The Dime

Building something that lasts takes more than money — it takes self-belief, grit, and the willingness to keep pushing forward when easier options present themselves.Putting your name on it only adds to the weight — and the responsibility — to make it work.As with anything worth doing, there are difficult moments along the journey that demand a leap of faith.If you want to be different, you have to be willing to swim against the current — to stand out long enough for customers to find their fit.Daniel LaRusso was that choice for Chris Ball. A nod to his movie-buff personality, the name sent a subtle but direct message to his audience about grit, discipline, and staying true to the craft.These decisions are easy to reflect on now, but the journey was anything but simple.This week we sit down with Chris Ball, Founder of Ball Family Farms, to discuss:The journey from origin to now — and the critical decisions that shaped itHow he’s constantly tinkering forward to stay aheadThe Rare Breed mentorship program and its impact on the next generation of growersSummaryIn this episode, Chris Ball, CEO of Ball Family Farms, shares his journey from the legacy cannabis market to establishing a successful legal cannabis business. He discusses the importance of family in building his brand, the challenges of navigating the cannabis industry, and the significance of quality over quantity in product development. Chris also highlights the role of mentorship through his Rare Breed program, which aims to nurture new talent in the cannabis space. He emphasizes the need for innovation while maintaining a connection to the community and culture of cannabis. The conversation concludes with insights into the realities of being a CEO in the cannabis industry and the importance of resilience and adaptability.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chris Ball and His Journey03:05 The Birth of Ball Family Farms05:58 Building the Family Business09:01 Branding and Marketing Strategies11:55 The Power of Unique Strain Names15:12 Recognizing Success and Growth17:53 Expanding the Strain Lineup21:00 Navigating Challenges and Decisions24:00 Trusting the Process and Team26:48 Collaboration with Hood Baby28:09 Lessons from the COVID Crash29:37 Building a Stronger Team31:34 Recognizing Talent in the Industry33:52 The Importance of Mentorship37:31 Balancing Innovation and Tradition46:32 The Rare Breed Program: Nurturing New TalentGuest Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/chrisball45/?hl=enhttps://x.com/BallFamilyFrmshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ball-family-farms/https://www.ballfamilyfarms.com/https://www.instagram.com/ballfamilyfarmsOur LinksBryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

California wants to ban hemp. Texas is protecting it. Spritz and Big Alcohol are lobbying to crush it.The enemy of my enemy is my friend? Not in the cannabinoid space.The hemp industry stands at a crossroads. With federal clarity still missing, states pulling in opposite directions, and Big Alcohol leaning on lawmakers, billions are at stake in hemp’s next chapter.This week we sit down with Jim Higdon, Co-Founder of Cornbread Hemp, to unpack it allThe bipartisan letter signed by 27 members of Congress to protect hempWhy Gavin Newsom’s winery ties matter in the hemp beverage fightHow Big Alcohol is lobbying to crush hemp — and what comes next for a one-plant solution Chapters00:00 Introduction and Current State of the Hemp Industry03:04 Bipartisan Support and Legislative Challenges05:46 The Path to a One Plant Solution08:54 California's Unique Position in the Hemp Debate11:57 The Impact of Alcohol Industry on Hemp Legislation14:57 The Future of Hemp and Spirits Collaboration26:03 Navigating Legislative Challenges in California32:30 The Complex Landscape of Cannabis Regulations35:25 Texas: A State in Legislative Limbo39:01 Rescheduling Cannabis: Implications for the Industry42:15 Innovative Partnerships: Normalizing Cannabis in SportsSummaryIn this conversation, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney engage with Jim Hagan to discuss the current state of the hemp industry, focusing on legislative challenges, bipartisan support, and the path towards a unified cannabis solution. They explore the unique regulatory landscape in California, the impact of the alcohol industry on hemp legislation, and the ongoing developments in Texas. The discussion also touches on the implications of cannabis rescheduling and innovative marketing strategies, including sponsorships in sports, to normalize hemp products.Guest Links:https://www.cornbreadhemp.com/https://hempsupporter.com/team/jim-higdon/https://x.com/jimhigdonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshigdon/Our Links Bryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterAt Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you were given some of the worst news in the world, wouldn’t you expect your doctors to use every tool available?What if one of those tools could save millions of lives—and the science is already here?The world’s largest medical cannabis and cancer study—10,000 papers, ranked in the top 5% globally—shows overwhelming evidence that cannabis has medical benefits. If fully embraced, its impact on patients and medicine could be transformative. As