The Dime

Bryan Fields & Kellan Finney
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Jan 8, 2026 • 50min

How Charlotte’s Web Unlocked Medical CBD ft. Bill Morachnick

Before CBD was discussed by a President in the Oval Office, it was a medical necessity.The Charlotte Figi story is well documented — and powerful.Not because it was emotional, but because it forced a serious medical conversation.Stories like Charlotte’s change how physicians, regulators, and institutions think about where cannabinoid therapy belongs — not as a last resort, but as a legitimate option.Charlotte’s Web was built around that reality. By recognizing that cannabis does have medicinal properties — and that patients should have access to a plant-based option when it can materially improve quality of life — the company focused on trust, standards, and medical credibility first.This week, we sit down with Bill Morachnick to break down:Why CBD earned acceptance through medical trust, not consumer marketingHow physician comfort, reimbursement pathways, and standards changed the conversationCBD in the Oval Office — and what that signals for the future of cannabis Chapters00:00 Introduction to Charlotte's Web and Bill Morachnick03:00 The Inspiring Story of Charlotte Figi05:51 The Executive Order and Its Implications08:59 The Role of Education in CBD Acceptance12:12 Challenges and Misconceptions in the Cannabis Industry15:03 The Future of CBD and Medical Recommendations18:06 The Impact of Federal Reimbursement on CBD21:08 Defloria and the Future of Cannabis Research24:01 Navigating Regulatory Changes and Industry Challenges27:03 The Importance of Quality and Consistency in CBD Products30:02 The Potential for Pharmaceutical Collaborations33:04 Looking Ahead: The Future of CBD and Cannabis36:13 Final Thoughts and Audience EngagementSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields interviews Bill Morachnick, CEO of Charlotte's Web, discussing the company's inspiring origins, the recent executive order regarding CBD, and the future of cannabis as a medicinal product. Bill shares the powerful story of Charlotte Figi, whose life was transformed by CBD, and emphasizes the importance of education in changing perceptions about cannabis. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the industry, the potential for pharmaceutical collaborations, and the impact of federal reimbursement on CBD products.Guest Links:https://www.trycharlottesweb.com/https://www.charlottesweb.com/https://www.youtube.com/charlotteswebcbdhttps://www.instagram.com/charlotteswebcbd/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-morachnick-01318a6/https://www.linkedin.com/company/charlottesweb/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.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Jan 2, 2026 • 47min

The Playbook Behind Consistent Cannabis Products at Scale ft. Ryan Crandall

Everyone wants their product and brand to be known for consistency .Almost no one is willing to do the difficult work that makes consistency possible.This week we sit down with Ryan Crandall, Chief Commercial Officer at MariMed, to break down:Why most cannabis brands fail at scale — and how process control, not an artisanal mindset, determines who lastsHow MariMed engineers consistency across states by centralizing inputs & testing aggressively,What it actually takes to make effects-based products consistent and repeatable Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry and Edibles03:05 The Evolution of Edibles: From Early Days to Now06:01 Ensuring Consistency Across State Lines09:09 Quality Control and Testing in Edibles12:01 Consumer Education and Brand Trust15:13 MariMed Brand Portfolio and Market Strategy18:06 Role of R&D in Product Development21:00 Future Trends and Innovations in Edibles24:03 Building Relationships with Budtenders and Consumers27:58 Exploring Cannabinoids: THCV and CBG Effects30:06 Understanding Edible Experiences and Consumer Expectations32:00 Responsible Product Development in the Cannabis Industry33:52 Brand Strategy and Market Penetration in New States35:51 Innovative Products: Vibations and Consumer Convenience38:04 Navigating the Hemp Market and Brand Expansion39:52 Consumer Behavior: Beverages vs. Edibles in Cannabis44:02 The Importance of Team and Company CultureGuest Links:https://www.marimedinc.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/marimed-inc/about/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-crandall-43133b12/https://x.com/MariMed_IncSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields interviews Ryan Crandall, Chief Commercial Officer at MariMed, discussing the evolution of the cannabis industry, particularly focusing on edibles. They explore the importance of consistency in product quality across different states, the role of research and development in product innovation, and the significance of branding and consumer trust. Ryan shares insights into MariMeds diverse product portfolio and their approach to quality control and testing procedures. The conversation also touches on the future of hemp and cannabinoids, as well as the beverage market's impact on consumer behavior.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.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Dec 19, 2025 • 38min

