90-93618949af5f" data-vars-headline="&quot;We got this wrong:&quot; Minnesota&#x27;s first legal cannabis director quits one day after job announcement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/09/22/potent-hemp-products-unpaid-bills-raise-questions-about-new-minnesota-cannabis-czar" target="_blank">withdrew from the role on Friday evening</a>, just a day after her appointment was announced.

News

Politics

Axios Twin Cities, anchored by Torey Van Oot, Nick Halter and Audrey Kennedy, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard

When the owner of Tin Whiskers brewery in St. Paul was getting ready to close his business in March of 2022, he told Axios he would be a forerunner to a reckoning in the craft beer industry.

State of play: This month, Eastlake in South Minneapolis and Dangerous Man in Northeast Minneapolis announced they will soon close their taprooms. Plus, 612Brew's owners recently sold their taproom.

The latest closures come about a year after Able Seedhouse and Rock Bottom, both in Minneapolis, called it quits.

Why it matters: Minnesota has boomed with new breweries for more than a decade. But the demand for craft beer has flattened and that means more breweries are fighting over the same size pie.

Yes, but: That doesn't mean some kind of bubble has burst, said Bart Watson, chief economist for the national Brewers Association. Rather, craft brewing has turned into a "normal" market like the restaurant industry. Yes, breweries are closing, but they are still opening, too.

"We had this golden period for five to 10 years where everyone opened and no one closed, and I would reframe that as the unusual thing," he told Axios.

Between the lines: It may not be a reckoning, but it's gotten a lot harder to be a brewer in the past couple of years.

The pandemic put a huge dent in sales for more than two years and some breweries had to rack up debt to stay alive, and inflation has made brewing beer more expensive.

Breweries that opened five to 10 years ago often went into areas of the city where rent was low, Watson said. But their presence helped make the area more popular, which in turn has landlords asking breweries to pay more in rent. Eastlake, for example, said it could no longer afford the rent.

Brewery owners have gotten second jobs to make up for lost income. Working 9-5 before spending nights and weekends in the taproom is a recipe for burnout. The founders of 612Brew and Tin Whiskers both told Axios they had to get second jobs a few years ago.

What to watch: As craft breweries close, beverage consultant Max Johnson of BevSource expects to see some of them replaced with companies that make spirits and canned cocktails and have their own kind of taproom.

"We really think that spirits are going to be the next big trend," Johnson said.

And it remains to be seen how much of a lifeline THC seltzers could be for craft breweries since Minnesota is a rare state that allows for THC sales in most retail settings.

A wave of brewery closures hits Minneapolis

High profile taproom closures of Dangerous Man, Eastlake, have people wondering if there's a craft beer bust.

Illustration of a beer tap with a cork in it. 

