The Dime

Christine Smith, Founder of Grün, discusses their disruptive impact, licensing strategy, formulation success, expansion challenges, and product innovations. They talk about the early days of starting the business, unique expansion strategies, challenges of building a brand in a new market, target demographics, future plans, and the potential of edibles in the market.

Imagine this. You operate a state-licensed business. You pay your taxes and follow ALL the rules and regulations as defined.You hear a knock at your home door on your daughter's birthday. U.S. federal Agents are there to charge you with the Kingpin Statute or the same law designed to target El Chapo and other cartel leaders.Not only have you never been convicted of a crime, but you have also followed all the rules California enacted when they passed the Compassionate Use Act in 1996 Certainly, a jury of your peers who voted for this law almost a decade earlier would be an arbitrator of truth and fair would recognize you’re not a drug kingpin, let alone a criminal. This is the United States of America. This week we sit down with Luke Scarmazzo, One of the first licensed medical dispensaries in the United States, who shares his compelling story.We discuss: 2004 California Cannabis IndustryScarmazzo vs. United States of AmericaEmotional rollercoasterHis mission now and how others can helpAnd so much more  About Luke ScarmazzoIn 2006, Luke Scarmazzo was running a state-legal medical cannabis dispensary in Modesto, California, when he was arrested by U.S. federal agents following a DEA raid of the business. Scarmazzo was prosecuted in federal court and received a 22-year jail sentence. He and his family have turned to The Weldon Project for support.Though Scarmazzo’s dispensary was legal through California’s Proposition 215 – which legalized medical cultivation, sales, and consumption in the state – he and his business partner were charged under the Continuing Criminal Enterprise Statute. The CCE Statute, also known as the Kingpin Statute, is a federal law designed to target large-scale drug traffickers and cartels who are responsible for long-term and elaborate drug conspiracies. It carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 20 years.In 2017, after serving nearly a decade in jail, Scarmazzo petitioned the Obama administration for commutation. His business partner, Ricardo Montes, received clemency, but Luke’s request was denied. In 2020, advocates with the nonprofit The Weldon Project included Luke's name on a list of 25 marijuana offenders sent to the Trump White House as part of a clemency campaign supported by Republicans, Democrats, law enforcement and various celebrities. Although President Trump granted nine of the requested pardons, Luke’s request was not granted.Guest Links https://www.projectmissiongreen.org/luke-scarmazzohttps://www.instagram.com/lukescarmazzo/?hl=enhttps://twitter.com/lscarmazzo?lang=enFollow us: Our Links.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 is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime🐣 Twitter: Bryan Fields, Kellan Finney🎙 The Dime Podcast: 

It's no secret that California is one of the most cutthroat markets in the industry today. Not accepting anything less than the best is how Ted Lidie, founder of Alien Labs, has built a successful brand synonymous with quality and successfully scaled it across state lines.This week we host Ted to discuss:How Alien Labs have been able to grow Top Shelf Flower at scale  His obsession with quality and how they do QCWhat is going on inside the top-shelf California cannabis industry?What he thinks of being inside almost every NY Unlicensed storeAbout Alien LabsAt Alien Labs, we take quality seriously. We believe that our customers deserve the very best, and we work hard to ensure that our products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. We use only the finest ingredients, and we test every batch of our products to ensure that they are free from contaminants and impurities. In addition, we are committed to sustainability. We believe that it’s important to protect the environment, and we do our part by using sustainable packaging and eco-friendly practices in our production process.Connect with Alien Labshttps://www.instagram.com/returnofthealienhttps://www.instagram.com/alienlabs/https://www.twentysixtynine.com/Follow us: Our Links.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 is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime🐣 Twitter: Bryan Fields, Kellan Finney🎙 The Dime Podcast: 

