On Tuesday, Jan. 30 5pm-6pm CST, MN-OCM is hosting a virtual information session to give updates on work, rulemaking, community outreach, and more. This will include an overview of what is ahead in early 2024. This session will be recorded, but we highly recommend tuning in if you can - the live session has a cap of 1000 registered participants.

Speakers:

Charlene Briner, Office of Cannabis Management Interim Director

Vanessa Vogl, Department of Human Services Rulemaking Attorney

Merone Melekin, Office of Cannabis Management Outreach Director

Click the button below for more details and to register your spot.

Note from Jen: I'll also be summarizing this in my next newsletter, don't worry!

The Star Tribune published a piece on the failures in the Cannabis Director hiring process. The main takeaway was a missed review that would have uncovered liens and judgements against Erin DuPree, the first cannabis director hire.

Read More: HERE.

Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz, says the search for a new, permanent director for Minnesota's Office of Cannabis management is kicking into high gear.

Charlene Briner has been promoted to interim director of OCM.

"I’m excited to have Charlene Briner leading this office while we continue our national search for a permanent director,” says Governor Walz. “For the last eight months, Charlene has worked tirelessly across state agencies to build the new Office of Cannabis Management from the ground up. I’m grateful for the work being done to not only revamp our vetting process but also expand our recruiting process. Today’s news marks months of work to modernize state government as we work to remain competitive with the private sector and bring talented executives into public service."

Read more: HERE

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The Rekt Eddie's Team (Gipper, Uncle Burner & Big Swede) takes great pleasure in establishing meaningful connections within the emerging Cannabis industry, fostering relationships with a diverse range of individuals. The heart of their approach is a genuine appreciation for the collaborative spirit that defines the Cannabis/Hemp community.

Not only are Rekt Eddie's strengthening their connections within the Cannabis space, they are venturing into emerging markets such as crypto, web 3 and NFT. With unique collaborations, their aim is to deliver added value to communities, holders and teams. They aim to dedicate themselves to the innovation and exploration of untapped channels.

Check out: Rekt Eddie's

The Lucky Leaf Expo is a national convention coming to Minnesota in April 2024.

More information available at this link.

Starting Jan. 1, 2024, all Minnesota employers are required to provide employees with a minimum level of paid time off, called Sick and Safe Time.

This will require some employers to provide PTO for the first time, and all employers should review their PTO policies to make sure they are in compliance, as well as give a proscribed notice to employees.

Minnesota ESST applies to employees who work at least 80 hours a year (including part-time employees, but not including contractors).

Employees can use this time for sickness, family care, escaping domestic violence, school closures, and more (below).

Employers must provide Earned Sick and Safe Time for employees at a minimum rate of 1 hour ESST for every 30 hours worked.

What employers need to do: Notify employees immediately, track earned hours and disclose them on paychecks, update payroll systems, and update employee handbook.

Failure to put compliant policies and processes in place may lead to fines from the DOLI, backpay including liquidated damages, and out-of-pocket expenses.

An unlimited PTO policy or one that otherwise exceeds the stated minimum complies, but employers still need to give required notices.

Learn more on our website: Minnesota's ESST: What Business Owners Need to Know

Contact us to get help reviewing or putting a PTO policy in place that complies with ESST, and sending these required notices to employees.