science continues to unfold, sometimes it takes skeptics to dive deep and uncover what’s truly there, even when powerful interests push back.This week we sit down with Ryan Castle, Research Director at Whole Health Oncology Institute, to discuss:Medical cannabis: efficacy, placebo, and why it matters less than you thinkHow this study is being used in rescheduling effortsHow vested interests fuel anti-cannabis researchChapters00:00 Introduction to Medical Cannabis Research03:06 Ryan Castle's Journey into Cannabis Research05:58 The Meta-Analysis Process Explained09:00 Understanding the Data and Its Implications11:54 Skepticism and the Shift in Perspective15:01 Consensus in Medical Cannabis Research18:04 Nuances in Cancer Treatment and Cannabis20:55 Biomarkers and Inflammatory Responses22:56 Exploring Cannabis and Cancer Outcomes29:37 Bridging the Gap: Patient-Reported Outcomes35:32 The Future of Medical Cannabis Research45:34 The Cancer Playbook: Empowering Patients SummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney engage with Ryan Castle, Research Director at Whole Health Oncology Institute, to explore the evolving landscape of medical cannabis research. Ryan shares his journey from skepticism to advocacy, detailing the extensive meta-analysis he conducted on the efficacy of cannabis in treating various symptoms and conditions, particularly in oncology. The conversation delves into the challenges of measuring effectiveness, the importance of patient-reported outcomes, and the need for a shift in medical perspectives towards cannabis as a legitimate treatment option. Ryan emphasizes the potential impact of policy changes and the importance of transparency in research, while also discussing the Cancer Playbook initiative aimed at empowering patients with data-driven insights. TakeawaysRyan Castle initially set out to prove that cannabis doesn't work.His extensive research revealed that cannabis is effective for a wide range of conditions.The meta-analysis included over 10,000 studies and 800,000 data points.Cannabis showed efficacy not just for symptoms but also for cancer treatment.Patient-reported outcomes are crucial for understanding cannabis effectiveness.The study found that cannabis can help reduce opioid dependency.There is a significant need for a shift in medical perspectives on cannabis.Transparency in research is essential for building trust in findings.The health impact assessment could reveal the broader benefits of cannabis.The Cancer Playbook initiative aims to empower patients with data-driven insights.Guest Linkshttps://wholehealthoncologyinstitute.com/Our LinksBryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cannabis is chaotic by design. Vertical integration forces operators to run six or seven businesses at once — then replicate that model across states with different regulations, all without economies of scale. It’s no wonder the industry feels messy.The bigger problem? Too many companies are chasing the wrong metrics and ignoring the lessons other industries already learned.This week we sit down with Mitchell Osak — a veteran strategist across pharma, CPG, financial services, and cannabis — to unpack the hard truths and strategy lessons MSOs can’t afford to miss.In this episode we cover:• The wrong metrics driving cannabis off course — and which ones Mitch would track instead• Why TAM slides are the biggest lie in cannabis strategy•  Which playbooks cannabis should borrow from pharma, wine, and techSummary:In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney engage with Mitch Osak, a seasoned consultant in the cannabis industry. They explore Mitch's journey into cannabis consulting, the importance of strategic planning, and the challenges of standardization in the market. The conversation delves into the differences between large operators and middle market firms, the significance of understanding metrics, and the need for innovation. Mitch emphasizes the importance of learning from other industries, the role of AI, and the necessity for scenario planning in navigating the evolving landscape of cannabis. The episode concludes with insights on the future of the industry and the importance of external consultation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry and Its Challenges04:01 Strategic Planning in Cannabis: A Holistic Approach06:01 Bridging the Gap: Cultivators vs. Financial Stakeholders09:46 Market Dynamics: The Rise of Middle Market Firms12:08 The Importance of Strategic Focus in Cannabis14:01 Understanding Quality and Consumer Insights18:10 The Role of Data and Metrics in Cannabis Business22:12 Cost Management vs. Quality Improvement25:50 Learning from Other Industries: Wine, Fashion, and Tech30:11 Future Opportunities in the Global Cannabis Market31:56 Navigating Regulatory Challenges and International Expansion33:04 The Importance of External Perspectives in Business Strategy35:32 Understanding Market Dynamics and Total Addressable Market (TAM)36:24 Opportunities in Distressed Assets and Market Entry39:10 Evaluating Acquisition Strategies and Asset Valuation41:27 The Complexity of Due Diligence in Cannabis Investments44:37 Scenario Planning for Future Industry Changes47:10 The Role of AI in Strategic Decision-Making51:25 Data as the Foundation for AI Success53:01 Preparing for Industry