The Dime

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/

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/

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/

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/

What if buying cannabis felt more like a Michelin-star dining experience than a traditional retail transaction?Where the staff doesn’t just sell—they guide, educate, and tailor every recommendation to how you want to feel.No guessing. Just clarity, confidence, and trust—rooted in science-backed evidence.That’s the vision behind Ethos Cannabis.When customers are willing to drive past other dispensaries for a meticulous, hospitality-driven, science-based experience, it’s not just working—it’s spreading. Organically. Word of mouth.This week, we sit down with Gibran Washington, CEO of Ethos, to discuss:• How Ethos is fusing science, medicine, and retail• What sets their buying experience apart: intentional, educational, personalized• How a university partnership is grounding the model in real clinical researchChapters00:00 Introduction to Gibran Washington and Ethos Cannabis02:54 Gibran's Journey with Cannabis06:08 Research Partnerships and Medical Focus08:48 Understanding Cannabinoids and Pain Management11:59 Education and Consumer Experience15:13 Product Development and Strain Selection17:54 Challenges in Cannabis Testing and Quality Control24:18 Understanding Cannabis Quality and Standards26:35 The Importance of Customer Experience in Cannabis Retail29:15 Navigating Different Cannabis Markets30:32 The Supply Chain: From Cultivation to Retail34:28 Integrating Restaurant Industry Practices into Cannabis37:36 Political Dynamics and the Future of Cannabis Legislation43:17 Expanding Footprint: Future Markets and Opportunities47:10 The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Education SummitSummaryIn this episode, Gibran Washington, CEO of Ethos Cannabis, shares his journey in the cannabis industry, discussing the importance of research, education, and quality control in cannabis products. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to cannabinoids, the significance of customer experience in dispensaries, and the future of cannabis legislation, particularly in Pennsylvania. Gibran also highlights the role of data and science in shaping the cannabis narrative and the challenges faced by the industry.Guest Links:https://www.youtube.com/@EthosCannabishttps://www.instagram.com/ethos.usa/https://ethoscannabis.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ethos-dispensary/https://www.linkedin.com/in/gibran-washington-25056482/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/

AI is reshaping every corner of commerce — and in cannabis, where the pace is chaotic and change can be difficult, thoughtful integration is even harder.We’re in the middle of a digital transformation as profound as the rise of the internet. In a space where “speed and size” used to win, the new game is endurance. Because to finish first, you have to finish.Balancing AI rollouts, sunsetting products with sunk costs, and staying mission-aligned while pushing innovation forward — that’s the razor-thin line companies like Jane walk every day.This week, we sit down again with Socrates Rosenfeld, CEO of Jane Technologies, to explore:The real process behind AI rollouts at JaneWhy “radical transparency” is Jane’s most important productWhat retailers can expect from Jane Premium’s early launchChapters00:00 Introduction and Industry Reflections01:08 The Evolution of Jane and Resource Prioritization04:27 Partnerships and Alignment in the Cannabis Industry07:05 Balancing Innovation and Customer Readiness09:58 The Importance of the 'Why' in Technology Adoption12:50 Navigating Change Management in Cannabis23:16 Leveraging AI for Business Growth29:56 Understanding AI's Impact on Business32:04 Navigating Challenges in AI Implementation35:59 The Importance of Transparency in Business36:45 Fostering a Culture of Innovation40:33 The Need for Proactive Technology Adoption42:17 Introducing Premium E-commerce Solutions49:52 Engaging with Jane's New OfferingsAI Summary:SummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney welcome Socrates Rosenfeld back to discuss the evolution of Jane, a leading digital provider in the cannabis industry. They reflect on past predictions, the importance of aligning with visionary partners, and the balance between innovation and customer readiness. Socrates shares insights on the shift from a growth-at-all-costs mentality to a focus on endurance and sustainability. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in enhancing customer experiences and the upcoming launch of Jane's premium e-commerce platform.Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/socratesrosenfeld/https://www.iheartjane.com/overviewhttps://www.instagram.com/_iheartjane/https://www.linkedin.com/company/jane-technologies-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 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/