Schedule III Changes Everything — This Is Just the Beginning

Schedule III isn’t the finish line.It’s the starting gun.The EO said a lot — but most operators aren’t ready for what it actually means.This week we sit down with Zach Edge and Dr. Matthew Moore to break down:Why Schedule III is guidance, not rules — and why the real impact comes during rulemakingWhat GMP, CFR, and pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing will actually require from operatorsWhich parts of the supply chain face the biggest disruption as cannabis moves forwardChapters00:00 Historic Changes in Cannabis Scheduling03:13 The Impact of Hemp in the New Landscape06:07 Strategic Shifts for Cannabis Operators08:59 Navigating Regulatory Changes11:58 The Role of Pharmacies in the New Market15:04 Global Trade and Competition in Cannabis17:53 Research Opportunities and Challenges21:02 Veterans and the Future of CBD24:02 The Supply Chain Dynamics26:47 The Future of Hemp and CBD Products29:56 Final Thoughts on the Cannabis Industry Summary:In this episode, Bryan Fields discusses the recent changes in cannabis scheduling with experts Zach Edge and Matthew Moore. They explore the implications of the new executive order, particularly regarding hemp and its potential impact on the industry. The conversation delves into the strategic shifts that cannabis operators need to consider, the role of compounding pharmacies, and the opportunities for research that arise from the new regulations. They also discuss the challenges in the supply chain and the potential market dynamics as the industry evolves. Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rho-advisory/https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-edge/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmoore09/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.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Dec 11, 2025 • 33min

Inside SNDL’s Hidden Scale: Global Reach & Supply Chain Powerhouse ft. Tyler Robson

SNDL is much bigger than most people realize — with global distribution, massive extraction capacity, and a diversified retail and manufacturing engine that touches nearly every part of the cannabis supply chain.This week we sit down with Tyler Robson, President of SNDL, to break down:• How SNDL became a global manufacturing and retail powerhouse• Why extraction and derivatives are their true competitive edge• How they operate across countries with completely different rules and product formatsChapters00:00 Introduction to Sundial and Tyler Robson02:08 The Complexity of Extraction and Manufacturing04:38 Merging Sundial and Valens: Challenges and Strategies06:11 Sundial's Operations and Global Reach07:39 Firefighting and Problem Solving in Leadership09:52 Data-Driven Decision Making12:44 Navigating Different Regulatory Environments13:55 Core Competencies and Operational Efficiencies15:46 Staying Focused in a Distracted Industry16:18 Sundial's Market Position and Brand Partnerships17:10 Strategic Focus on Texas and Florida19:09 Resource Planning and Flexibility20:42 Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing22:34 Synergies Between Liquor and Cannabis24:48 Future of Cannabis and Liquor Co-Mingling26:30 Emerging International Markets28:23 Potential Partnerships and Collaborations30:08 The Size of the Global Cannabis Opportunity31:31 Strategic Partnerships in the US32:03 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysSummaryIn this episode, Tyler Robson, president of Sundial, shares insights into his journey in the cannabis industry, the complexities of extraction and manufacturing, and the challenges of merging companies. He discusses Sundial's global operations, the importance of data-driven decision making, and the need for focus in a distracted industry. Tyler also highlights the potential for growth in emerging markets and the synergies between the cannabis and liquor industries, while emphasizing the significance of strategic partnerships.Guest Links:https://sndl.com/homepage/default.aspxhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-robson-a77ba4155/https://www.linkedin.com/company/sndlinc/investors@sndl.comOur 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.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Dec 5, 2025 • 54min

You’re Thinking About Debt Wrong: The Secret to Smart Financing ft. Adam Stettner