Consolidation and Survival Strategies TakeawaysMitch Osak has extensive experience in consulting across various industries, including cannabis.Strategic planning in cannabis requires a holistic approach, considering multiple factors.There is a disconnect between cultivators and investors in the cannabis industry.Standardization in the cannabis market is essential for growth and consistency.Middle market firms are gaining market share from larger operators due to strategic focus.Quality improvement should take precedence over merely cutting costs.External consultation can provide valuable insights for cannabis companies.Data and metrics are crucial for making informed decisions in the cannabis industry.AI can be a powerful tool, but it requires quality data to be effective.The cannabis industry must learn from other sectors to navigate its challenges.  Guest Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchellosak/https://mitchellosak.substack.com/https://x.com/MitchellOsak Our LinksBryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

THC is an ingredient.Cannabinoids will be treated like standardized inputs across pharma, licensed cannabis, and hemp—and the future winners are hedging until there’s clarity.What got you here won’t get you there. The next phase needs a new playbook: ops tweaks aren’t enough; strategy has to change.Near term, expect Schedule III to unlock e-pharmacy distribution and centralized GMP manufacturing, while tobacco pushes device rules, alcohol shapes low-dose beverage norms, and hemp keeps expanding.This chaotic industry is about to get even crazier.This week we sit down with Zach Edge to discussTHC as a moleculeIntersection of pharma, hemp, and licensed cannabis:Schedule III breakdown: e-pharmacies, centralized GMP Chapters00:00 Introduction to Zach Edge and His Journey03:11 The Changing Landscape of THC Commercialization07:45 Hedge Strategies in Cannabis and Hemp14:28 Regulatory Challenges and Future Outlook20:02 The Role of Science in Cannabinoid Production36:11 Innovations in Cannabinoid Purification45:20 Final Thoughts and Future QuestionsSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney engage with Zach Edge, a seasoned expert in the cannabis and hemp industries. Zach shares his journey into the cannabis space, highlighting the evolution of THC commercialization and the impact of regulation on the industry. He discusses the importance of a hedge strategy for businesses operating in multiple verticals, the challenges posed by varying state regulations, and the role of science in cannabinoid production and purification. The conversation also touches on the future of the industry, including potential growth in the hemp sector and the need for regulatory clarity.Guest Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-edge/https://www.zachedge.com/Our LinksBryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

$8 billion in products hit shelves each year with True Terpenes inside. The real edge? Turning sensory science—backed by data—into products that connect and fill clear gaps in the market.We break down what cannabis can borrow from wine (shared language, guided discovery), where that analogy stops, and why toxicology and standards are the new trust layer.Plus: how to transform the consumer experience, educate at scale, and move beyond THC% and indica/sativa as guideposts—especially as regions and genetics evolve.This week we sit down with Dan Cook, CEO of True Terpenes, to discuss:Sensory > THC: using shared language (and data) to build products people can feelFrom grape to gas: wine’s aroma-wheel lessons for cannabis guidanceBuilt to last: audits, toxicology, and disciplined expansion Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Daniel Cook and True Terpenes02:53 Daniel's Journey into the Cannabis Industry06:01 Navigating Volatility in the Cannabis Market08:59 True Terpenes: Size and Clientele12:03 Formulation Process and Client Collaboration15:10 Sensory Science and Market Trends18:00 Standardizing Sensory Language in Cannabis21:11 The Importance of Data in Cannabis Formulation23:47 Future Directions for Cannabis Education28:06 Aligning Sensory Markers for Enjoyment30:04 Strain Variability and Consumer Expectations32:49 The Importance of Storytelling in Cannabis36:14 The Future of Cannabis: Regional Influences37:51 Exploring Therapeutic Claims and Research40:25 Navigating International Regulations42:51 Innovations Beyond Cannabis45:16 Challenges and Lessons in Rapid Growth49:55 Literature's Impact on Storytelling51:10 Toxicology and Product SafetySummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney interview Daniel Cook, CEO of True Turpenes, who shares his journey from literature to the cannabis industry. They discuss the importance of sensory science in cannabis products, the challenges of navigating the volatile cannabis market, and the need for consumer education and standardization in sensory language. Daniel emphasizes the significance of THC as one of many compounds that contribute to the cannabis experience and highlights True Turpenes' commitment to safety and innovation in flavor applications. The conversation also touches on the company's growth, lessons learned, and future aspirations in both the cannabis and beverage industries.About True Terpenes :As a next-generation flavor house with an innovative terpene solutions platform, we create incredible sensory experiences under the industry's highest safety standards. We are creators, scientists, and outside-the-box thinkers. We champion the terpene kingdom with science-based research and leverage sensory analysis to create flavors and aromas that are true to experience.Guest Links https://www.linkedin.com/company/trueterpenes/https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-a%C3%B1orga-cook-10b91655/https://www.instagram.com/trueterpenes/?hl=enBryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if keeping the room a little too dry is killing your plants?Humidity—and the HVAC that controls it—drives plant health, but air isn’t uniform across the room. The fix isn’t more AC; it’s dialing VPD so humidity, lights, airflow, and irrigation work together. Get it wrong and you lose yield and fail tests; get it right and buds stay sticky, healthy, and consistent.This week we sit down with Dr. Greenhouse (aka Nadia Sabeh) to discuss:Dry ≠ safe: why extra-dry rooms can actually spread powdery mildewMeasure where it matters: a simple toolkit and method at the canopyDesign for airflow: room shapes and layouts that keep climate evenSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney welcome Nadia Sabeh, also known as Dr. Greenhouse, to discuss the intricacies of cannabis cultivation, focusing on HVAC systems, climate control, and the importance of data monitoring. Nadia shares her journey into the cannabis space, her expertise in controlled environment agriculture, and the challenges growers face in maintaining optimal conditions for their crops. The conversation delves into root cause analysis, the significance of understanding plant needs, and the necessity of proper data collection to improve cultivation practices. Nadia emphasizes the importance of customizing environments for different strains and the impact of room geometry on airflow dynamics. She also highlights essential tools for growers and offers final takeaways for improving cultivation practices. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Greenhouse and Nadia Sabeh04:46 Understanding Root Cause Analysis in Cannabis Cultivation10:54 The Importance of Data Collection and Monitoring18:04 Troubleshooting HVAC Systems in Cultivation Facilities24:19 Customization of Environment for Different Strains30:41 Room Geometry and Airflow Dynamics40:27 Essential Tools for Growers50:41 Final Takeaways and Future Tools for GrowersGuest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-sabeh-phd-pe-leed-ap-45656315/https://www.doctorgreenhouse.com/https://www.youtube.com/@drgreenhouseinchttps://www.linkedin.com/company/doctor-greenhouse/https://www.instagram.com/drgreenhouseincOur LinksBryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the smartest growth move is cutting—on purpose?Turnarounds aren’t financial stories—they’re operational ones.Growth-at-all-costs is out. The new playbook: prune non-core assets, concentrate resources in high-return states, and speed the path from cultivation to checkout.This week we sit down with Richie Proud, CEO of iAnthus, to discuss:Brand strategy: MPX & Cheetah — complementary roles that travel and drive velocityArizona sale → core growth — why pruning unlocked focus in FL/NYWednesdays in Florida — weekly drops as a repeat-traffic engine Chapters00:00 Introduction to IANTHUS and Richie Proud02:23 Richie's Journey to Cannabis Leadership05:54 Navigating the Complexities of IANTHUS09:40 Strategic Decisions: Divesting from Arizona11:27 Identifying Key Markets for Growth14:28 Building Relationships in the Cannabis Industry18:03 Operational Challenges and KPIs22:13 Understanding Consumer Differences Across States23:51 The Cheetah Brand Acquisition26:54 Integrating New Brands and Operations32:37 Creating a Unique Retail Experience36:08 Learning from the Fashion Industry39:55 Balancing Speed and Quality in Product Development45:22 Leveraging AI for Real-Time Insights47:22 Lessons Learned in Operations51:33 Building a Super Friend Network52:27 Connecting with Consumers and CommunitySummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney sit down with Richie Proud, CEO of IANTHUS, to discuss his unique journey from the fashion industry to leading a cannabis company. Richie shares insights into the complexities of operating across multiple states, the importance of building relationships in the cannabis industry, and the strategic decisions that have shaped IANTHUS's growth. He emphasizes the need for operational excellence, understanding consumer behavior, and the role of AI in enhancing business decisions. The conversation also touches on the significance of creating a unique retail experience and the lessons learned from past operational challenges.Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richie-proud/https://www.ianthus.