ST PAUL, Minn. — The state's medical cannabis director is stepping down to take a new job with the city of Minneapolis.
The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed Chris Tholkes' resignation, adding that her last day will be Friday, Dec. 8. The search for Tholkes' replacement, which, according to a spokesperson with the health department is believed to begin soon, comes as the state also continues to seek out a director of the Office of Cannabis Management.
Gov. Tim Walz appointed Erin DuPree to be the state's first director of the Office of Cannabis Management back in September, but she stepped aside the next day after allegations surfaced over former business dealings. Walz took responsibility for the hire, and said he's shifted his focus to finding a regulatory leader.
Watch more local news:
Watch the latest local news from the Twin Cities and across Minnesota in our YouTube playlist:
WATCH MORE ON KARE 11+
Download the free KARE 11+ app for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and other smart TV platforms to watch more from KARE 11 anytime! The KARE 11+ app includes live streams of all of KARE 11's newscasts. You'll also find on-demand replays of newscasts; the latest from KARE 11 Investigates, Breaking the News and the Land of 10,000 Stories; exclusive programs like Verify and HeartThreads; and Minnesota sports talk from our partners at Locked On Minnesota.
- Add KARE 11+ on Roku here or by searching for KARE 11 in the Roku Channel Store.
- Add KARE 11+ on Fire TV here or by searching for KARE 11 in the Amazon App Store.
- Learn more about the KARE 11+ app for Apple TV in the Apple App Store.
- Learn more about KARE 11+ here.
