Hanna appointed acting executive director of CRA
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Brian Hanna has been appointed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to serve as acting executive director of the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA).
Hanna, who officially takes over the position Monday, previously served in the Marijuana Regulatory Agency, the CRA’s predecessor, under former Executive Director, Andrew Brisbo. He spent five years with the CRA as the manager of field operations, inspections and investigations. He has a law enforcement and military background, having previously worked as a criminal intelligence manager and analyst with the Michigan State Police, and as a Deputy Sheriff for Kalamazoo County. Hanna also served as a Captain in the United States Army Reserve, with a combat deployment to Afghanistan from 2010-2011. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Western Michigan University, and an associate’s degree in law enforcement from Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
“I am thrilled to welcome Brian Hanna as the new acting executive director of the Cannabis Regulatory Agency, where he will continue putting Michiganders first, growing our economy and creating jobs,” Whitmer said in a press release announcing the appointment. “The State of Michigan and the CRA are at the forefront of the nation’s hemp and marijuana industry, setting the standard for stimulating business growth and preserving secure consumer access to cannabis. A win for the industry is a win for Michiganders because its tax revenue allows us to invest back into our schools, roads, and other essential services that make a real difference in our communities. I am confident Brian will serve as an excellent leader as the CRA continues establishing Michigan as the national model for cannabis regulations.”
Whitmer signed an executive order in February that consolidated the regulation of the processing, distribution, and sale of marijuana and hemp into a single state agency: the CRA, which was established April 13, 2022 and replaced the Marijuana Regulatory Agency. The CRA has authority over Michigan’s cannabis and hemp processors, handlers, and distributors, and is housed within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
“I am excited to return to the Cannabis Regulatory Agency and am grateful for this opportunity,” Hanna said. “I look forward to reconnecting with stakeholders to ensure we have a clear and concise regulatory framework for oversight of this industry to promote continued growth in Michigan. I also look forward to working with the administration and our legislative partners wherever possible to continue providing safe products to consumers. I’m honored that Governor Whitmer has appointed me to lead this important agency and look forward to getting to work.”
The State of Michigan will conduct a nationwide search to select a permanent executive director for the CRA.
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