The Dime

Bryan Fields & Kellan Finney
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Sep 18, 2025 • 56min

Strategy Truths & Lies, Mature Industries Already Know ft. Mitchell Osak

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.
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Sep 11, 2025 • 43min

THC Is an Ingredient, Where Pharma, MSOs & Hemp Collide, ft. Zach Edge

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.
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Sep 5, 2025 • 52min

Sensory Science Unlocked, Beyond THC, Inside True Terpenes ft. Dan Cook

$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.
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Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 3min

Dr. Greenhouse: The #1 Mistake Killing Your Plants ft. Nadia Sabeh

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.
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Aug 21, 2025 • 55min

Richie Proud on the iAnthus Turnaround: Why Selling Arizona Fueled Core-Market Growth

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.
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Aug 14, 2025 • 50min

Secrets Behind Failed Cannabis Builds: Where Every Team Needs to Look Now ft. David Fettner

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.
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Aug 7, 2025 • 39min

The ROI of Pre-Roll Automation: Scaling Quality, Reducing Labor, and Hitting 20K+ a Day ft. Shahar Yamay

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.
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Jul 31, 2025 • 57min

Keep Your Eye on Ohio: Why California’s Failures Are Michigan’s Success, and the Global Cannabis Landscape ft. Hirsh Jain

What’s the real goal of a legal cannabis market?If it’s to replace the illicit market, create safe access, and drive tax revenue—then why is California, the world’s 4th largest economy, failing while Michigan is thriving?Despite California’s size and cultural dominance, cannabis sales are shrinking, cities are refusing to opt in, and the illicit market is flourishing.Meanwhile, Michigan is seeing record growth, robust retail access, and real tax benefits flowing back to local communities.So—who’s to blame?Is it the regulators? The lawmakers? The businesses?Or is the system itself fundamentally broken?This week, we bring back Hirsh Jain to break down:Why California’s cannabis model is failingHow Michigan’s success exposes the flaws of othersWhy Ohio is the political key to national cannabis reformThe rise of the global cannabis supply chain—and what it means for the U.S.Chapters00:00 California's Cannabis Crisis06:54 Regulatory Challenges and Solutions14:07 Comparing California and Michigan's Markets21:59 The Role of Federal Reform and Rescheduling28:45 Navigating Political Compromises in Cannabis Advocacy36:53 The Ohio Cannabis Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges46:05 Texas and Ohio: A Political Triangle in Cannabis Reform51:39 Future Predictions: The Next Year in Cannabis LegislationSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney engage with Hirsch Jain to discuss the current state of the cannabis industry, focusing on California's regulatory challenges, the comparison with Michigan's market, and the potential for federal reform. They explore the impact of state policies, the role of regulators, and the influence of international trends on the U.S. cannabis landscape. The conversation highlights the need for accountability and effective leadership in navigating the complexities of cannabis regulation.Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hirsh-jain/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ananda-strategy/https://www.anandastrategy.com/https://www.instagram.com/anandastrategy/https://x.com/anandastrategyOur 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.
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Jul 24, 2025 • 43min

The Cannabis Titanic: The Reset Ahead, Matt Karnes on What the Numbers Say

Debt is coming due — and we’re approaching a point of no return.At this stage, it’s not if there will be fallout — it’s who survives it.The surface-level view of the cannabis industry hides deep financial issues that only become clear when you dig into the numbers. And that’s exactly what Matt Karnes has been doing for years. From cash flow strain to 280E pressures and mounting debt, the industry is heading toward a critical reset.This week on The Dime, we sit down with Matt Karnes, founder of GreenWave Advisors, to unpack:The Titanic metaphor and which companies are heading for lifeboatsWhy a real reset is desperately needed — and what could trigger itThe numbers behind cash flow, 280E, and the coming debt cliffIf you're looking for signal through the noise, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry and Matt Karnes03:10 Matt Karnes' Journey and Background in Cannabis06:00 The Current State of the Cannabis Industry08:51 Understanding Financial Health in Cannabis Companies11:56 Debt Challenges and Market Dynamics15:09 Industry Reset and Future Outlook19:05 The Impact of Federal Regulations on Cannabis21:46 Positive Net Income and Investor Attraction23:35 The Role of Government in Cannabis Legislation28:22 International Movement and Rescheduling Challenges32:27 Interstate Commerce and State Regulations36:40 Federal Legalization and Market Dynamics39:10 Future of the Cannabis Industry: Optimism and ConsolidationSummary In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney engage with Matt Karnes, founder of GreenWave Advisors, to explore the current state and future of the cannabis industry. Matt shares his journey into the cannabis space, the financial health of cannabis companies, and the challenges they face, particularly regarding debt and federal reform. The conversation delves into the dynamics of the market, the potential for industry consolidation, and the optimism surrounding upcoming changes in legislation that could reshape the landscape of cannabis in the U.S. and beyond.Guest Links:https://www.greenwaveadvisors.com/https://x.com/GreenWaveMJhttps://www.instagram.com/greenwavemj/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-karnes-cpa-13653b7/Our Links Bryan 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.
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Jul 17, 2025 • 55min

Organigram’s Competitive Edge: Paolo De Luca on BAT, M&A Strategy, and the Cannabis Long Game

Built to last.That’s not just a slogan — it’s a strategy.In an industry driven by short-term survival, the cannabis space often feels like a rollercoaster. Financial pressures and market volatility push companies to chase quarters instead of building moats.But what if you could play the long game?What if you could invest in domain knowledge, develop key expertise, and build durable competitive advantages across the supply chain?Organigram is doing exactly that.With financial backing from British American Tobacco (BAT), Organigram is executing a strategy rooted in sustainability — not hype. It’s a deliberate, disciplined approach designed to capitalize on where the industry is going, not just where it is today.This week on The Dime, we sit down with Paolo De Luca, CSO of Organigram, to explore:BAT collaborative product developmentM&A strategy — and what they’re eyeing nextCompetitive advantage: where Organigram is building across cannabis verticals Chapters00:00 Introduction to Organigram and Paolo De Luca02:03 Organigram's Business Model and Market Position05:13 International Expansion and EUGMP Certification10:12 Navigating Market Dynamics and Data Challenges15:05 Learning from the US Cannabis Market18:11 Future Prospects and Strategic Focus Areas24:04 Integration of Acquisitions and Operational Synergies28:10 Integrating Expertise for Operational Efficiency30:16 Navigating the Relationship with BAT33:27 Leveraging Competitive Advantages in Cannabis39:12 Exploring AI in Cannabis Operations41:47 Innovations in Seed-Based Cultivation44:55 Cross-Industry Insights for Cannabis Efficiency50:01 The Path to a Stable Cannabis Market52:38 Lessons from Financial History53:38 Defining Long-Term Competitive Advantages  SummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney interview Paolo De Luca, Chief Strategy Officer of Organigram, discussing the company's strategic approach to building a sustainable cannabis business. They explore Organigram's market position, international expansion efforts, the importance of EUGMP certification, and the challenges of data transparency in the cannabis industry. Paolo shares insights on the rise of cannabis beverages, the significance of M&A strategies, and the innovative shift towards seed-based cultivation. The conversation also touches on the collaboration with BAT and the potential role of AI in cannabis operations, concluding with thoughts on the future of the cannabis market and the importance of long-term competitive advantages.Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolo-deluca/https://www.organigram.ca/https://x.com/Organigram_Inchttps://www.linkedin.com/company/organigram/Our Links Bryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterNewton Insights gives cannabis operators real-time visibility into extraction—track runs, reduce waste, and optimize in real time.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.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.

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