Beer

When the owner of Tin Whiskers brewery in St. Paul was getting ready to close his business in March of 2022, he told Axios he would be a forerunner to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reckoning in the craft beer industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/03/30/minnesota-breweries-challenges-tin-whiskers-st-paul" data-vars-content-id="a126e5c5-ab36-439b-8486-718f025b07a6" data-vars-headline="A wave of brewery closures hits Minneapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/03/30/minnesota-breweries-challenges-tin-whiskers-st-paul" target="_self">reckoning in the craft beer industry</a>.State of play: This month, Eastlake in South Minneapolis and Dangerous Man in Northeast Minneapolis announced they will soon close their taprooms. Plus, 612Brew&#x27;s owners <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently sold their taproom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/08/10/612-brew-minneapolis-sold-padraigs-patrick-carey" data-vars-content-id="a126e5c5-ab36-439b-8486-718f025b07a6" data-vars-headline="A wave of brewery closures hits Minneapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/08/10/612-brew-minneapolis-sold-padraigs-patrick-carey" target="_self">recently sold their taproom</a>.<ul><li>The latest closures come about a year after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Able Seedhouse" data-vars-click-url="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/able-seedhouse-brewery-in-ne-minneapolis-to-close-its-doors" data-vars-content-id="a126e5c5-ab36-439b-8486-718f025b07a6" data-vars-headline="A wave of brewery closures hits Minneapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/able-seedhouse-brewery-in-ne-minneapolis-to-close-its-doors" target="_blank">Able Seedhouse</a> and Rock Bottom, both in Minneapolis, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="called it quits" data-vars-click-url="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/able-seedhouse-brewery-in-ne-minneapolis-to-close-its-doors" data-vars-content-id="a126e5c5-ab36-439b-8486-718f025b07a6" data-vars-headline="A wave of brewery closures hits Minneapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/able-seedhouse-brewery-in-ne-minneapolis-to-close-its-doors" target="_blank">called it quits</a>.</li></ul>Why it matters: Minnesota has boomed with new breweries for more than a decade. But the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="demand for craft beer has flattened" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/26/craft-beer-minnesota-declines-thc-cocktails" data-vars-content-id="a126e5c5-ab36-439b-8486-718f025b07a6" data-vars-headline="A wave of brewery closures hits Minneapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/26/craft-beer-minnesota-declines-thc-cocktails" target="_self">demand for craft beer has flattened</a> and that means more breweries are fighting over the same size pie.<ul><li>In other words, the boom is over.</li></ul>Yes, but: That doesn&#x27;t mean some kind of bubble has burst, said Bart Watson, chief economist for the national Brewers Association. Rather, craft brewing has turned into a &quot;normal&quot; market like the restaurant industry. Yes, breweries are closing, but they are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still opening, too" data-vars-click-url="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/two-new-breweries-join-minneapolis-st-paul-downtowns" data-vars-content-id="a126e5c5-ab36-439b-8486-718f025b07a6" data-vars-headline="A wave of brewery closures hits Minneapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/two-new-breweries-join-minneapolis-st-paul-downtowns" target="_blank">still opening, too</a>.<ul><li>&quot;We had this golden period for five to 10 years where everyone opened and no one closed, and I would reframe that as the unusual thing,&quot; he told Axios.</li></ul>Between the lines: It may not be a reckoning, but it&#x27;s gotten a lot harder to be a brewer in the past couple of years.<ul><li>The pandemic put a huge dent in sales for more than two years and some breweries had to rack up debt to stay alive, and inflation has made brewing beer more expensive.</li><li>Breweries that opened five to 10 years ago often went into areas of the city where rent was low, Watson said. But their presence helped make the area more popular, which in turn has landlords asking breweries to pay more in rent. Eastlake, for example, said it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="could no longer afford the rent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/east-lake-street-brewery-closing-midtown-global-market-minneapolis/600304242/" data-vars-content-id="a126e5c5-ab36-439b-8486-718f025b07a6" data-vars-headline="A wave of brewery closures hits Minneapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/east-lake-street-brewery-closing-midtown-global-market-minneapolis/600304242/" target="_blank">could no longer afford the rent</a>.</li><li>Brewery owners have gotten second jobs to make up for lost income. Working 9-5 before spending nights and weekends in the taproom is a recipe for burnout. The founders of 612Brew and Tin Whiskers both told Axios they had to get second jobs a few years ago.</li></ul>What to watch: As craft breweries close, beverage consultant Max Johnson of BevSource expects to see some of them replaced with companies that make spirits and canned cocktails and have their own kind of taproom.<ul><li>&quot;We really think that spirits are going to be the next big trend,&quot; Johnson said.</li><li>And it remains to be seen how much of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lifeline THC seltzers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/08/10/thc-seltzers-selling-liquor-stores-minnesota-boom" data-vars-content-id="a126e5c5-ab36-439b-8486-718f025b07a6" data-vars-headline="A wave of brewery closures hits Minneapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/08/10/thc-seltzers-selling-liquor-stores-minnesota-boom" target="_self">lifeline THC seltzers</a> could be for craft breweries since Minnesota is a rare state that allows for THC sales in most retail settings.</li></ul>

Business

As the brewery boom slows, spirit-forward cocktail spots are swooping into the limelight. 

What's happening: King Coil Spirits, a new distillery opening Friday from the group behind Lake Monster Brewing, is the latest in a wave of distillery-run cocktail rooms to open in the Twin Cities in less than a year.

Earl Giles debuted its enormous facility in November, which also includes a restaurant and apothecary, while bitters company Dashfire opened Elusive Botanical Bar in December.

