The Dime

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

It’s not about planting flags anymore. It’s about profitability.As the cannabis industry shifts from rapid growth at all costs to operational precision, hard decisions are being made.Which assets are sized properly? Where can we build a well-rounded, potentially profitable business given the realities of today’s market? And how do we make the right calls for our teams while positioning for the world we’re actually in—not the one we hoped for?Ayr Wellness is deep into this approach, actively sizing its business for today’s environmentThis week we sit down with George DeNardo, President of Ayr Wellness, to discuss how Ayr is redefining success in cannabis:The shift from expansion to optimization: why less is moreData-driven decisions and automation tools Ayr is betting onWhy Ayr is still growing in Florida—and not waiting on the feds Chapters00:00 Introduction to George DiNardo and AYR Wellness03:05 Transitioning to President of AYR Wellness05:55 Operational Efficiency and Integration Challenges09:05 Data-Driven Decision Making in Cannabis11:57 Technology Adoption and Automation in Cannabis14:52 Balancing Investment in Technology and Operational Needs18:01 Facility Consolidation and Strategic Growth20:56 Future Plans for Expansion in Florida23:58 Navigating Florida's Cannabis Market Dynamics26:11 Quality Control and Brand Strategy in Cannabis28:16 Data Management and Crop Planning Efficiency30:35 The Importance of Internal Communication and Reporting33:10 Operational Challenges and Market Adaptation36:30 Leadership and Team Engagement in Cannabis38:31 Advice for New Entrepreneurs in the Cannabis Space40:45 The Value of Time Over Material Gifts42:43 Future Outlook for the Cannabis IndustryGuest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgedenardo/http://www.ayrwellness.comhttps://x.com/AyrWellnesshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ayr-wellness-inc/Our Links:Bryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterAt Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime

While it feels like progress isn’t happening — and that may be true at the federal level — inside the industry, it’s a completely different story.The financial model you built, the regulatory category you operate in, the market dynamics, the consumer behavior — every one of those variables is in motion. Constantly evolving. And new competitors are entering, disrupting your playbook from every angle.Reality is, the shakeout isn’t ending anytime soon. This industry is not for the faint of heart.The one thing that doesn’t lie? Data.Ground yourself in it. Use it to make decisions — the hard decisions. Because if you don’t, eventually the market will make them for you.Yes, it’s insanely difficult right now.But that’s par for the course in a billion-dollar startup industry with a constantly shifting foundation.This week we sit down with Annarae Grabstein to discuss the following:Why most cannabis financial models were doomed from the startThe THC beverage boom and what it reveals about consumer demandGo Wide vs. Go Deep: A strategy framework to actually survive this market Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry and Guest Background03:02 Consumer-Centric Market Dynamics06:08 Navigating Regulatory Challenges08:52 The Intersection of Hemp and Cannabis11:55 Market Realities and Strategic Adaptation15:00 The Role of Data in Cannabis Operations17:59 Growth of Cannabinoid Consumption21:04 Future of Regulation and Market Access28:08 Defining Objectives for Market Success29:31 Deep vs. Wide Market Strategies32:14 Understanding Market Dynamics and Customer Relationships35:36 The Role of Technology in Cannabis39:32 Balancing Investment in Technology42:28 Integrating Data into Business Practices44:05 Future Trends in the Cannabis Industry46:45 Qualitative Due Diligence in Investment DecisionsGuest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annarae/Instagram (@annarae_g)AnnaRae Grabstein (@annarae_g) on Xhttps://wolf-meyer.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolf-meyer/Our Links Bryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterAt Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime

Can cannabis be the key to lowering healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes?Impossible, right?Think again.Leafwell has analyzed millions of data points and uncovered staggering, undeniable results—cannabis patients experience fewer ER visits, reduced prescription drug use, and better health outcomes compared to non-users. These findings aren’t just groundbreaking—they’re a wake-up call.This is just the beginning of unlocking the true potential of plant medicine, and with further research, education, and access, millions more could benefit.This week, we sit down with Emily Fisher & Dr. June Chin of Leafwell to discuss:The shocking data proving cannabis' impact on healthcareHow employers are integrating cannabis into their benefitsHow insurance coverage could change the future of medical cannabisGuest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-arida/Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card Online - LeafwellInstagram (@leafwell_official)https://x.com/LeafwellLeafwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/leafwellofficial/Our Links:Bryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterAt Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime