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ianthus-capital-management/https://x.com/ianthuscapitalOur Links:Bryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterNewton Insights: For extraction teams, everything changes when you can finally see what’s happening in real time.At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most cannabis facilities fail before the first wall goes up.Most assume it’s because of money — but they’re wrong.It’s because no one asked the right questions.The question you need to ask now is:Where should we be looking to set ourselves up for long-term success?Asking the right questions is critical — because decisions made for today can become death warrants tomorrow. Knowing where to look (and what to avoid) can be a game-changer.This week, we sit down with David Fettner, Managing Partner at Grow America Builders, to expose the hidden pitfalls that derail cannabis facility projects before they even begin.From chaotic planning to compliance nightmares to overinvesting in the wrong upgrades, we break down the most expensive — and avoidable — mistakes in the game.In this episode, we cover:• The most common and costly mistakes operators make when building cannabis facilities• Where smart investments need to be made now — including AI, technology, and automation• What separates successful projects from the ones that go sidewaysChapters00:00 Introduction to David Fetner and Grow America Builders03:04 Transitioning to the Cannabis Industry06:08 Navigating Zoning and Construction Challenges09:01 Balancing Grower Preferences and Compliance12:03 Evaluating Properties and Site Selection14:59 Timing and Strategy for Engaging with Builders17:59 Upgrading Facilities for Compliance and Efficiency21:53 Incremental Upgrades in Cannabis Facilities24:08 Engineering for Regional Climate Challenges25:14 Self-Contained Climate Control in Grow Rooms27:01 The Role of Data and AI in Cultivation29:51 Proactive Pest and Disease Management with AI31:39 AI's Role in Climate Control and Efficiency33:01 Overcoming Resistance to Technology in Growing36:27 The Future of Sustainable Cannabis Growing38:16 Cost Challenges in Sustainable Practices40:21 Must-Have Facilities Features for Efficiency43:21 The Importance of Due Diligence in Facility Planning45:10 Common Mistakes in Cannabis Facility Management46:15 Understanding Budget Constraints for Successful ProjectsSummaryIn this conversation, David Fetner, managing partner of Grow America Builders, shares his journey into the cannabis industry, discussing the unique challenges of construction and zoning in this emerging field. He emphasizes the importance of early consultation, the role of technology and AI in cultivation, and the need for facility upgrades to meet compliance standards. David also highlights common mistakes made by teams and the significance of understanding budget constraints. The discussion concludes with insights into sustainability and the future of cannabis cultivation.Guest Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fettner-79a108148https://growamericabuilders.com/https://www.instagram.com/growamericabuildershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-america-builders-llc/Our LinksBryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every investment is just an ROI calculator.Automation feels risky—until you run the numbers.It doesn’t kill craftsmanship—it scales it.Growing your pre-roll category usually means balancing sales growth with hand-filling teams to maintain quality.But what if you could do both?What if you could leverage best-in-class automation to hit your numbers faster, cleaner, cheaper—without sacrificing quality?The truth?You don’t need 30 people rolling joints when 3 people and a machine can do it better.This week, we sit down with Shahar Yamay, CEO of Hefestus Technologies, to break it down.The ROI of Automation—and how to know if it actually makes senseBalancing scale, quality, and consistency in cannabis manufacturingWhy automation doesn’t replace jobs—it removes bottlenecks SummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney welcome Shahar Yamay, CEO of Festus Technologies, to discuss the evolution of automation in the cannabis industry. Shahar shares insights on the iterative design process, the importance of customer feedback, and the challenges faced in R&D. The conversation also covers the current state of automation, ROI considerations, and the integration of AI for quality control. Shahar emphasizes the need for open-mindedness in engineering and the importance of being a trusted partner in the industry. The episode concludes with a look at future innovations and how listeners can connect with Festus Technologies. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Festus Technologies and Shahar Yamay03:04 The Evolution of Cannabis Automation05:58 Iterative Design and Customer Feedback08:55 Challenges in Automation and R&D12:14 Integration with Cannabis and Hemp15:11 The State of Automation in the Cannabis Industry18:04 ROI and the Case for Automation21:06 Training and Implementation of Automated Systems23:55 Quality Control and AI in Automation27:02 Future Innovations and Industry Trends30:08 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationGuest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaharyamay/?originalSubdomain=ilhttps://www.hefestus-tech.com/https://www.instagram.com/hefestus_1https://www.linkedin.com/company/hefestus-ltd/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFYcTJousPQjjB6NsMFyBnAOur Links Bryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterNewton Insights: For extraction teams, everything changes when you can finally see what’s happening in real time.At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.