The Dime

Most cannabis operators are reactive—drowning in checklists, flooded with data, and still missing the point.Compliance gets all the attention, while real operational signals—like handling variability and shifting process conditions—lead to execution gaps and reactive decision-making.Extraction process optimization is tricky, but when the actual root cause is identified and solved, the returns can be astronomical—and compounding.The challenge? Aligning teams around meaningful data, not just required data.The unlock? It’s not about overhauling everything—it’s about starting small, watching closely, and making the process stronger one step at a time.This week we sit down with Murphy Murri to discuss:What most teams miss when they “optimize”Why compliant data ≠ operational clarityImmediate ways to improve cannabis manufacturingChapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry01:14 Murphy's Journey into Cannabis03:39 Current State of Cannabis Manufacturing07:58 Operational Efficiencies and KPIs10:44 Challenges of Industry Maturity13:30 Essential Data Points for Success19:25 The Importance of Moisture Control25:07 Data Utilization and Organizational Mindset28:07 Real-Time Data and Actionable Insights30:14 The Mindset of Compliance vs. Optimization31:58 Understanding Performance Metrics33:55 Data Collection and Operational Efficiency36:00 Leveraging Technology for Process Improvement37:56 The Importance of Accountability in Equipment Performance40:45 Identifying Weaknesses and Opportunities43:01 Reevaluating Processes for Better Outcomes51:28 Return on Investment in Process Optimization53:32 Consulting Services and Future OpportunitiesGuest Links:https://www.murphymurri.com/https://www.instagram.com/murphymurri/?hl=enhttps://x.com/murphymurrihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/murphymurri/ 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 Dime

What if we told you the future of cannabis looks less like dispensaries... and more like the milk aisle?Everyone’s chasing growth, market share, and the next hot product — but few are asking the deeper question:What will the cannabis industry actually become?While cannabis is certainly disruptive, its future likely follows a few predictable paths — built on established infrastructure where companies must choose: go big, go niche, or get squeezed out.This week we sit down with Brett Puffenbarger, founder of Good Highdeas, for an unfiltered look into where cannabis is heading — and why most operators aren’t ready for what’s coming.Why small brands need to niche down fastThe “hourglass” market effect no one is talking aboutWhat the "milk aisle model" means for the future of weedChapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Journey01:39 Early Days in the Cannabis Industry04:02 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Military Influence06:18 Challenges in the Cannabis Business Structure09:16 The Role of Leadership in Cannabis Companies12:40 Navigating Growth and Sustainability15:00 Identity Crisis in the Cannabis Industry19:12 Future of Cannabis: Specialization and Market Dynamics23:25 Challenges in Cannabis Beverages and Market Entry26:54 Navigating the Cannabis Market Landscape30:10 The Future of Cannabis: International Perspectives31:43 Building for the Future: Infrastructure and Market Positioning34:17 Understanding Consumer Needs in B2B and B2C37:47 Identifying Opportunities in the Cannabis Industry40:00 Cultural Shifts and Consumer Perceptions of Cannabis42:07 Business Fundamentals: Delight Your Customer46:10 Positioning for Future Growth in Cannabis Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodhighdeas/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettpuffenbarger/https://www.goodhighdeas.net/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 Dime

There’s no exits. There’s no cash. There’s no buyers. So what do you do? Batten down the hatches. Crush your market. Squeeze out the little guys who can’t compete — and wait.This week, Seth Yakatan returns to discuss the following:• How he’s seeing the board• Why cannabis can’t hit reset like other industries• What operators need to do right now to surviveChapters00:00 The Resilience of the Cannabis Industry02:04 Challenges in Cannabis: Capital, Playbook, and Regulation04:49 Strategies for Success: Focusing on Core Markets06:56 Building Brand Authority: Lessons from Wild10:00 Quality Control: The Key to Brand Consistency12:59 Navigating Product Maturity and Market Trends15:31 Operational Efficiency: The Path to Profitability19:01 Holding Serve: Strategies for Survival25:01 The Zombie Companies: Survival in a Tough Market30:34 Black Market Dynamics: Challenges for Legal Operators35:46 Comparing Cannabis and Alcohol: Lessons from History39:21 Emerging Trends: The Beverage Market and BeyondGuest Links:https://sethyak.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-yakatanhttps://www.youtube.com/@SethYakatanhttps://www.katanassociates.com/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 Dime

"Cash strapped" might be the most heard phrase in the cannabis industry right now.So… where’s the cash?Without disciplined forecasting and visibility into true costs, growth is meaningless. Most companies aren’t failing from bad ideas — they’re failing in execution. That’s where cash leaks into missed forecasts, bloated inventory, and lost opportunity.Cash flow isn’t a quarterly metric — it has to be a daily focus.The ones with visibility are growing profitably and setting themselves up to survive now and thrive later.This week we sit down with Tyler Nielsen to discuss:• Closing the Execution Gap and unlocking hidden cash• How to identify leaks and improve visibility across the business• Connecting the front of the house to the back for real-time decision makingChapters00:00 Introduction to Vast Insights Partners01:23 Tyler's Journey into the Cannabis Industry02:39 Defining Growth vs. Profitability05:14 Executive Alignment and Operational Execution07:10 Integration Process for Cannabis Businesses09:23 Granularity of Data and Internal Audits12:19 Coaching vs. Hands-On Execution15:27 Building Trust and Transparency18:43 Common Inventory Challenges in Cannabis21:03 Proactive Inventory Management Strategies29:08 Navigating KPIs in a Complex Supply Chain32:40 The Importance of Integrated Business Planning34:25 Cash Flow: The Lifeblood of Business37:28 Visibility Tools: Bridging the Execution Gap40:25 Understanding the Value of Engagement43:14 Coaching and Leadership in Operational Change47:28 Identifying Common Operational Issues50:33 Tailoring Solutions for Smaller OrganizationsGuest Links https://www.linkedin.com/company/vast-insight-partners/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylernielsen/https://www.vastinsightpartners.com/Our LinksOur 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 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