
The Dime
The $100+ billion cannabis industry is fueled by innovative strategies and visionary leaders. Each week, we explore the journeys of CEOs from publicly traded giants, world-renowned scientists, and underground legacy growers shaping the future of this transformative market.
Bryan and Kellan uncover how these pioneers built their businesses, navigated failures and found success in this rapidly growing space. Join us to explore the lessons and insights driving the cannabis industry forward.
Latest episodes

Jun 13, 2024 • 50min
How Grown Rogue's Craft Cannabis Model is Disrupting the Industry ft. Obie Strickler
What does your business do better than anyone else's? This is your competitive advantage.As we move away from the "growth at all costs" mindset, businesses are doubling down on their strengths—Grown Rogue has emphatically done just that. Battle-tested in highly competitive markets, this high-end cultivator consistently proves its ability to design cultivation operations that produce high-quality flower at consistent prices. With a repeatable, profitability-focused model, they are now expanding to new markets like New Jersey and Illinois to disrupt the flower market.This week, we sit down with Obie Strickler to discuss the following:The challenging conversation of refocusing the business.How to produce craft cannabis at scale profitablyGenetics, strains, and much moreGuest Links https://www.grownrogue.com/https://www.instagram.com/grownrogue/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLPvB2qWVM0&ab_channel=GrownRoguehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/grown-rogue/https://x.com/grownroguehttps://x.com/ObieStricklerAbout Grown Rogue:Grown Rogue’s mission is to bring low cost, high quality, craft cannabis from the amazing terroir and legacy of Oregon’s Rogue Valley to consumers nationwide.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 DimeTwitter :https://twitter.com/TheDime\_8thhttps://twitter.com/bryanfields24https://twitter.com/kellan\_Finney

Jun 6, 2024 • 48min
New York's Broken Cannabis Program: What Happened and How to Fix It ft. Neil Kaufman
New York's Cannabis Program can only be described one way: Broken. Despite lessons learned from other states and a goal to help those previously harmed, the program has faced significant financial and operational challenges, falling short of its intended success. With government officials labeling the rollout a disaster and promising an overhaul, the extent of the program's issues is clear. Were these problems evident from the start, and how can they be fixed? We sat down with Neil Kaufman to break it all down and discuss the following:Where everything went wrongWhat Neil would do to fix itThe two-tier system and investment issues About Neil Kaufman:Neil M. Kaufman is the managing member of Kaufman McGowan PLLC, Long Island’s Corporate & Securities Law Firm ™ and Corporate & Securities Counsel to the Cannabis Industry™. He is one of the leading corporate cannabis lawyers in New York and the USA and a fixture of the New York and Long Island corporate and securities legal community.Mr. Kaufman represents emerging growth, middle market and public companies and investment firms in their corporate, securities, financing, borrowing, merger & acquisition and other legal matters. Mr. Kaufman is particularly well known for advising clients with respect to SEC regulation, public offerings, private placements and mergers & acquisitions, as well as all types of commercial contracts. He is a frequent speaker on corporate, securities and cannabis law topics, and is an approved Vistage speaker on mergers & acquisitions.Guest Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmkaufman/https://kaufmanmcgowan.com/https://x.com/NeilMKaufmanFollow 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 DimeTwitter :https://twitter.com/TheDime\_8thhttps://twitter.com/bryanfields24https://twitter.com/kellan\_Finney