“It’s this crazy melody of things constantly happening, and you need an incredible degree of grit and fortitude. Even the best-prepared individuals with meticulous plans have to throw them up in the air like confetti. It’s an intangible feeling—until you get into it, you really don’t know.”This quote from Christina Betancourt Johnson perfectly captures the cannabis industry—where relentless highs and lows force constant adaptation. The question is: are we just treading water, or pushing forward to something greater?This week, we sit down with Christina Betancourt Johnson, CEO of Standard Wellness Maryland, to discuss:How even the best-laid plans evolve in cannabis.The balance between compliance, funding, and long-term growth.The mindset and strategies needed to thrive in an unpredictable industry. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Journey02:55 Transitioning into the Cannabis Industry05:52 Navigating the Application Process09:03 Understanding the Dichotomy of Cannabis Business11:50 The Importance of Vertical Integration15:11 Challenges of Operationalizing a Cannabis Business18:01 Managing Stakeholder Expectations20:49 Resilience and Adaptability in Cannabis26:31 Navigating the Cannabis Landscape30:49 Challenges of Social Equity in Cannabis33:37 The Importance of Agility in Leadership36:50 Engaging in the Legislative Process39:42 Empowering Communities Through Education43:54 Future Trends in the Cannabis Industry48:09 Lessons from Experience Guest Links https://www.standardwellness.com/https://www.instagram.com/standardwellnesscompany/https://www.linkedin.com/company/standard-wellness-company/https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinabjohnson/Our Links:Bryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterAt Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime

Want to know what a company really values? Look at where they spend their money.In cannabis, where cash is a rare commodity, Jetty Extracts is choosing to invest in:Thousands of dollars each month in additional third-party testing that isn’t requiredOCal-certified cannabis, the cleanest on the marketMost companies can’t even consider this level of investment. Jetty does it because they’ve spent over a decade building a brand on quality.As the industry shifts toward clean products, organic certification, and transparency, Jetty is making a conscious choice to lead, not follow.This isn’t just compliance—it’s a brand separator. And that’s what makes them different.This week we sit down with Ron Gershoni Co Founder Jetty Extracts to discuss the followingWhy solventless extraction is the future.Why OCal certification is a game-changer.How Jetty built a brand on quality and consistencyChapters00:00 Introduction to Jetty Extracts and Ron Grishoni02:39 Ron’s Journey into the Cannabis Industry10:24 Building Jetty Extracts: Early Challenges and Growth15:14 Scaling and Expanding Jetty Extracts21:19 The Importance of Consistency in Cannabis Products35:57 The Shift Towards Clean Cannabis43:10 Future of Jetty Extracts and Industry InsightsGuest Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-gershoni-1ba1271/https://jettyextracts.com/https://www.instagram.com/jettyextracts/https://x.com/jettyextractsOur Links:Bryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterAt Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime

Cannabis started as a movement, not just a business. But as legalization expanded, the industry found itself caught between profit and purpose, struggling under massive overregulation and taxation. So how do we get back on track?For over 11 years, Luna Stower has been on the front lines—fighting for safe access, patient rights, and the end of prohibition. While many have lost steam, her relentless passion and advocacy have never wavered. She has worked to bridge the gap between activism and industry, ensuring that cannabis remains accessible, ethical, and true to its roots.This week, we sit down with Luna Stower to discuss:The real challenges of legalization and what’s holding progress backWhy patient access must come firstHow small actions can create big change in the industryChapters00:00 Introduction to Luna Stower and Cannabis Roots03:31 Optimism vs. Reality in Cannabis08:43 Activism and Advocacy in Cannabis Legislation12:56 Navigating Cannabis Conversations in Society14:43 The Unique Classification of Cannabis17:57 The Conspiracy Against Cannabis20:14 The Role of Activism in Cannabis Legislation22:29 Cannabis as a Catalyst for Broader Social Change23:24 The Importance of Speaking Up24:24 Descheduling Cannabis: A Call to Action25:33 The Prison Industrial Complex and Cannabis26:57 Economic Impact of Cannabis Legalization28:52 Racism and Cannabis: A Lens on Society29:11 Challenges Facing the Cannabis Industry30:37 Vaping Safety and Regulation32:53 Patient Access and Rights34:08 Long-term Safety of Vaping38:22 Global Cannabis Perspectives42:01 Consumption Lounges: A New Experience43:55 Activism and Community EngagementGuest Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/lunastower/https://www.lunastower.com/https://www.instagram.com/luna_stowerhttps://x.com/lunastowerhttps://www.instagram.com/getispire/Our Links:Bryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterAt Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime

Vaping is more than just oil and hardware—it’s a delicate balance of oil, terpenes, device performance, and supply chain efficiency. When one element is off, consumers notice, and brands suffer.With new tariffs on China and CCELL  massive  U.S. investment, what does this mean for the future of the vape industry? How do hardware vendors differentiate themselves while ensuring brands thrive? And can a nine-figure R&D budget redefine the vaping experience?This week, we sit down with Nick Kovacevich, Corporate Relations Director at CCELL, to explore:The challenge of balancing cost, quality, and consumer expectations in vapesHow China tariffs are reshaping the global vape supply chainThe hidden factors that determine whether a vape product succeeds or fails Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickkovacevich/https://x.com/nickkovacevichhttps://www.ccell.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ccellofficial/https://x.com/CCELLofficialhttps://www.instagram.com/CCELLofficial/Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Vape Industry and Guest Background02:53 The Rise of C-cell and Its Innovations06:08 Understanding the Supply Chain in Cannabis08:59 Investment Strategies and Long-term Vision11:52 Navigating Consumer Data and Market Trends15:13 The Importance of Quality Control in Vape Products18:02 Technological Advancements in Vape Technology20:56 The Role of Batteries in Vape Performance27:06 The Evolution of Cannabis Vaping Devices29:26 Supply Chain Innovations in Cannabis32:48 Automation and Efficiency in Production35:15 Navigating Tariffs and Political Changes38:58 The Future of Cannabis Legislation42:15 Research and Development in Cannabis Safety45:09 The Case for Vaping as a Safer Alternative49:08 Consumer Awareness and Industry TransparencyOur 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

Consumer buy brands. And in cannabis, California brands reign supreme because they uphold the most sacred element in any relationship—trust.Trust isn’t just about marketing—it’s about consistency, quality, and experience. The moment a brand breaks that trust, it loses everything. But expanding a highly trusted California brand into new markets isn’t just about slapping a logo on a jar—it’s about ensuring the same elite quality, cultivation standards, and consumer experience across state lines.So how do you scale a collective of powerhouse cannabis brands while maintaining the trust that made them successful in the first place?This week, we sit down with Nate D, co-founder of Turn, Made, and Project Packs, to break down:·Why Trust Is Cannabis’ Most Valuable Asset·How a Collective Model Helps Cannabis Brands Scale· The Cultivation & Quality Challenges of Scaling CannabisChapters:00:00 Introduction to Nate D and His Ventures02:48 The Ecosystem of Cannabis Businesses06:07 Quality Control in Cannabis Cultivation09:08 Scaling Challenges in Cannabis11:56 The Importance of Team and Trust15:07 Navigating Market Trends and Consumer Preferences17:55 R&D in Cannabis: The Long Game20:50 Collaboration and Community in the Cannabis Industry23:58 Future Trends and Predictions27:10 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts Guest Links:https://www.instagram.com/turndotme/https://www.youtube.com/@turndotmehttps://x.com/turndotmehttps://turn.me/https://madeforsmokers.com/https://www.instagram.com/YOUREMADE/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

"Bureaucracy defends the status quo long past the time when the quo has lost its status."— Laurence J. PeterNowhere is that more evident than in cannabis, where local governments resist change, operators scramble for clarity, and policies shift overnight. The biggest mistake cannabis operators make? Waiting too long to ask for help.Navigating cannabis regulations isn’t just about compliance—it’s a high-stakes game of politics, timing, and strategy. This week, we sit down with Jeff Guillot, Managing Partner of MAD Global Strategy, to expose the backroom battles.The biggest misconceptions about how cannabis laws are actually madeWhy local governments resist cannabis businesses (and how to change their minds)How lobbying really works—and who actually needs it in cannabisLinkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-guillot-69266614/https://www.madglobalstrategy.com/ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cannabis Politics and Advocacy02:51 Navigating Government Affairs in Cannabis06:12 The Importance of Proactive Representation08:58 Understanding Uncertainty in Political Campaigns12:06 Challenges in Legislative Advocacy14:50 The Unique Landscape of Cannabis Legislation17:57 Facilitating Change in Regulatory Bodies20:51 The Art of Securing Meetings with Officials24:07 Local Municipalities and Cannabis Confusion29:10 Understanding Agency Incompetence and Public Education34:11 Navigating Political Uncertainty and Renewable Energy39:02 State Budget Proposals and Economic Development40:59 Cannabis Regulation and Political Dynamics44:48 The Future of Cannabis and Hemp Industries52:08 Education Gaps in Cannabis Legislation54:59 Expertise in Government and PoliticsOur 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