Why it matters: The spaces have become the latest way for distilleries to play around with products and hone in on what people enjoy, owners told Axios.

By the numbers: The local openings coincide with a growing nationwide interest in craft spirits — more than 250 distilleries are expected to open in 2025, according to a 2021 study by London-based IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.

What they're saying: Elusive doesn't provide a large part of Dashfire's revenue, but the ability to test products with engaged consumers is invaluable, co-owner Lee Egbert told Axios.

"We're now able to launch a product on a small scale and get a sense of what people like before we make widespread decisions. The guests can be the guinea pigs," he said.

The intrigue: The Lake Monster Brewing team's move into distilling comes as demand for craft breweries has flattened, although co-owner Matt Lange said their taproom continues to do well.

Lange expects more distilleries to pop up, but the team isn't anticipating a sharp increase like the craft-beer boom, he said.

Zoom in: King Coil's mid-century modern space includes a large patio, two bars, each with its own cocktail selection, and a full kitchen primarily serving Roman-style pizzas.

The main drink menu features the distillery's 24 spirits, which focus on botanicals.

My thought bubble: I went to a soft opening recently and tried the Bitter Orange. It's a citrus fan's dream cocktail that features orange boba and orange foam on top.

Yes, but: The distillery isn't planning to distribute any of its spirits until they have a better sense of what people want, Lange said.

Details: King Coil Spirits opens Friday at 550 Vandalia Street, Suite 140, St. Paul.

As brewery openings slow, Twin Cities distilleries look to take over

King Coil Spirits marks the latest addition to the wave of new openings.

King Coil Spirits' Bitter Orange (left) and Last Word. Photos: Audrey Kennedy/Axios

Alcohol

As the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="brewery boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/26/craft-beer-minnesota-declines-thc-cocktails" data-vars-content-id="cdceca13-2ff4-410f-9572-e7c1ac4cf665" data-vars-headline="As brewery openings slow, Twin Cities distilleries look to take over" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/26/craft-beer-minnesota-declines-thc-cocktails" target="_self">brewery boom</a> slows, spirit-forward cocktail spots are swooping into the limelight. What&#x27;s happening: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="King Coil Spirits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kingcoilspirits.com/" data-vars-content-id="cdceca13-2ff4-410f-9572-e7c1ac4cf665" data-vars-headline="As brewery openings slow, Twin Cities distilleries look to take over" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kingcoilspirits.com/" target="_blank">King Coil Spirits</a>, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new distillery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxd8Mjxpsk5/" data-vars-content-id="cdceca13-2ff4-410f-9572-e7c1ac4cf665" data-vars-headline="As brewery openings slow, Twin Cities distilleries look to take over" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxd8Mjxpsk5/" target="_blank">new distillery</a> opening Friday from the group behind Lake Monster Brewing, is the latest in a wave of distillery-run cocktail rooms to open in the Twin Cities in less than a year.

Food and Drink

Early voting for Minnesota's Nov. 7 municipal elections began Friday. 

Driving the ballots: Contests for local offices such as city council, school board, and mayor in dozens of communities and school districts. 

Plus: Voters in several cities, including St. Paul, will decide whether to increase sales taxes to pay for local projects, and dozens of school districts are seeking approval for funding-related measures.

Why it matters: The outcome of these off-year local races will shape everything from property tax rates to the money spent on police staffing and fixing potholes. 

What we're watching: How the elections affect the balance of power and political dynamics on the Minneapolis and St. Paul city councils. 

Turnover in St. Paul, where four of seven wards have no incumbent running for re-election, could usher in an even more progressive — and diverse — council. It's also possible that all seven seats will be represented by women next year. 

Minneapolis progressives, meanwhile, are looking for a win in the open Ward 12 seat. 

Council President Andrea Jenkins, an ally of Mayor Jacob Frey, is also facing a challenge from the left. 

Yes, but: It appears unlikely that they will secure a veto-proof majority (which is nine) on Minneapolis' 13-member council. At least one member of the progressive bloc, Council Member Jeremiah Ellison, is facing a repeat challenger.

Plus: Strong mayor systems in both cities limit the council's overall impact. 

