🌿 Welcome to Conversations with Kush! 🌟 In this special episode, Molly "The Kush RN" sits down with Erin Dupree, the former Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) Director, who resigned just 24 hours after her appointment.

From building her business, Lunacy Cannabis Co., to being thrust into the media spotlight, Erin shares her side of the story for the first time—discussing what went down, the flaws in Minnesota’s cannabis regulatory process, and what the future holds for social equity, medical cannabis, and small businesses in the industry.

Whether you’re an advocate, entrepreneur, or just curious about cannabis politics, this episode delivers inside knowledge, real talk, and hard-hitting insights.

What’s Inside This Episode:

🧩 How Erin Got into Cannabis – From opioid dependence to holistic healing, her personal journey.
🏛 From Entrepreneur to Government Leader – What led her to apply for the OCM Director position.
📉 The 24-Hour Resignation – The inside scoop on what really happened and the media’s role.
⚖️ Minnesota’s Cannabis Law & Its Challenges – Lawsuits, regulations, and small business struggles.
🌱 The Future of Cannabis in MN – Will the industry survive and thrive or crash and burn?

What You’ll Learn:

• How Minnesota’s cannabis laws are affecting small businesses and social equity applicants.
• Why Erin resigned after just 24 hours and how the media shaped the narrative.
• The challenges of launching a regulated cannabis market—from lawsuits to licensing delays.
• How craft cannabis and small businesses can still have a future despite corporate competition.
• What consumers, business owners, and advocates need to watch for in 2024.

If you care about cannabis legalization, business, and social justice, this is an episode you can’t miss.

Find the Right Strain: Episode Chapters

⏱ 5:00 – The Healing Power of Cannabis
How cannabis helped Erin transition from opioids to plant-based medicine.

⏱ 10:00 – From Business Owner to OCM Director
Why Erin applied for the OCM position and the selection process.

⏱ 18:00 – The 24-Hour Controversy
What led to her resignation, media scrutiny, and her thoughts on the OCM’s vetting process.

⏱ 25:00 – The Challenges of Cannabis Regulations
Why Minnesota’s cannabis program is already facing lawsuits and business concerns.

⏱ 35:00 – What’s Next for the MN Cannabis Industry?
Thoughts on social equity, craft cannabis, and medical marijuana’s future.

⏱ 45:00 – Lessons Learned & Advice for Entrepreneurs
What Erin wishes she knew before starting a cannabis business in a new market.

⏱ 55:00 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Erin
How to connect with Erin Dupree and her ongoing work in business networking & advocacy.

Do you think Minnesota is handling cannabis legalization the right way? Let’s discuss! 🌿
Like, comment, and subscribe for more cannabis business insights & industry news. What are your thoughts on MN’s cannabis rollout? Drop them below! 💬 #MinnesotaCannabis #CannabisPolicy #ConversationsWithKush #CannabisBusiness #ErinDupree