May 30, 2024 • 49min
Building a Private Juggernaut: Efficiency at Every Step with Mario Naric
Public companies dominate the headlines for the cannabis industry, but a few private beasts operate in plain sight. Motif Labs is one of them. Their deep focus on profitability and data at every step is why they have built such a deeply rooted and successful organizational philosophy.This week, we sit down with Mario Naric to discuss:How he builds process efficiency at every stepWhat understanding the data really meansWhen to bring services in-houseMario Naric, CEO & Founder of Motif LabsMario Naric is the Founder & CEO of Motif Labs, a leading brand house shaping Canada's cannabis 2.0 market with a portfolio of iconic brands, including BOXHOT (#1 vape brand in Canada), DEBUNK, and Rizzlers. With an unwavering passion for creating exceptional products and a background in chemical engineering, Mario has grown Motif Labs into the retailer's brand of choice, solidifying its position as a leader in Canada's 2.0 cannabis market. Mario's cannabis journey began in 2017 when he founded Motif Labs with a vision to define high standards of excellence and to create products that leave a lasting impression. Mario has led Motif Labs to unparalleled success and profitability, holding top market share positions in vapes and infused pre-rolls. Mario's hands-on leadership style and youthful energy infuse a unique vitality into Motif Labs. Guided by his passion, the company continues to push boundaries, creating products that exceed consumer expectations. Mario is known for his approachable demeanor and genuine commitment to making a difference. Mario and his wife live in London, Ontario.Guest Links https://www.linkedin.com/company/motif-labshttps://www.instagram.com/motif.labs/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 DimeTwitter :https://twitter.com/TheDime\_8thhttps://twitter.com/bryanfields24https://twitter.com/kellan\_Finney

May 23, 2024 • 49min
Krista Raymer: Pricing, Promotion & Strategy Tips for Profitable Cannabis Retail
Pricing and promotion in the retail business may seem closely linked but are fundamentally different. Understanding the intention behind a promotion across the organization is a critical yet often overlooked element in the cannabis industry. Using pricing as a tool to drive sales can have unintended consequences. For example, if a customer typically purchases one product every 30 days but buys two products when offered at a lower price, they might not return for 60 days. Did leveraging the price as a tool for additional sales work as intended?This week, we dive into the intricacies of cannabis retail, exploring all components of the system to understand what is needed to achieve profitability.Join us as Krista Raymer discusses how to put the pieces of the puzzle together for a successful retail strategy, covering topics such as:The difference between pricing and promotionInternal alignment on promotional strategiesThe potential pitfalls of using price to drive salesStrategy for long-term profitability in cannabis retailAbout Vetrina GroupCreate Cannabis Retail Experts. It’s been our mission since day one. We understand that unlocking success in cannabis retail is no easy feat. It takes dedication, hard work, and a deep understanding of what drives your consumers. By understanding what your consumers want and utilizing data-driven strategies, you can confidently execute innovative plans that lead to greater profitability. The Cannabis industry can be difficult, but we know retail can be strategic, planned, and successful when informed by data and experience.Guest Linkshttps://www.vetrinagroup.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-raymer/https://x.com/k_raymerhttps://x.com/vetrinagrouphttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAJkvtzo2RYpg0DnNITm8iQFollow 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 DimeTwitter :https://twitter.com/TheDime\_8thhttps://twitter.com/bryanfields24https://twitter.com/kellan\_Finney

May 16, 2024 • 54min
How Minor Cannabinoids are Made: Synthetic vs Biosynthetic ft. Shane Johnson
Synthesis, a process that may sound complex, is actually quite common in our daily lives. From the production of everyday items like Advil, organic milk, citric acid, to the creation of vitamins A and D, and multivitamins, synthesis is a key player.Why does this realization often provoke a negative reaction? Perhaps it's because there's a desire for clean, safe, and consistent natural products, especially when they originate from plants.Surprisingly, synthesis enhances our ability to deliver such products.This week, we're joined by Shane Johnson to delve into the following topics: How minors are manufactured, synthetic vs. biosynthetic Upcoming Minors to keep an eye on Novel APIs & AnalogsAbout Dr. Shane JohnsonDr. Shane Johnson’s career has focused principally on offering strategic business advisory services to companies in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors. His work has included guiding regulatory strategy, product portfolio assessment and valuations, and product development and launch strategies for companies including Biogen Idec, Amgen, and Genentech. Shane was a Principal at Hamilton BioVentures (a Life Science venture capital firm), an Engagement Manager at L.E.K. Consulting (an international strategy consulting firm), and held operational roles in several early stage companies. For the past 4 years, Shane’s work has been focused on the cannabis and cannabinoid science space, and he has developed a strong working knowledge of clinical opportunities in the sector. He is currently on the Board of Directors of several cannabis-related companies, and is a co-founder of one of Nevada’s leading cultivators and producers of premium cannabis products including a patented lozenge. Shane holds a B.A. in Studio Art and a B.S. in Neuroscience (with honors) from Brown University, an M.D. from the Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a Fulbright Scholar.Guest Links https://www.baymedica.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanejohnson3/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-XRZ0FMzcWgFL_mqdAOPRwhttps://twitter.com/BayMedicaFollow 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 DimeTwitter :https://twitter.com/TheDime\_8thhttps://twitter.com/bryanfields24https://twitter.com/kellan\_Finney

