NEWS
Minnesota’s Top Cannabis Regulator Steps Down Amid Market Turmoil

Minnesota’s interim cannabis director, Charlene Briner, will step down on Jan. 17 after leading the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) since its creation in 2023. Gov. Tim Walz announced the change Monday, naming OCM General Counsel Eric Taubel as Briner's successor.

The news comes as the OCM faces scrutiny over its handling of the state’s first cannabis business license lottery, which was delayed due to lawsuits from social equity applicants. The OCM plans to restart the licensing process this spring, a crucial step toward the expected launch of Minnesota's recreational marijuana market in 2025.

Walz commended Briner’s leadership in laying the groundwork for Minnesota’s cannabis industry, while advocates say Taubel’s experience positions him to steer the agency through the next phase.

Read the full article on the Star Tribune: Minnesota's top cannabis regulator Charlene Briner stepping down.

EVENTS
Canna Connect x CannDelta announce Social Equity Application webinar for Friday Jan 10, 2025 1:00 pm

Don’t Miss This Free Live Masterclass on Minnesota Cannabis Licensing
Join CannDelta’s cannabis licensing experts for a FREE online masterclass on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 1 PM CST.

This live session will walk you through Minnesota’s Social Equity Verification process, licensing requirements. and more. Stick around for an interactive Q&A to get your questions answered in real time!

Bonus:

• What to expect during the lottery phase

• Tips for positioning your business for success

• How to minimize startup cost

Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert insights and actionable advice—register today!

EVENTS
📢 Introducing the High Pines Canna Club! 🌲✨

Canna Connect MN is thrilled to announce the first-ever High Pines Canna Club meetup on January 23rd at Jack Pine Brewery!

This monthly gathering is designed for cannabis enthusiasts, curious learners, and professionals seeking to explore the world of THC, CBD, cannabis cultivation, wellness benefits, and industry opportunities. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge or simply connect with like-minded individuals, this is the event for you!

📅 Event Details
🗓 When: 4th Thursday of every month, starting January 23rd
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Where: Jack Pine Taproom

Open to everyone 21+, including consumers, business owners exploring cannabis integration, and resort operators interested in new product activations. Let's relax, connect, and grow together—with science-based insights and industry professionals leading the way.

Mark your calendars and join the High Pines Canna Club—where connections and knowledge flourish! 🌿

ARTICLE
🌱 Excerpt from Montana Cannabis Magazine: Conscious Cannabis Use

"These days, I’m always trying to find the right balance between being high and sober. If you’ve been interacting with cannabis for many years, maybe you’ve got your routine nailed down, and that’s something to be proud of. But I still ask myself all the time, ‘Should I get high today?’ It’s one of the juiciest (and most avoided) questions for stoners everywhere. The ‘right’ amount of consumption will be so different for everyone. I’m here to open the conversation, introduce tools for consciousness, and help release some self-judgment."

This reflective piece, featured in the Fall/Winter 2024 issue of Montana Cannabis Magazine, explores the journey of conscious cannabis consumption, societal biases, and the importance of sustainability in our habits. Dive into the full article to explore these insights and learn how to bring mindfulness to your own cannabis experience.

🔗 Read the full article in Montana Cannabis Magazine here.