The Dime

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

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