May 9, 2024 • 46min
Unveiling the $4 Million Problem: Hop Latent Viroid's Impact on Cannabis Cultivation ft. Dr. Tassa Saldi
The economic impact of Hop Latent Viroid on cannabis cultivation remains a significant concern, costing the industry millions annually.In our latest episode, we dive into proactive measures to combat this threat with Dr. Tassa Saldi. Affecting ~80% of cultivators, Dr. Saldi sheds light on the necessity of proactively testing.While some may question the need for proactive testing, likening it to insurance, the truth is stark: overlooking this crucial step could result in catastrophic consequences for your crops and business.Join us as we explore:The nuances of Hop Latent ViroidStrategies for proactive testingAssessing the value of a mother plantIdentifying other pathogens demanding attention in cannabis cultivationGuest Links:https://tumigenomics.myshopify.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tassa-saldi-phd-03174a179/https://twitter.com/tumigenomicshttps://www.instagram.com/tumigenomics/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 DimeTwitter :https://twitter.com/TheDime\_8thhttps://twitter.com/bryanfields24https://twitter.com/kellan\_Finney

May 2, 2024 • 53min
Aaron Nosbisch Reveals BRĒZ Marketing Secrets: A Beverage Exploding Toward $20 Million
BRĒZ immediate success is a testament to the power of a skilled team, a great product, and incredible marketing. A little over a year since its inception, BRĒZ hockey stick trajectory is undeniable and worthy of emulation.When executed perfectly, marketing becomes more than just a line item on a P&L; it becomes a tool with unlimited potential. BRĒZ ability to connect with consumers on a personal level and address all hidden potential questions and concerns reflects textbook marketing prowess that would earn the approval of industry legends like Gary Albert or David Ogilvy.The storytelling marketing strategy isn't an Ad but a friendly, informative guide. Educating consumers about an alternative to alcohol minimizes the intimidation factor and highlights the product's benefits, such as its quick onset and ability to eliminate brain fog. The true beauty of Bez's marketing lies in its authentic storytelling, a quality that is easy to identify yet extremely difficult to replicate.This week, we sit down with founder Aaron Nosbisch to uncover the following:Marketing Principles usedHitting Milestone of a Million a MonthConversation with the FDAand so much moreGuest Linkshttps://twitter.com/drinkbrezhttps://twitter.com/AaronJNosbischhttps://www.drinkbrez.com/https://www.instagram.com/drinkbrez/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronnosbisch/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 DimeTwitter :https://twitter.com/TheDime\_8thhttps://twitter.com/bryanfields24https://twitter.com/kellan\_Finney