Nature vs. Nurture plays a critical role in cannabis. Understanding how and why these traits are expressed can help the cannabis industry how to create a consistent, reproducible product. This week we dive into cannabis genomics with Dr. Daniela Vergara, Founder Agricultural Genomics Foundation. We discuss Theory behind breeding Defining synthetic plant-based or full syntheticMinor CannabinoidsCannabis genomicsAnd so much moreAbout Dr. Daniela VergaraGuest Links Dr. Daniela Vergara is an evolutionary biologist, data analyst, educator, scientific writer, and public speaker. In addition to her multiple publications, she founded and directs a non-profit organization, the Agricultural Genomics Foundation (AGF; AgriculturalGenomics.org). AGF aims to make hemp and cannabinoid science available to a broad public. Vergara has been part of e scientific teams at private companies including Steep Hill, Inc. who are a global leader in agricultural testing, and the biotech company Front Range Biosciences.https://vergarascience.com/https://www.instagram.com/cannabacana/https://www.linkedin.com/in/verdaniela/https://twitter.com/CannaBacanahttps://www.facebook.com/cannagenome/https://www.facebook.com/agriculturalgenomics.org/Follow us: Our Links.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 is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime🐣 Twitter: Bryan Fields, Kellan Finney🎙 The Dime Podcast:  

Do you love good food AND good weed? Get your aprons readybecuase today we are diving into home cooking-infused style.We sat down with Christina Wong and discussed the following:How to easily add cannabis to your home cookingCalculating accurate Dosing at homeRecipes, ideas, and so much more*Warning this episode will make you hungryAbout Christina Wong:Christina Wong is a CLIO Cannabis and MarCom award-winning storyteller and seasoned PR & communications pro who spent over a decade in the food & restaurant industry working with well-known chefs, restaurants, hospitality, and cannabis brands including Papa & Barkley, Raw Garden, and Tender Greens. A culinary cannabis educator, recipe developer, content creator, and baking show host, her imaginative and delectable creations have earned numerous awards and accolades, including a pie that KCRW’s Evan Kleiman called “f*&%ing delicious."She’s created custom desserts for events with Qveen Herby, Cypress Hill, LaGanja Estranja, Luna Lovebad, and Tommy Chong to name a few. Additionally, she’s partner + culinary content editor of The Clever Root, a digital publication about cannabis food, drinks, hospitality, and everything that grows; co-host of Mogu Magu, an AAPI food + culture + cannabis collective; and a member of the HiVi Higher-Ups, an inclusive community of cannabis advocates and activists. #cookingwithcannabis #infusedcooking #cannabisSubscribe to Christina's Substack: https://fruitandflower.substack.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-s-wong/https://www.instagram.com/toastymuffin/?hl=enhttps://twitter.com/fruit_flower_cohttps://www.fruitandflower.co/https://www.instagram.com/fruitandflower/https://twitter.com/fruit_flower_cohttps://www.tiktok.com/@fruitandflowerhttps://open.spotify.com/user/31xww22dul5nfrcs3jww5jv66y6y?si=3ed0302b4cfd446e&nd=1Follow us: Our Links.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 is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime🐣 Twitter: Bryan Fields, Kellan Finney🎙 The Dime Podcast: 

What is the actual truth behind cannabis harms and benefits? Dr. Peter Grinspoon, Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School and author of "Seeing Through the Smoke: Cannabis: An Expert Doctor Untangles the Truth About Cannabis," shares his expertise on various topics related to cannabis. From the challenges of having non-judgmental conversations about cannabis between doctors and patients to the potential benefits and harms of cannabis, Dr. Grinspoon provides valuable insights across the board including.The Government's funding into cannabis research: harms vs. BenefitsThe process of re-legalizing cannabis and how it affects institutional knowledge.The truth behind the gateway theory of cannabisHis Perspective on Andrew Huberman Podcast The potential for cannabis addiction and how it's been greatly exaggeratedThe  urgent need to teach the endocannabinoid system in medical schoolsA must-listen Rapid Fire  Guest Links https://www.petergrinspoon.com/Buy his book Amazonhttps://twitter.com/Peter_Grinspoonhttps://www.instagram.com/peter_grinspoon/Follow us: Our Links.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 is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime🐣 Twitter: Bryan Fields, Kellan Finney🎙 The Dime Podcast: Show Less

