S2:E11 | The Courts Send OCM a Denial Letter (with Sean Paul Kehren)

It’s been a week in the Minnesota cannabis world, and Steve and Tanner are here to break it all down. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) scheduled the first round of its Social Equity Preapproval Lottery… and then the District Court stepped in with a stay, temporarily halting the process. Next step, Minnesota Court of Appeals.

Meanwhile, Minneapolis and Duluth are busy considering cannabis ordinances, each putting their own spin on what regulation should look like for retailers and parks.

On the business side, things aren’t much smoother. Employees at Vireo are on the brink of a strike after slow-moving contract negotiations with UFCW Local 1189, threatening to throw half of the state’s medical cannabis program into disarray. And in slightly lighter news, a study from the University of Minnesota shows that students are trading heavy drinking for cannabis. Call it progress?

This week’s episode also features an interview with Sean Paul Kehren of North Star Law Group. Sean shares stories about growing up in Pine City, his path to becoming a lawyer, and what’s driven him to navigate Minnesota’s cannabis legal landscape. Quick note: North Star’s lawsuit against OCM hadn’t been filed yet when we recorded this conversation.

To unwind, we sample Modist Brewing’s new Melt Pop’s flavors—Citrus Punch and Sangria Ginger Ale—and Tanner treats us to Big Cat Hash’s Strawberry Pie for another Terp Tasting. As always, we end with a high note, trying to find some joy in the everlasting and ever growing chaos.

Production Note: Most of this episode was recorded before the court’s decision on Monday. Even so, the conversations are still relevant—maybe even more so. We’ll be back later this week with more thoughts on that ruling.

Filmed and Recorded at the Dabbler Depot Studio in St. Paul

Links from the Show:
OCM Lawsuit Decision: https://www.startribune.com/minnesotas-first-lottery-for-cannabis-business-licenses-delayed-amid-litigation/601186596
Minneapolis Feedback on Cannabis Ordinances: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/news/2024/11/18/minneapolis-park-and-recreation-board-opens-public-comment-period-for-draft-cannabis-and-tobacco-and-thc-policies/
North Star Law Group: https://northstarlaw.com/cannabis/ (or email to sean@northstarlaw.com)
Modist Melt Pop Citrus Punch: https://modistbrewing.com/drinks/melt-pop-citrus-punch/
Modist Melt Pop Sangria Ginger Ale: https://modistbrewing.com/drinks/melt-pop-sangria-ginger-ale/
Big Cat Hash: https://www.instagram.com/bigcathash

Thank You to Our Sponsors!
North Star Law Group - https://northstarlaw.com/cannabis/
Natural Harvest - http://minnesotacannabisseeds.com (Use code “NL10” for 10% off your order!)
Union Bank and Trust - https://www.ubtmn.com