What to expect: Lower turnout than presidential or midterm elections, when other state and federal races are on the ballot. 

About 55% of registered Minneapolis voters participated in 2021 when the mayor and a police overhaul measure were on the ballot. In 2017, it was just 42%.

For comparison, close to 80% of registered voters statewide went to the polls in 2020.

Be smart: You can check your registration status and see a sample ballot via the Secretary of State's website showing what, if any, races or questions are up for a vote in your community. 

Early ballots can be cast either in person or by mail. 

What else is on Minnesota municipal ballots in 2023

The Duluth mayor's contest is shaping up to be one of this year's hottest races. Mayor Emily Larson is facing a challenge from Roger Reinert, a former DFL state senator and council member. 

Reinert trounced Larson, who has the DFL endorsement and backing from many state leaders, in the primary. 

St. Louis Park voters will decide whether to elect the state's first Somali mayor. Council member Nadia Mohamed and Dale A. Anderson are running to succeed outgoing Mayor Jake Spano.

Minnetonka voters are weighing whether to abandon ranked-choice voting and go back to a more traditional general election. The city's residents just approved the switch in 2020. 

Bloomington is asking residents to approve a new half-cent sales tax to build a new community center and renovate an ice rink and nature trail. 

In Golden Valley, proceeds of a 1.25% local sales tax on the ballot would go toward a new headquarters for the city's police, fire, and public works departments.

Contested school board elections across the state are attracting attention and cash. 

Races for seats in Mounds View, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan, and South Washington have 10-plus candidates, per MPR News. 

About 55% of registered Minneapolis voters

Voting begins for Minnesota's 2023 election

Ballots for municipal elections are available starting Friday, Sept. 22.

Illustration of a rooster with a word balloon with a checkmark in it coming out of its mouth.

Early voting for Minnesota&#x27;s Nov. 7 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="municipal elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/politics" data-vars-content-id="3ecc70bf-3985-4c69-807d-6db078065de0" data-vars-headline="Voting begins for Minnesota&#x27;s 2023 election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/politics" target="_self">municipal elections</a> began Friday. Driving the ballots: Contests for local offices such as city council, school board, and mayor in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dozens of communities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sos.state.mn.us/media/5502/regularly-scheduled-2023-elections.pdf" data-vars-content-id="3ecc70bf-3985-4c69-807d-6db078065de0" data-vars-headline="Voting begins for Minnesota&#x27;s 2023 election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sos.state.mn.us/media/5502/regularly-scheduled-2023-elections.pdf" target="_blank">dozens of communities</a> and school districts. <ul><li>Plus: Voters in several cities, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="including St. Paul," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/09/07/st-paul-sales-tax-election-road-parks-projects-list" data-vars-content-id="3ecc70bf-3985-4c69-807d-6db078065de0" data-vars-headline="Voting begins for Minnesota&#x27;s 2023 election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/09/07/st-paul-sales-tax-election-road-parks-projects-list" target="_self">including St. Paul,</a> will decide whether to increase sales taxes to pay for local projects, and dozens of school districts are seeking approval for funding-related measures.</li></ul>

Election

South Lyndale Liquors announced its newly constructed store at 5516 Lyndale Ave. S. in Minneapolis will open on Oct. 4.

What we're watching: The new store will be nearly twice the size of its existing one, which is just a few blocks north. 

According to its business plan, the new location will also have a cheese store and meeting room. A job posting also indicates it will sell sandwiches. 

Context: At 19,500 square feet, it is nearly the size of a typical Total Wine store. 

My thought bubble: I poked my head in the store Thursday and it looks like it's going to be fantastic, with two-story ceiling heights and the cheese shop near the front entrance. 

Of note: Owner Dan Campo could not be reached for comment. 

South Lyndale Liquors will soon open huge new store

At 19,500 square feet, it's nearly the size of a typical  Total Wine store.

South Lyndale Liquor's new store. Photo: Nick Halter/Axios

Retail

South Lyndale Liquors announced its newly constructed store at 5516 Lyndale Ave. S. in Minneapolis will open on Oct. 4.What we&#x27;re watching: The new store will be nearly twice the size of its existing one, which is just a few blocks north.