Most operators think debt is dangerous. But what if the real problem is how we think about it?The opposite is true: when used correctly, debt is the single biggest growth lever in cannabis. Every major industry scales on borrowed capital — cannabis is the only one still trying to do it alone.This week we sit down with Adam Stettner to discuss:• Why debt — used properly — compounds growth• The difference between smart leverage and over-leverage• How operators can fix cash-flow bottlenecks and scale predictablyChapters00:00 Introduction to Adam Stettner and FundCanna.03:05 Adam's Journey into the Cannabis Industry06:12 Understanding Underwriting in Cannabis Financing09:05 The Importance of Client-Centric Financing11:56 Navigating Complex Variables in Cannabis Lending14:57 Building Infrastructure for Cannabis Financing17:48 Segmenting the Cannabis Industry for Better Insights20:55 The Unique Challenges of Cannabis Lending24:12 The Role of Transparency in Client Relationships28:23 Building Partnerships for Success29:29 Funding Options for Operational Efficiency32:29 Understanding Technology and Business Operations37:54 Navigating Debt and Financial Strategies42:10 Using Debt to Accelerate Growth52:46 Exploring Funding OpportunitiesSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney welcome Adam Stettner, CEO of FundCanna, to discuss the complexities of cannabis financing. Adam shares his journey from the apparel industry to cannabis, emphasizing the importance of understanding the unique challenges of underwriting in this space. He highlights the need for a client-centric approach in lending, the significance of transparency, and the innovative strategies FunCounter employs to navigate the cannabis market. Adam also discusses the importance of knowledge sharing and the metrics that indicate success in cannabis financing. In this conversation, Adam Stettner discusses the importance of building partnerships in the cannabis industry, focusing on how funding can enhance operational efficiency and support business growth. He emphasizes the need for flexible financial solutions that allow businesses to thrive without being constrained by debt. Stettner also highlights the significance of understanding technology and its impact on business operations, advocating for a metrics-based approach to financial decisions. The discussion concludes with insights on leveraging debt as a tool for growth and the importance of fostering relationships in the industry.  Guest Links:https://fundcanna.comhttps://fundcanna.com/about/adam-stettner/https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstettnerhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/fundcanna/About Adam Stettner:Adam has 30 years of business, strategy and leadership experience in both Private and Public Companies. In 2021, Adam believed the timing and opportunity was right for him to bring his passion for business, innovative financing and entrepreneurial spirit to the Cannabis sector by creating funding products for all areas of this early stage, growth industry by founding FundCanna. FundCanna provides short term funding to all areas of the sector; cultivators, manufacturers, vendors, suppliers, distributors and retailers. In just its first year, FundCanna has underwritten roughly 3000 files and funded over 500 unique files bringing much needed liquidity and financing solutions to the legal Cannabis industry.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.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Nov 20, 2025 • 48min

How LEVEL Delivers Effects-Based Cannabis Tablets ft. Chris Emerson

Everyone in cannabis talks about effects-based products — almost no one can deliver them consistently.Repeatable experiences require precision and formulation discipline that looks a lot more like pharma than cannabis.And here’s why: most operators don’t treat in-house analytics as essential. But that’s the mistake.Process control isn’t optional — it’s the foundation for delivering the same experience every single time.This week we sit down with Chris Emerson, Founder of LEVEL, to break down:• How true effects-based products are actually built• The analytics and standardization required for repeatability• Why most teams can’t achieve consistency — and what it takes to fix it Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chris Emerson and Level03:07 The Journey into Cannabis and Product Development06:02 Challenges in Consistency and Formulation08:48 Navigating the Market and Consumer Education12:05 The Role of Cannabinoids and Future Innovations14:56 Expanding Beyond California: Challenges and Strategies27:32 The Importance of Consistency in Product Quality29:51 Navigating the Medical vs Recreational Cannabis Landscape33:03 Advanced Analytics in Cannabis Production36:02 Innovations in Product Formulation and Consumer Experience39:56 Strategic Approaches to Hemp and Cannabinoid Research45:00 Exploring the Future of Cannabinoids and Consumer Education SummaryIn this conversation, Chris Emerson, founder of Level, shares his journey from academia to the cannabis industry, discussing the challenges and innovations in product development. He emphasizes the importance of effects-based formulations, consistency in product quality, and the need for consumer education in a rapidly evolving market. The discussion also touches on the future of cannabinoid products and the strategies for expanding into new markets while maintaining quality and consistency. In this conversation, Chris Emerson discusses the complexities of cannabis production, emphasizing the importance of consistency and advanced analytics in ensuring product quality. He explores the challenges faced by the medical cannabis market as it competes with recreational use, and shares insights on the evolving landscape of cannabinoid research, particularly focusing on the Varin class and acidic cannabinoids. The discussion also touches on strategic approaches to hemp and the significance of consumer education in navigating the cannabis industry.Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-emerson-ph-d-464b245a/https://www.instagram.com/level.experiencehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/levelexperience/https://levelexperience.com/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.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Nov 14, 2025 • 41min