 Nestled in the Mid-Atlantic and surrounded by states that have legalized cannabis, Maryland's burgeoning cannabis market has a strategic location that is poised for explosive growth. With the country's highest concentration of government employees, its potential federal impact on the industry is not to be overlooked.Remedy is a key player in the limited licenses market. This week we sit down with Brandon Barksdale Co CEO of Remedy Maryland to discuss the following:  The future of the Maryland market and its potential growth due to its location and consumer demandThe potential influence of the tri-state area on banking reform and full-blown legalization and the government's role in driving change in the industry.Unique partnerships with big cannabis brands like Cookies and Holistic in creating the "store within a store" feel in dispensaries.Adhering to quality standards during the transition from medical to recreational cannabisGuest Links:https://remedymaryland.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbarksdale/https://www.instagram.com/remedy_maryland/https://twitter.com/remedymarylandhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCls05chjGZw82nyQkn2XuFQ/featured Follow us: Our Links.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 is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime🐣 Twitter: Bryan Fields, Kellan Finney🎙 The Dime Podcast: 

How do cannabis companies build a brand? With a locked toolbox and platforms quick to shadowban, the challenges are endless.Marketing in Cannabis requires creativity, budget consciousness, resourcefulness, and wearing multiple hats. Almost no one understands these nuances better than Lisa Buffo, founder, and CEO of the Cannabis Marketing Association.We sat down with Lisa to discuss. Discover the challenges and nuances of marketing in the cannabis industry.Insights on building brand personality and understanding your customers.Navigating the complexities of compliance regulations while marketingBuilding brand loyaltyExploring why the customer journey Whether you're a cannabis entrepreneur or simply curious about the industry, this episode offers a unique perspective on cannabis marketing.About the Cannabis Marketing AssociationCannabis Marketing Association was founded in 2016 by cannabis marketing executive Lisa Buffo in response to the unprecedented challenges cannabis communications professionals were experiencing. Industry marketers were unable to use traditional marketing tactics and technology such as paid advertising, social media, or digital outlets. This reality, coupled with unclear regulations across fragmented markets and a pervasive perception problem, left cannabis marketers with the task of rebranding cannabis as the then-nascent industry was rapidly growing.Cannabis Marketing Association was established to bring the cannabis marketing community together so that best practices could be shared through our collective knowledge. Today, CMA seeks to formally establish these best practices and further elevate Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabuffo/https://twitter.com/libuff21https://www.instagram.com/libuff/CANNABIS MARKETING ASSOCIATIONhttps://thecannabismarketingassociation.com/https://twitter.com/cannamarketinghttps://www.instagram.com/cannamarketing/https://www.instagram.com/cannabismarketingsummit/ Follow us: Our Links.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 is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime🐣 Twitter: Bryan Fields, Kellan Finney🎙 The Dime Podcast: Show Less

Big Tobacco's relationship with the cannabis industry is complicated. While most can agree that there is an overlap between the two, many quickly point out that they are dangerous to the industry. Turning point brands sits at the intersection of this dynamic relationship.This week we sit down with Scott Grossman, VP of Corporate Development of Turning Point Brands, to discuss the following: The relationship between big Tobacco and the cannabis industryThe influence of brands on the future of cannabis and Tobacco.Resources, Overlaps, and Sensorsand so much moreAbout Turning Point Brands (NYSE: TPB)We are a branded consumer products company that markets and distributes products, including alternative smoking accessories and consumables with active ingredients through our iconic and emerging brands.Guest Links https://www.turningpointbrands.com/home/default.aspxhttps://zigzag.com/https://www.instagram.com/zigzagworld/https://www.youtube.com/zzstudiohttps://www.facebook.com/zigzagworldofficialhttps://twitter.com/srg444Follow us: Our Links.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 is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime🐣 Twitter: Bryan Fields, Kellan Finney🎙 The Dime Podcast: 

How do you create a new experience to excite customers across product categories?  As the industry evolves, innovators seek to blend experiences with entertainment to build brand relationships. This week on The Dime, we host Andreas "Dre" Neumann, Chief Creative Director at Jushi, to discuss the following: Creating a new experience each timeBlending Rock & Roll with CannabisRed Bull lessonsPushing innovation to new limitsand so much more Guest Links:https://jushico.com/https://www.instagram.com/wearejushi/https://twitter.com/wearejushihttps://www.facebook.com/wearejushi/https://www.linkedin.com/company/jushi-inc/http://www.americanvalhallamovie.com/Follow us: Our Links.At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 50 Cannabis PodcastSign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime🐣 Twitter: Bryan Fields, Kellan Finney🎙 The Dime Podcast: