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

Are you considering expanding to Germany? The answer should be yes.As a brand or retailer, deciding where to grow is critical. California is the ultimate proving ground—fiercely competitive and filled with industry leaders. If you want to be a national player, is this where you make your mark?But what about Germany? A high-potential market, still in its early stages, with adult-use legalization on the horizon. The demand for U.S. brands is clear, but how will regulations unfold, and what hurdles lie ahead?This week, we sit down with Jamie Pearson to break it all down:Which companies should be thinking about Germany nowOpportunities, risks, and how Germany compares to the U.S.How to get started and navigate regulationsThe sleeper market no one is talking aboutKey Topics Discussed:⏱ [00:00 - 03:00] Introduction & Jamie Pearson’s BackgroundJamie’s journey into cannabisWhy cannabis is harder than any other industry⏱ [03:01 - 10:30] The Challenges of Running a Cannabis BusinessThe legal vs. illegal market dilemmaWhy cannabis operators face unique financial struggles⏱ [10:31 - 18:45] Raising Money in Cannabis: A Losing Battle?How funding works without traditional bankingThe risk investors take in the cannabis space⏱ [18:46 - 25:30] Cannabis Brand Loyalty & Why It’s DifferentWhat makes a cannabis brand succeedThe fine line between success & failure in branding⏱ [25:31 - 32:15] Why the Next 5 Years Will Decide EverythingThe future of cannabis legalization & federal reformWho will survive, and who won’t in this industry⏱ [32:16 - 38:50] Final Thoughts & Advice for Cannabis OperatorsWhat Jamie wishes more people knew about cannabisThe one thing every entrepreneur in this space needs to prepare forGuest Links:https://thetalmangroup.com/talman-house/https://internationalcbc.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamielpearsonnhg/https://www.instagram.com/jboogie.22/https://x.com/jboogie5000https://www.linkedin.com/company/newholland-group/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

Everyone can agree—cannabis operates in a legal gray area. For starters, anyone in the industry is technically breaking federal law, as cannabis remains federally illegal. But for an in-house attorney at an MSO, the job isn’t just about navigating federal risk. It’s about understanding where gray meets red, balancing state-by-state regulations, and ensuring compliance across an industry with ever-changing rules—especially for a publicly traded company.This week, we sit down with Dan Shapiro, EVP of Ascend Wellness, to break down:Understanding the legal gray areas in cannabisShifting regulations, the Farm Bill, and Schedule 3Balancing legal risk and business strategy in a fragmented industryAbout Ascend WellnessAWH is a vertically integrated multistate cannabis operator with licenses and assets in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. AWH owns and operates dispensaries and seven state-of-the-art cultivation facilities, growing award-winning strains and producing a curated selection of products for retail and wholesale customers. AWH produces and distributes its in-house Simply Herb, Ozone, Common Goods, Effin' and Royale branded products. AWH also produces and distributes products on behalf of its brand partners including Miss Grass, Lowell Smokes, Flower by Edie Parker, 1906, and AiroPro. For more information, visit www.awholdings.com.Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-shapiro-78830026/https://www.awholdings.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascendwellnessholdingshttps://x.com/AscendHoldingsKey Topics Discussed (AI Generated) ⏱ [00:00 - 03:00] Introduction & Dan Shapiro’s BackgroundDan’s journey from law school to the cannabis industryHis experience in highly regulated industries like aviation, insurance, and sports⏱ [03:01 - 10:30] The Role of an In-House Attorney at an MSOBalancing legal risk vs. business strategyHow MSOs structure legal teams and complianceThe complexities of managing multiple state regulations⏱ [10:31 - 18:45] Navigating Cannabis’s Legal Gray AreaWhy cannabis law lacks case precedent compared to other industriesThe challenge of interpreting regulations that are themselves unclearHow MSOs make decisions with legal uncertainty⏱ [18:46 - 25:30] Federal Illegality & The Risks It PosesThe reality of operating in an industry that is still federally illegalHow rescheduling (Schedule 3) could impact MSOsBanking & financial hurdles in cannabis⏱ [25:31 - 32:15] The Farm Bill & The Hemp vs. Cannabis DebateHow hemp-derived products challenge the traditional cannabis marketThe regulatory gaps between Farm Bill hemp and state-regulated cannabisHow MSOs view hemp expansion⏱ [32:16 - 38:50] State-by-State Regulations & Compliance ChallengesWhy no two states regulate cannabis the same wayHow MSOs strategize around shifting lawsScenario planning for regulatory changes⏱ [38:51 - 45:00] Creative Legal Solutions in CannabisHow MSOs navigate ambiguous rulesBalancing aggressive vs. conservative legal approachesWhy legal teams in cannabis must be flexible⏱ [45:01 - 50:00] Future of Cannabis Law & Final ThoughtsPredictions for Schedule 3 and federal reformWhy the industry needs more alignment for real progressDan’s dream smoke session: Thomas Jefferson, Elvis Presley, and Tiger WoodsOur 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

Standard Operating Procedures—every company has them. But how do you maintain consistency when a single change can ripple across 14 states, 15 cultivation sites, and 150 retail locations?Verano faces the challenge of creating continuity across a vast and diverse footprint. Each state presents unique regulations and operational nuances, yet the expectation for repeatability in product quality and customer experience remains unwavering.Balancing automation, efficiency, and quality isn’t just a logistical feat—it’s a deliberate strategy rooted in precision and innovation. As Ray Dalio says, “Make sure everyone is in the right seat on the bus.” At Verano, this principle guides their team and processes, ensuring every product upholds the highest standards of excellence across the supply chain.This week we sit down with Trip McDermott to discuss the following:An inside look at the role of a COO in an MSOThe challenges and impact of changing an SOPBalancing automation, efficiency, and product qualityTime Trials strategy for optimization Episode Highlights Tripp's Cannabis Journey (00:01:13)- Started in finance, working with oil and gas companies- Discovered cannabis industry in Colorado around 2014- Began networking and learning about the emerging market- Joined Verano in 2015 to help organize and streamline operationsOperational Excellence (00:36:00)- Focus on incorporating automation without compromising quality- Implementing detailed time trials and performance tracking- Developing consistent standard operating procedures (SOPs) across multiple states- Emphasis on employee empowerment and optimal team placement Product Innovation (00:33:23)- Coordinated multi-state product launches- Developing 2-gram vape pens under the Savvy brand- Innovative launch events like terpene bars- Introducing barrel-style pre-rollsFuture Vision (00:50:38)- Expanding product lines- Refining extraction processes- Potential state market expansions- Exploring brand partnerships and acquisitions Guest Links:https://verano.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/trip-mcdermott-2aa9a51a/https://www.instagram.com/veranobrandshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/verano-holdings/https://x.com/veranobrandsOur LinksBryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter 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 podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime