This summer has been tumultuous for Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Over half of the agency’s staff resigned during a critical transition period. As a result, patients relying on medical marijuana have been left waiting weeks for their necessary medication.
Staff Turnover Hits OCM Hard
Many employees left the OCM shortly after the agency took over the medical cannabis program from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Kim Kraai, a former team member, revealed that her group of eight was reduced to just three in a matter of weeks. The abrupt change in management style was a significant factor in the mass resignations.
- Remote work schedules were abruptly canceled.
- Management showed little interest in team feedback.
- The supportive environment under MDH was replaced with rigidity.
Kraai expressed confusion over the swift shift, questioning why the medical program couldn’t remain with MDH. The lack of transparency and increased pressure contributed to the rapid departure of staff members.
Patients Bear the Brunt of Delays
With the staff dwindling, the OCM struggled to handle the influx of patient applications. Previously, certifications were processed within a day or two. Now, patients like Jason LeCuyer faced delays of up to 26 days, severely impacting their access to necessary medication.
| Issue | Before OCM Takeover | After OCM Takeover |
|---|---|---|
| Certification Time | 1-2 days | Up to 26 days |
| Team Size | 8 | 3 |
| Remote Work Options | Yes | No |
Patients have voiced their frustration, highlighting the real-world consequences of the agency’s internal struggles. The backlog not only affects those in need but also undermines the trust in the state’s ability to manage medical cannabis effectively.
OCM’s Response and Efforts to Improve
In response to the criticism, OCM spokesperson Josh Collins acknowledged the challenges faced during the transition. The agency claimed to have implemented several measures to alleviate the backlog and improve processing times.
“We have added additional staff, streamlined the process for certification renewal, and processed more than 2,000 pending applications,” Collins stated. These efforts have reportedly reduced wait times, offering some relief to patients still awaiting their certifications.
Additionally, the rules were adjusted to require patients to recertify every three years instead of annually. This change was aimed at decreasing the administrative burden and speeding up the overall process.
Leadership Vacuum Continues
One of the most pressing issues at OCM is the lack of a permanent director. Charlene Briner serves as the interim director, a position she does not intend to hold permanently. The initial director resigned after just one day, adding to the instability within the agency.
The governor’s office has stated that they are making progress in filling the leadership role, emphasizing the importance of not disrupting ongoing work. However, the absence of a permanent leader continues to pose challenges for the agency’s future stability and effectiveness.
Maria Garcia is an award-winning author who excels in creating engaging cannabis-centric articles that captivate audiences. Her versatile writing style allows her to cover a wide range of topics within the cannabis space, from advocacy and social justice to product reviews and lifestyle features. Maria’s dedication to promoting education and awareness about cannabis shines through in her thoughtfully curated content that resonates with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
