The Dime

Florida and New York are massive markets — but they’re still early. Everyone’s fighting for attention, trust, and long-term positioning.So how did The Flowery rise to the top and become the go-to partner for the industry’s premier brands?710 Labs. Wizard Trees. Preferred Gardens. Doja Pak the list goes on.These brands are some of the most sought-after names in the entire cannabis industry.They drive traffic into the store, signal trust with customers, and are built on quality and brand recognition.This week we sit down with Ilya Shmidt, of The Flowery, to uncover how his team became the trusted home for the most influential names in cannabis — and how they're scaling that same trust across Florida and New York.In this episode, we dive into:How The Flowery earned partnerships with the industry’s top-tier brandsThe systems behind scaling quality and consistency at retailWhy New York’s market share shifted fast — and what’s next in FloridaChapters00:00 Introduction to Flowery and Ilya Schmidt01:07 Ilya's Journey into the Cannabis Industry02:41 Building Brand Partnerships in Cannabis05:07 The Vetting Process for Brand Collaborations06:01 Vertical Integration in Cannabis Production10:30 Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing Among Brands12:51 Creating Unique Cultivars and Market Disruption13:06 Learning from Other Industries14:59 Balancing Brand Visibility and Shelf Space18:05 Expanding into New Markets like New York22:54 Navigating the Cannabis Market in New York29:42 The Importance of Education in Cannabis35:00 Emerging Brands and Market Trends39:01 Lessons Learned in the Cannabis Industry00:00 Introduction to Flowery and Ilya Schmidt01:07 Ilya's Journey into the Cannabis Industry02:41 Building Brand Partnerships in Cannabis05:07 The Vetting Process for Brand Collaborations06:01 Vertical Integration in Cannabis Production10:30 Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing Among Brands12:51 Creating Unique Cultivars and Market Disruption13:06 Learning from Other Industries14:59 Balancing Brand Visibility and Shelf Space18:05 Expanding into New Markets like New York22:54 Navigating the Cannabis Market in New York29:42 The Importance of Education in Cannabis35:00 Emerging Brands and Market Trends39:01 Lessons Learned in the Cannabis IndustryGuest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyashmidt/https://theflowery.co/https://www.instagram.com/floweryflorida/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-floweryco?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-companyhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEhtokhIFa7UFWeSQqtR3XgOur LinksBryan 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 has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime

Big Tobacco knows cigarettes are dead.They’re sitting on cash, looking for growth — and cannabis is the obvious move.They’re no longer silently watching from the sidelines. They’re investing, expanding — some through public acquisitions, others through quieter plays. But one thing is clear: it’s no secret anymore. Big Tobacco is here, leveraging its resources to capture market share quickly, while cannabis companies continue to struggle.And on the other side of the coin? The global unlock continues.With U.S. operators mostly stuck within national borders, Canadian companies are finally getting the green light to activate dormant facilities and feed growing EU demand. Companies like Curaleaf are thriving in the international arena — and it’s just getting started.This week, we sit down with global cannabis strategist Deepak Anand to break down:Tobacco’s positioning — and what they’re likely eyeing nextWhich U.S. companies Deepak expects to head overseasWhich international markets are heating up nextChapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Landscape03:05 Deepak's Journey into Cannabis Consulting06:11 Understanding CPG Companies' Entry into Cannabis08:58 Market Dynamics and Regulatory Challenges11:48 Consolidation Trends in the Cannabis Industry15:09 The Booming German Cannabis Market18:06 International Expansion and MSO Strategies21:02 Future Outlook for Cannabis Companies26:23 Emerging Opportunities in the Australian Cannabis Market29:12 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in International Markets30:51 The Evolving Landscape of Recreational Cannabis34:05 Strategic Moves by Tobacco Companies in Cannabis36:35 Crafting Tailored Strategies for Cannabis Clients40:00 International Perspectives on U.S. Cannabis Policies42:26 Insights from the GCRS Event in Washington, DCGuest Links:https://x.com/_deepakanandhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ananddeepaks/About Deepak Anand Advisory Board Member at CB Company, MJBiz, Lift Events & Experiences, ASTM International, Cannabinoid Research & Development Global (CRDG) Network; Cannabis Industry Management Advisor at ASDA Consultancy Services; Vice Chairman Of The Board at Medical Cannabis Canada; Strategic Advisor at CanMar; Adjunct Instructor at Osgoode Professional DevelopmentOur 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 has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime

Specialization is coming — and surviving will mean doing one thing better than anyone else.But that’s only the beginning. Getting there takes a relentless growth mindset: an obsession with stacking small operational wins — data, tech, genetics, process — to create massive separation over time.Extraction isn’t simple. And in a world of margin compression, “this is how we’ve always done it” won’t cut it.Micah shares how applying best-in-class manufacturing principles has helped LEEF reach elite levels of efficiency — and how just a 1–2% gain in yield can unlock millions in  value. He also shares how they’re continuing to push the envelope to stay ahead.This week we sit down with Micah Anderson to discuss:What it takes to earn trust from the world’s biggest brandsWhy world-class manufacturing technologies is massive edgeExpansion plans in NY and what’s next for “the farm”Chapters00:00 Introduction to Micah Anderson and Leaf Brands02:49 Journey into the Cannabis Industry05:51 The Focus on Extraction09:02 Challenges and Lessons Learned11:49 Data-Driven Decision Making14:52 Procurement and Supply Chain Dynamics18:03 Extraction Modalities and Client Collaboration20:58 Investment in Cultivation and Expansion Plans24:11 Strategic Moves into New Markets27:13 Navigating Market Challenges and Future Outlook36:35 Navigating New Markets: The New York Strategy41:13 Operational Challenges: Training and Culture in Expansion44:44 Bitcoin: A New Asset Class for Cannabis Companies52:40 Understanding Monetary Policy: Recommended Reads57:36 Fixing the California Cannabis Market: Tax Reforms About LEEF Brands: LEEF Brands' vision is to become the largest vertically integrated extraction company in the world. Follow our journey here. CSE: $LEEF OTC: $LEEEFGuest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/company/leef-brands-inc/https://x.com/micah_A_leefhttps://leefbrands.com/https://x.com/LeefBrandshttps://www.instagram.com/leefbrands/https://www.youtube.com/@LEEF_Brandshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/leef-brands-inc/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 has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime

You produced the product.They said they needed terms — “as soon as it sells, we’ll pay.”But the days kept going by… and nothing came in.In cannabis, collections are brutally difficult. With limited banking and tight cash flow, cash is king. So how do you know who’s trustworthy? Who’s a repeat offender? And where do you even go to collect?Sadly, this scenario is far too common — and it’s crushing the industry.This week we sit down with Brett Gelfand, founder of CannaBIZ Collects and the Cannabis Credit Association, to explore:How to protect your business before extending net termsWhat to do when customers ghost you on paymentHow big of an issue is this, really? Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/company/cannabiz-collects/https://x.com/cannabizcollecthttps://www.instagram.com/cannabiz.collects/https://www.cannabizcollects.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/cannabizcredit/https://www.instagram.com/cannabizcredit/https://www.cannabizcredit.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry Challenges03:09 Brett Gelfand's Journey into Cannabis05:59 The Importance of Credit Policies in Cannabis09:11 Proactive Approaches to Collections12:12 Building a Credit Association for Cannabis14:47 Data Aggregation and Industry Insights18:01 Navigating Legal and Ethical Challenges20:52 Market Trends and Future Outlook24:30 Understanding the Cannabis Industry's Financial Challenges32:03 Navigating the Debt Collection Process39:00 The Unique Aspects of Cannabis Collections43:53 The Current State of Cannabis Debt and Collections 