Prohibition is dead — and Texas just proved it.The recent SB3 vote signaled the start of something much bigger.While hemp and cannabis operate in very different styles, both are ultimately pushing toward the same goal: a sensible framework for a one-plant solution.The how? I’ll leave that to people way smarter than me.But the genie is NOT going back in the bottle — and while speed and clarity aren’t often associated with Congress, we might see that sentence written sooner than expected.This week, we sit down with Jim Higdon to discuss:The massive implications of Texas’ SB3 voteWhat signals to watch for from TrumpWhat a “one-plant” solution could look likeChapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Landscape03:03 The Regulatory Cage of Cannabis05:09 The Struggles of MSOs and Independent Operators08:24 Advocating for Policy Change10:15 The Role of the FDA and Future Regulations12:43 The Future of Cannabis Regulation15:04 Understanding the Texas Political Landscape17:58 The Power Dynamics in Texas Politics21:08 The Implications of the Texas Veto23:53 The Role of Public Perception26:09 The Economic Impact of THC in Texas29:45 The Influence of Trump and Federal Oversight30:14 The Path to Rescheduling Cannabis34:31 The Future of the Farm Bill36:00 The Optimistic Outlook for Cannabis SummaryIn this episode, Jim Higdon discusses the complexities of the cannabis and hemp industries, focusing on regulatory challenges, the political landscape in Texas, and the future of cannabis legislation. He emphasizes the need for collaboration between the hemp and cannabis sectors to navigate the evolving regulatory environment and advocates for a more unified approach to cannabis policy. The conversation also touches on the economic implications of THC products and the influence of political figures like Trump on the future of cannabis regulation.   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/

The cannabis shakeout isn’t coming. It’s already here.Operators are bleeding, investors are disappearing, and the old playbook is falling apart. After Benzinga, one thing’s clear: the winners will be the ones who specialize, control every cost, and have visibility into every part of their business in real time.What happens when you pull back the curtain on the cannabis industry’s most influential event of the year?In this episode, we go back to our roots—just the two of us—breaking down what we saw, heard, and felt at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference. From weekly leadership strategy gaps to operational blind spots, this is our unfiltered take on where the industry stands and where it’s headed.We cover:• Why vertical integration is breaking operators—and what model might replace it• How real-time data and automation are becoming non-negotiable for extraction• Why the Texas vote was bigger than it looks—and what it signals for national momentum• What teams should be doing right now to protect margins and prep for the next cycle Chapters00:00 Back to the Roots: 00:49 Insights from Benzinga: Industry Takeaways04:00 The State of the Industry: Challenges and Strategies07:09 Specialization vs. Fragmentation: The Path Forward09:51 Texas Legislation: Implications for the Hemp Industry12:51 Market Maturity: The Evolution of Cannabis Licensing15:00 Supply Chain Visibility: The Key to Success18:03 The Future of Extraction: Technology and Business Acumen20:49 The Necessity of Real-Time Visibility24:41 Understanding Extraction Methods and Their Parameters26:57 Introducing Newton Insights: Real-Time Monitoring30:58 The Role of Automation in Modern Manufacturing34:56 Optimizing Processes and Reducing Waste40:40 The Future of Specialization and Technology in the Industry The Dime is hosted by Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney, The Dime breaks down the cannabis industry through the lens of entrepreneurs.Whether you're an operator, investor, or scientist, these are the strategies and tactics you can learn from to move the industry forward.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/

What if the most powerful investor pitch wasn’t a deck or a breakdown of earnings—but a story?Now, the idea of seeds in the ground to thriving plants is a tangible experience—one that finally captures the real narrative. Because in cannabis, the financials don’t always tell the full story.This week, we sit down with Jesse Redmond, Head of Investor Relations and Business Development at LEEF Brands, to explore:Inside the Glasshouse x LEEF MSA and what it means for scaleHow LEEF is building for long-term growth with a focused extraction-first strategyWhy the industry needs to pause, reflect, and reset expectationsWhy the recent exit of analysts and media might be a bullish contrarian signal for cannabisChapters00:00 Introduction and New Role Overview02:58 Investor Relations and Storytelling in Cannabis06:02 The Importance of Authentic Content Creation09:00 Challenges in Modern Content Creation12:09 The Role of Honesty in Storytelling14:53 Linking Different Areas of Leaf's Business18:03 Strategic Partnerships and Supply Chain Agreements27:10 Strengthening Supply Chains and Resource Allocation28:53 The Importance of Clean Material in Extraction30:11 Navigating the Complexities of Cannabis Regulations31:07 Partnership Dynamics and Strategic Growth33:13 Expanding into New Markets: The New York Strategy36:29 Challenges in the Cannabis Industry: Growth and Survival39:18 The Future of Cannabis: Political Progress and Growth Opportunities49:09 Long-Term Perspectives: Investing in Cannabis52:37 Connecting with Leaf Brands and Future Outlook Guest Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jesseredmond/https://x.com/jesseredmondhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/leef-brands-inc/https://leefbrands.com/https://www.instagram.com/leefbrands/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  

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