A business owner and consultant with experience in the hemp-derived cannabis industry will lead a new agency tasked with overseeing legal marijuana in Minnesota. 

Driving the news: Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday named Erin DuPree as the state's first director of the Office of Cannabis Management. She starts Oct. 2. 

Why it matters: The director will play a key role in establishing and regulating the state's legal marijuana marketplace. 

Catch up fast: While growing and possessing marijuana for personal use has been legal since Aug. 1,  state officials will spend the next year-plus preparing for commercial sales. 

That work will include everything from developing the licensing systems for cultivators and businesses to finalizing rules related to product testing, labeling and packaging. 

Zoom in: DuPree is the founder, vice president of sales and operations and head of research and development at the Apple Valley-based Loonacy Cannabis Co. 

While she has not worked in government — which is something the job posting emphasized as sought-after experience — her resume includes work advising businesses and start-ups on strategy and growth. 

What she's saying: DuPree told reporters Thursday that her consulting and contract work related to cannabis has made her familiar with the bureaucracy and regulation needed in other states. 

She said her experience launching cannabis-related businesses and understanding of the industry will translate to the new role, which she likened to running a "giant start-up."

Of note: DuPree said she is in the process of selling her own businesses to eliminate any conflict of interest in her new role. 

What we're watching: The Legislature will likely make additional tweaks to the law, which passed this spring, during next year's session.

Supporters expect dispensaries that aren't located on tribal lands to open their doors by January 2025. 

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include comments from DuPree. 

Meet the woman tasked with regulating Minnesota's new legal marijuana market

Erin DuPree, the state's first director of the Office of Cannabis Management, has experience with

Erin DuPree. Photo courtesy of Gov. Tim Walz's office

A business owner and consultant with experience in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hemp-derived cannabis industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/07/07/edibles-minnesota-businesses-legalized" data-vars-content-id="47d37771-75b2-469e-b6a6-2ca2930c37be" data-vars-headline="Meet the woman tasked with regulating Minnesota&#x27;s new legal marijuana market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/07/07/edibles-minnesota-businesses-legalized" target="_self">hemp-derived cannabis industry</a> will lead a new agency tasked with overseeing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legal marijuana in Minnesota" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/07/31/minnesota-weed-legal-marijuana-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="47d37771-75b2-469e-b6a6-2ca2930c37be" data-vars-headline="Meet the woman tasked with regulating Minnesota&#x27;s new legal marijuana market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/07/31/minnesota-weed-legal-marijuana-what-to-know" target="_self">legal marijuana in Minnesota</a>. Driving the news: Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday named Erin DuPree as the state&#x27;s first director of the Office of Cannabis Management. She starts Oct. 2.

St. Paul could soon join a growing number of cities adopting new rules meant to curtail smoking weed in public places in light of the state's new legal marijuana law.

The big picture: The state law, which took effect Aug. 1, effectively authorized smoking and vaping in many outdoor spaces, leaving it up to local governments to decide whether to restrict or ban it in public areas.

As a result, several cities, including Duluth, Lakeville, and New Hope, have passed ordinances restricting public smoking and vaping of the substance.

Zoom in: St. Paul's ordinance, which is expected to come up for a final vote as soon as next Wednesday, bans smoking in city parks and within 25 feet of public buildings and workplaces.

Yes, but: It allows building owners and the director of the Department of Parks to designate smoking areas that are "clearly marked with a sign."

Exceptions will also be made for cultural ceremonies involving tobacco. 

The latest: A vote on the measure initially planned for Wednesday was delayed due to a technical amendment recommended by the city attorney's office.

Catch up fast: The original draft of the ordinance sought to ban the consumption of cannabis in all city-controlled public areas, including in parks and on sidewalks. 

The proposal was scaled back after critics, including Council Member Mitra Jalali, argued that the approach would unfairly impact renters who don't have private backyards to smoke in. 

Language related to enforcement was also softened: People violating the rules will first be asked to comply voluntarily. If they don't stop, they could face an administrative citation and a fine. 

The other side: Anti-smoking advocates, along with some members of the general public, have pushed for a broader ban, arguing that second-hand smoke is a health concern and an annoyance. 