Apr 25, 2024 • 51min
Paul F. Austin on Exploring Psychedelics: Creativity, Hidden Benefits, Microdosing, and Retreats
The use of psychedelics by high-performing individuals and entrepreneurs is on the rise as they openly discuss the benefits these substances offer.As research continues and we dive deeper into these advantages, questions arise: Where are the opportunities, and what should interested individuals know? How do they get started, and how do they find the proper protocol for their needs?This week, we sit down with Paul F. Austin to explore:The use of psychedelics among CEOsSteps to prepare for a psychedelic retreatThe benefits of psychedelics across different age groups and considerations for useAnd much moreGuest Links:https://www.paulaustin.co/https://twitter.com/paulaustin3whttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-f-austin/https://www.instagram.com/paulaustin3w/https://twitter.com/thirdwaveishereAbout Paul F Austin:Paul F. Austin, a prominent figure in psychedelics, has guided millions to safe and meaningful psychedelic experiences through his work as the founder of Third Wave. Featured in Bloomberg, Rolling Stone, Inc., and the BBC's Worklife, to name a few, he’s curious about the convergence of psychedelics, personal transformation, and professional success and how they weave together to help form a meaningful existence.Paul empowers leaders, creatives, and pioneers to leverage psychedelics for profound personal and professional growth. He views utilizing psychedelics as a refined skill cultivated through mentorship, exploration, and purposeful use—critical for humanity's ongoing evolution.As the longest-standing and youngest entrepreneur in this emergent sector, Paul's focus on integrating psychedelics with professional development is evident in the Psychedelic Coaching Institute. PCI is training the next generation of impactful coaches to work with psychedelics in a transformative capacity. The core training program caters to individuals who wish to weave psychedelics into their business practices, under the guidance of one of the industry’s most trusted leaders.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 DimeTwitter :https://twitter.com/TheDime_8thhttps://twitter.com/bryanfields24https://twitter.com/kellan_Finney

Apr 18, 2024 • 1h
Chris Fontes: Cannabis is Already Legal - Hemp vs Cannabis
The 2018 Farm Bill has undeniably reshaped the cannabis industry, blurring lines and unlocking opportunities between hemp and cannabis. This episode delves into the nuanced differences and similarities between these two facets of the cannabis world. Chris Fontes shares his insights to dissect the complex web of legislation, the evolving roles of MSOs and Big Pharma, and the boundless opportunities emerging from regulatory challenges. Discover how today's cannabis entrepreneurs are utilizing the interpretation of opportunities to transform obstacles into avenues for innovation and sector growth.This week, we sit down with Chris Fontes to discuss the following:Hemp vs. Cannabis: Exploring Opportunities, Differences, and Challenges.Impact of the 2018 Farm Bill: What's next for legislation and how it shapes the industry.MSOs, Big Pharma's influence, and more.About Chris Fontes:Chris Fontes, the Founder and CEO of High Spirits Beverages, is a dynamic individual with a rich history of innovation and leadership in the cannabis industry and beyond. His entrepreneurial journey spans several successful ventures, including Trojan Horse Cannabis, Project Hemp Flower, and Hemp Exchange, all of which played pivotal roles in shaping the US hemp industry. Chris's visionary leadership led to the development of the industry's first hemp-derived D9 THC products and the launch of Trojan Horse Cannabis and High Spirits Beverages. Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisfontes/https://highspiritsbeverages.com/https://trojanhorsecannabis.com/Facebook: HighSpiritsBeverageLinkedIn: High Spirits BevX (Twitter): @HighSpiritsBevsFollow 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

Apr 11, 2024 • 46min
Anthony Coniglio: Capital Injections, REITs, Location Opportunities
Capital in the cannabis industry is not just scarce; it's a puzzle. Have you come across terms like sale-leaseback and triple net lease in press releases and earnings reports yet find yourself questioning their actual mechanics? What's more, the implications for companies opting for these leasebacks might be more surprising than you think. And from the perspective of a REIT company, how do they pinpoint opportunities, especially when evaluating location and market potential? These insights are valuable for understanding the framework for decision-making, both short and long-term.This week, we sit down with Anthony Coniglio to discuss the following:What are a sale-leaseback and a triple net lease?Portfolio diversification, tenant quality, and location choice.Strategies for injecting capital into cannabis companies. Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/coniglioanthony/https://www.newlake.com/https://twitter.com/NewLakeCapitalhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/newlake/https://twitter.com/NewLakeCapitalhttps://twitter.com/AnthonyConigli0 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 DimeTwitter :https://twitter.com/TheDime_8thhttps://twitter.com/bryanfields24https://twitter.com/kellan_Finney