What Tobacco and Alcohol Taught Me About Cannabis. ft. Nick Kenny

Tobacco and alcohol are already laying the groundwork for cannabis — building IP, infrastructure, and data.Nick Kenney breaks down what legacy industries already understand — how regulated markets are built, and why readiness always beats speed.This week we sit down with Nick Kenny to discuss:• How tobacco and alcohol are entering cannabis• The playbook for building standardized, scalable systems• Why predictability and timing will define the next wave of winnersChapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry Journey02:54 The Evolution of Cannabis Perception06:02 Navigating Regulatory Challenges08:48 Tobacco and Alcohol Industry Perspectives11:59 The Role of Research and Development14:58 Long-Term Strategies vs. Short-Term Survival18:10 Consumer Behavior and Market Trends21:03 The Importance of Data in Decision Making23:58 Collaboration and Networking in the Industry27:04 Future Outlook and Industry InnovationsSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney engage with Nick Kenney, a Global Strategic Advisor, to explore the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry. Nick shares his journey from the tobacco sector to cannabis, highlighting the significant shifts in perception and investment within the industry. The conversation delves into the regulatory challenges, the perspectives of tobacco and alcohol companies, and the importance of research and development. They discuss the need for long-term strategies, the impact of consumer behavior, and the critical role of data in decision-making. Nick emphasizes the value of networking and collaboration in the cannabis space, while also providing insights into future innovations and market trends.Guest Links:https://www.kbsstrategicadvisors.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/kbsstrategicadvisory/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasjkenny/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.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Nov 7, 2025 • 53min

The Amazon of THC, How Edibles.com Will Take Cannabis National, ft. Thomas Winstanley

Before Target and DoorDash, Edible Arrangements joined the cannabinoid space.Supply chains look a lot different when you can lean on national infrastructure, logistics, and distribution that already exist.Through Edibles.com, the company is using that foundation to build access — curating top brands and letting customers shop the way they understand best: by experience.Could this platform and distribution model become the Amazon of cannabinoids?This week we sit down with Thomas Winstanley to discuss:• The strategy and roadmap behind Edibles.com• Balancing risk and regulation in an uncertain market• How infrastructure and logistics unlock national accessChapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Space02:56 Thomas Winstanley's Journey in Cannabis06:06 Understanding Edibles.com08:50 Curating Products for Consumers12:01 Building Trust with Brands15:01 Navigating Market Dynamics18:10 Supply Chain and Distribution Strategies27:06 Leveraging Internal Resources for Competitive Advantage29:32 Exploring Innovative Product Offerings31:57 Strategic Growth and Investment Considerations32:31 The Importance of Retail in Consumer Engagement39:03 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in the Hemp Industry48:07 Defining Success and Future OpportunitiesSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney engage with Thomas Winstanley of Edibles.com, exploring his journey in the cannabis industry, the mission of Edibles.com, and the complexities of product curation and market dynamics. Thomas shares insights on building trust with brands, navigating the evolving landscape of cannabis and hemp, and the importance of consumer education in this burgeoning market. In this conversation, Thomas Winstanley discusses the competitive advantages of Edibles.com, the importance of innovative product offerings, and the strategic growth considerations for the company. He emphasizes the significance of retail in enhancing consumer engagement and navigating the regulatory challenges within the hemp industry. Winstanley also outlines his vision for success and future opportunities for Edibles.com, highlighting the need for compliance and adaptability in a rapidly changing market.Guest Links:https://www.instagram.com/thomasrwinstanley/https://x.com/thomwinstanleyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ediblesdotcom/http://edibles.com/https://www.instagram.com/ediblescom/https://x.com/ediblesdotcomOur LinksBryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Oct 30, 2025 • 44min

Introducing Singular: How Active's Modular Vape Platform Changes Everything ft. Alex Kwon

What happens when years of iteration, engineering, and a unique understanding of the plant align?In cannabis, building hardware is walking a tightrope — precision, timing, and vision all matter.Singular, the latest release from Active710, connects that entire loop.While most will gravitate toward its sleek, modular design, the real story lies in how it solves major operational challenges — and unlocks a world of future opportunity.This week, Alex Kwon joins The Dime to discuss:• The major unlock behind Singular — and what makes it a platform, not a product• How Active710 is leaning into sustainability, engineering, and consumer choice• What’s next for cannabis hardware — and why modular design changes everything Chapters00:00 Introduction to Singular and the Vape Industry04:12 Challenges and Innovations in Vape Technology10:55 Sustainability and Future-Proofing Vape Solutions14:46 Inspiration from the E-Juice and Tobacco Industries19:12 Customer Feedback and Iterative Development23:13 Innovative Pod Systems and Their Functionality30:08 The Future of Vape Technology37:41 Iterative Product Development and Consumer FeedbackSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney welcome back Alex Kwan to discuss the launch of Singular, a groundbreaking modular vape platform. Alex shares insights into the challenges faced in the vape industry, the importance of sustainability, and how customer feedback has shaped the development of this innovative product. The conversation also explores the influence of the e-juice and tobacco industries on vape technology and the future direction of the market. In this conversation, Alex discusses the innovative aspects of their new pod system, emphasizing its modularity and compatibility with various oil types. He highlights the importance of consumer choice and access to quality cannabis products. The discussion also covers the iterative process of product development, the challenges faced, and the excitement surrounding future advancements in vape technology.Guest Links:http://www.futureofvape.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/active710/https://active710.com/https://www.instagram.com/avd710/Our LinksBryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Oct 23, 2025 • 48min

The Lyft Playbook for Cannabis: Building Trust Through Tech ft. Ashwin Raj

What happens when a Silicon Valley exec who helped Lyft rewrite the rules brings that same playbook to cannabis?This week we sit down with Ashwin Raj, CEO of LeafLink, to break down how disciplined tech thinking and first-principle strategy can reshape a fragmented industry.In this episode:• How Lyft’s regulatory battles mirror cannabis today• Why listening — not speed — builds trust and loyalty• How data, discipline, and adaptability will drive the next era of cannabis techChapters00:00 Introduction to Ashwin Raj and LeafLink02:02 Ashwin's Journey to the Cannabis Industry04:29 Navigating Challenges in the Cannabis Space07:19 Listening to Customers: The Key to Success10:05 Addressing Pricing Challenges13:11 Building Trust with Customers14:15 Balancing Competing Customer Needs16:25 Strategic Focus and Resource Allocation19:45 Long-Term Vision for LeafLink21:03 The Role of Technology in Cannabis23:05 Identifying Customer Needs26:53 Overcoming Industry Challenges30:45 The Impact of AI on LeafLink32:01 The Future of the Cannabis Industry36:10 The Role of Hemp in the Cannabis Market42:04 Building Trust with Retailers45:11 AI and Future Innovations at LeafLinkSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney interview Ashwin Raj, CEO of LeafLink, who shares his journey from the tech industry to the cannabis space. Ashwin discusses the challenges and opportunities within the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of listening to customers and building relationships with both clients and team members. He highlights the role of technology and efficiency in driving growth and the impact of the hemp industry on the cannabis market. Ashwin also touches on the need for regulatory clarity and the potential of AI in enhancing LeafLink's offerings.Guest Links:https://www.leaflink.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaflink/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashwinraj/ Our LinksBryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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