HomeMy WebLinkAboutJaren Zech CAC AppointmentContact: Matthew Cords, Communications Intern
Phone 952-826-0347 • commintern2@edinamn.gov • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jaren Zech Appointed to Minnesota Cannabis Advisory Council
Edina, Minn., Dec 20, 2023 – Gov. Tim Walz has appointed Edina Police Officer Jaren Zech to the newly formed Minnesota Cannabis Advisory Council (CAC) as an Expert in Municipal Law
Enforcement with Advanced Training in Impairment Detection and Evaluation.
The CAC reviews national cannabis policy, examines the effectiveness of state cannabis policy, reviews developments in the cannabis industry and hemp consumer industry, reviews developments
in the study of cannabis flower and other items, takes public testimony and makes recommendations to the State’s Office of Cannabis Management. The group is made up of nearly 50 people.
Zech joined the Edina Police Department in 2016 after working for five years for the Centennial Lakes Police Department in Circle Pines, Minnesota. He currently serves as a Training
Officer with the Edina Police Department and has experience as a DWI Enforcement and Patrol Officer during his seven-year tenure. He became a certified Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE)
in 2018. He has been a DRE instructor since 2021 and has trained nearly 100 students to date.
“I love educating, and I am passionate about the subject matter and complexities of the DRE world,” Zech said. Zech will bring expertise in cannabis impairment effects and its implications
on public safety to the Council.
The CAC intends to meet quarterly for a total of 20 hours per year. Zech’s position on the Council will officially take effect Jan. 2, 2024. It is a four-year term.
For more information on the Minnesota Cannabis Advisory Council and other news regarding cannabis policy in the state, visit https://cannabis.mn.gov/.
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