Of note: While earlier versions of the ordinance called out cannabis specifically, the latest proposal addresses smoking in general. 

What we're watching: A Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board committee was set to discuss the issue Wednesday night, per a spokesperson. Some state lawmakers, meanwhile, want the Legislature to tighten the rules for everyone next year.

"My hope would be that this is one of the things that's on the list for folks to fix," GOP Sen. Jordan Rasmussen told MinnPost this summer.

St. Paul set to vote on new rules restricting marijuana use in public places

Use of recreational marijuana became legal in Minnesota on Aug. 1.

St. Paul could soon join a growing number of cities adopting new rules meant to curtail smoking weed in public places in light of the state&#x27;s new legal marijuana law.The big picture: The state law, which took effect Aug. 1, effectively <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="authorized smoking and vaping" data-vars-click-url="https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2023/07/where-you-can-and-cant-smoke-marijuana-in-minnesota-come-aug-1/" data-vars-content-id="20a9ba05-7a6b-4b5b-b52b-41e0ce18bbd7" data-vars-headline="St. Paul set to vote on new rules restricting marijuana use in public places" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2023/07/where-you-can-and-cant-smoke-marijuana-in-minnesota-come-aug-1/" target="_blank">authorized smoking and vaping</a> in many outdoor spaces, leaving it up to local governments to decide whether to restrict or ban it in public areas.

Welcome back to Burbs Bites, our new occasional feature highlighting bars, breweries, cafés, and restaurants in the Twin Cities suburbs.

Anoka's bustling downtown has plenty of spots to grab a beer, but head a block north of Main Street to find Ambi Wine Bar & Desserts, a charming wine bar surrounded by antique shops with a café-like ambience.

What to expect: A selection of appetizers, cheese boards, and flatbreads alongside an extensive wine and dessert list, with an emphasis on chocolate mousses, cakes, cheesecakes, and gelatos. (Beer fans can still enjoy one of the bar's 10 brews.)

If you can't pick just one drink, the restaurant has wine flights that allow guests to choose four reds or whites for $16.

What we ordered: We started at the bar with a glass of Broletto Lambrusco, a bubbly Italian wine with notes of raspberry, cherry, and lavender.

We then moved to the patio for Truffles & Tortes' decadence, a dense, fudge-like torte created by another local café.

Pro tip: Grab a glass to go and stroll the city's new social district, a dedicated area where visitors ages 21 and up can buy and drink alcohol in public.

Several businesses allow you to bring your glass inside so you can shop and drink.

B-52 Burgers & Brews brings rooftop dining to Inver Grove

Benedict's Morning Heroes is Wayzata's standout brunch

In the mood for pizza and beer? Maple Grove's Omni Brewing offers both

Have a recommendation for a spot we should check out? Submit it here.

Burbs Bites: Ambi Wine Bar & Desserts is a chocolate lover's dream

The restaurant has "wine flights" that allow guests to choose four reds or whites for $16.

A photo of two chocolate tortes and a bottle of wine.

Truffles and Tortes' concerto and decadence. Photo: Ambi Wine Bar & Desserts

Restaurants

Welcome back to Burbs Bites, our new occasional feature highlighting bars, breweries, cafés, and restaurants in the Twin Cities suburbs.Anoka&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bustling downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/09/15/anoka-minnesota-social-district" data-vars-content-id="f47dcd32-4e2e-4be2-93af-27e00a54c971" data-vars-headline="Burbs Bites: Ambi Wine Bar &amp; Desserts is a chocolate lover&#x27;s dream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/09/15/anoka-minnesota-social-district" target="_self">bustling downtown</a> has plenty of spots to grab a beer, but head a block north of Main Street to find <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ambi Wine Bar &amp; Desserts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ambiwinebar.com/" data-vars-content-id="f47dcd32-4e2e-4be2-93af-27e00a54c971" data-vars-headline="Burbs Bites: Ambi Wine Bar &amp; Desserts is a chocolate lover&#x27;s dream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ambiwinebar.com/" target="_blank">Ambi Wine Bar &amp; Desserts</a>, a charming wine bar surrounded by antique shops with a café-like ambience.

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