Maren Schroeder is a paralegal turned public policy specialist with more than a decade of experience advancing compassionate, evidence-based drug policy in Minnesota. A native and current dweller of small-town southeastern Minnesota, she has spent her career at the intersection of public affairs, regulatory work, and community advocacy, with a heavy emphasis on digital engagement.

Maren has held key leadership positions in Minnesota’s cannabis policy movement dating back to the formation of Sensible Minnesota, and later serving as Policy Director for Sensible Change Minnesota and Coalition Director for MN is Ready, where she led stakeholder engagement and contributed to policy development for Minnesota’s 2023 adult-use legalization law. She also played a supporting role in 2023 legislation establishing the Psychedelic Medicine Task Force, helping advance thoughtful, research-informed approaches to emerging psychedelic policy.

In addition to her advocacy work, Maren serves as the Managing Principal and Director of Advocacy & Public Affairs at Blunt Strategies, where she leads policy development, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications for clients working in regulated markets. Her broader policy career includes extensive contributions to access-to-justice reform, serving on multiple committees for Minnesota’s Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project, representing paralegal interests at the state and national levels, and leading major initiatives for the Minnesota Paralegal Association and National Federation of Paralegal Associations in advocacy-related roles.

Maren’s commitment to community extends beyond public policy. She has served on the Stewartville Planning & Zoning Commission since 2013, volunteers as a civil and family mediator, and is a board member with Mediation and Conflict Solutions in Rochester. Her work has been recognized with several awards, including the NFPA Justice Champion Award, the Minnesota Cannabis Culture Award for Medical Cannabis Advocacy, and Outstanding Paralegal of the Year from the Minnesota Paralegal Association.

At the Psychedelic Access Project, Maren brings her regulatory expertise, nonprofit leadership experience, and long-standing commitment to evidence-based reform to help guide the organization’s strategic direction as Minnesota explores the future of psychedelic care.