It’s not about planting flags anymore. It’s about profitability.As the cannabis industry shifts from rapid growth at all costs to operational precision, hard decisions are being made.Which assets are sized properly? Where can we build a well-rounded, potentially profitable business given the realities of today’s market? And how do we make the right calls for our teams while positioning for the world we’re actually in—not the one we hoped for?Ayr Wellness is deep into this approach, actively sizing its business for today’s environmentThis week we sit down with George DeNardo, President of Ayr Wellness, to discuss how Ayr is redefining success in cannabis:The shift from expansion to optimization: why less is moreData-driven decisions and automation tools Ayr is betting onWhy Ayr is still growing in Florida—and not waiting on the feds Chapters00:00 Introduction to George DiNardo and AYR Wellness03:05 Transitioning to President of AYR Wellness05:55 Operational Efficiency and Integration Challenges09:05 Data-Driven Decision Making in Cannabis11:57 Technology Adoption and Automation in Cannabis14:52 Balancing Investment in Technology and Operational Needs18:01 Facility Consolidation and Strategic Growth20:56 Future Plans for Expansion in Florida23:58 Navigating Florida's Cannabis Market Dynamics26:11 Quality Control and Brand Strategy in Cannabis28:16 Data Management and Crop Planning Efficiency30:35 The Importance of Internal Communication and Reporting33:10 Operational Challenges and Market Adaptation36:30 Leadership and Team Engagement in Cannabis38:31 Advice for New Entrepreneurs in the Cannabis Space40:45 The Value of Time Over Material Gifts42:43 Future Outlook for the Cannabis IndustryGuest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgedenardo/http://www.ayrwellness.comhttps://x.com/AyrWellnesshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ayr-wellness-inc/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 has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime

While it feels like progress isn’t happening — and that may be true at the federal level — inside the industry, it’s a completely different story.The financial model you built, the regulatory category you operate in, the market dynamics, the consumer behavior — every one of those variables is in motion. Constantly evolving. And new competitors are entering, disrupting your playbook from every angle.Reality is, the shakeout isn’t ending anytime soon. This industry is not for the faint of heart.The one thing that doesn’t lie? Data.Ground yourself in it. Use it to make decisions — the hard decisions. Because if you don’t, eventually the market will make them for you.Yes, it’s insanely difficult right now.But that’s par for the course in a billion-dollar startup industry with a constantly shifting foundation.This week we sit down with Annarae Grabstein to discuss the following:Why most cannabis financial models were doomed from the startThe THC beverage boom and what it reveals about consumer demandGo Wide vs. Go Deep: A strategy framework to actually survive this market Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry and Guest Background03:02 Consumer-Centric Market Dynamics06:08 Navigating Regulatory Challenges08:52 The Intersection of Hemp and Cannabis11:55 Market Realities and Strategic Adaptation15:00 The Role of Data in Cannabis Operations17:59 Growth of Cannabinoid Consumption21:04 Future of Regulation and Market Access28:08 Defining Objectives for Market Success29:31 Deep vs. Wide Market Strategies32:14 Understanding Market Dynamics and Customer Relationships35:36 The Role of Technology in Cannabis39:32 Balancing Investment in Technology42:28 Integrating Data into Business Practices44:05 Future Trends in the Cannabis Industry46:45 Qualitative Due Diligence in Investment DecisionsGuest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annarae/Instagram (@annarae_g)AnnaRae Grabstein (@annarae_g) on Xhttps://wolf-meyer.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolf-meyer/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 has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime

Can cannabis be the key to lowering healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes?Impossible, right?Think again.Leafwell has analyzed millions of data points and uncovered staggering, undeniable results—cannabis patients experience fewer ER visits, reduced prescription drug use, and better health outcomes compared to non-users. These findings aren’t just groundbreaking—they’re a wake-up call.This is just the beginning of unlocking the true potential of plant medicine, and with further research, education, and access, millions more could benefit.This week, we sit down with Emily Fisher & Dr. June Chin of Leafwell to discuss:The shocking data proving cannabis' impact on healthcareHow employers are integrating cannabis into their benefitsHow insurance coverage could change the future of medical cannabisGuest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-arida/Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card Online - LeafwellInstagram (@leafwell_official)https://x.com/LeafwellLeafwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/leafwellofficial/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 has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime

“It’s this crazy melody of things constantly happening, and you need an incredible degree of grit and fortitude. Even the best-prepared individuals with meticulous plans have to throw them up in the air like confetti. It’s an intangible feeling—until you get into it, you really don’t know.”This quote from Christina Betancourt Johnson perfectly captures the cannabis industry—where relentless highs and lows force constant adaptation. The question is: are we just treading water, or pushing forward to something greater?This week, we sit down with Christina Betancourt Johnson, CEO of Standard Wellness Maryland, to discuss:How even the best-laid plans evolve in cannabis.The balance between compliance, funding, and long-term growth.The mindset and strategies needed to thrive in an unpredictable industry. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Journey02:55 Transitioning into the Cannabis Industry05:52 Navigating the Application Process09:03 Understanding the Dichotomy of Cannabis Business11:50 The Importance of Vertical Integration15:11 Challenges of Operationalizing a Cannabis Business18:01 Managing Stakeholder Expectations20:49 Resilience and Adaptability in Cannabis26:31 Navigating the Cannabis Landscape30:49 Challenges of Social Equity in Cannabis33:37 The Importance of Agility in Leadership36:50 Engaging in the Legislative Process39:42 Empowering Communities Through Education43:54 Future Trends in the Cannabis Industry48:09 Lessons from Experience Guest Links https://www.standardwellness.com/https://www.instagram.com/standardwellnesscompany/https://www.linkedin.com/company/standard-wellness-company/https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinabjohnson/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 has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime

Want to know what a company really values? Look at where they spend their money.In cannabis, where cash is a rare commodity, Jetty Extracts is choosing to invest in:Thousands of dollars each month in additional third-party testing that isn’t requiredOCal-certified cannabis, the cleanest on the marketMost companies can’t even consider this level of investment. Jetty does it because they’ve spent over a decade building a brand on quality.As the industry shifts toward clean products, organic certification, and transparency, Jetty is making a conscious choice to lead, not follow.This isn’t just compliance—it’s a brand separator. And that’s what makes them different.This week we sit down with Ron Gershoni Co Founder Jetty Extracts to discuss the followingWhy solventless extraction is the future.Why OCal certification is a game-changer.How Jetty built a brand on quality and consistencyChapters00:00 Introduction to Jetty Extracts and Ron Grishoni02:39 Ron’s Journey into the Cannabis Industry10:24 Building Jetty Extracts: Early Challenges and Growth15:14 Scaling and Expanding Jetty Extracts21:19 The Importance of Consistency in Cannabis Products35:57 The Shift Towards Clean Cannabis43:10 Future of Jetty Extracts and Industry InsightsGuest Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-gershoni-1ba1271/https://jettyextracts.com/https://www.instagram.com/jettyextracts/https://x.com/jettyextractsOur 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 has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime

Cannabis started as a movement, not just a business. But as legalization expanded, the industry found itself caught between profit and purpose, struggling under massive overregulation and taxation. So how do we get back on track?For over 11 years, Luna Stower has been on the front lines—fighting for safe access, patient rights, and the end of prohibition. While many have lost steam, her relentless passion and advocacy have never wavered. She has worked to bridge the gap between activism and industry, ensuring that cannabis remains accessible, ethical, and true to its roots.This week, we sit down with Luna Stower to discuss:The real challenges of legalization and what’s holding progress backWhy patient access must come firstHow small actions can create big change in the industryChapters00:00 Introduction to Luna Stower and Cannabis Roots03:31 Optimism vs. Reality in Cannabis08:43 Activism and Advocacy in Cannabis Legislation12:56 Navigating Cannabis Conversations in Society14:43 The Unique Classification of Cannabis17:57 The Conspiracy Against Cannabis20:14 The Role of Activism in Cannabis Legislation22:29 Cannabis as a Catalyst for Broader Social Change23:24 The Importance of Speaking Up24:24 Descheduling Cannabis: A Call to Action25:33 The Prison Industrial Complex and Cannabis26:57 Economic Impact of Cannabis Legalization28:52 Racism and Cannabis: A Lens on Society29:11 Challenges Facing the Cannabis Industry30:37 Vaping Safety and Regulation32:53 Patient Access and Rights34:08 Long-term Safety of Vaping38:22 Global Cannabis Perspectives42:01 Consumption Lounges: A New Experience43:55 Activism and Community EngagementGuest Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/lunastower/https://www.lunastower.com/https://www.instagram.com/luna_stowerhttps://x.com/lunastowerhttps://www.instagram.com/getispire/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 has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime