LANSING, Mich., Sept. 15, 2022 – PRESS RELEASE – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Brian Hanna as acting executive director of the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA). Effective Sept. 19, Hanna will join the CRA, bringing extensive experience to fill this vital role within the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration.
“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. “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.”
Hanna’s
previous service in the Marijuana Regulatory Agency, now CRA, under former
Executive Director Andrew Brisbo will ensure he continues the mission and
ongoing work of the agency. Hanna 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 MSP and as a deputy sheriff for Kalamazoo County.
He also
served as a captain in the United States Army Reserve with a combat deployment
to Afghanistan from 2010-2011. Hanna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal
Justice from Western Michigan University and an associate degree in law
enforcement from Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
“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 Gov. Whitmer
has appointed me to lead this important agency and look forward to getting to
work.”
Michigan
state officials will conduct a nationwide search to select a permanent
executive director for the CRA.
