The Dime

What is Bank Secrecy, and why are cash-heavy businesses like cannabis dispensaries, casinos, and laundromats treated the same?Did regulators understand that they forced cannabis businesses were once forced into "criminal" banking practices?Banking is available to the cannabis industry, but what are the differences?We discuss the complexities of navigating federal and state regulations, the impact of the SAFE(R) Banking Act, and the differences between state-chartered and federally-chartered banks in handling cannabis-related transactions. Sundie also discusses the challenges of credit card processing for cannabis businesses and the emerging issues around hemp derivatives. Get a firsthand look at the strategies behind vetting and managing risky clients and what the future holds as the cannabis industry matures and evolves. If you're interested in the intersection of finance, regulation, and cannabis, this episode is packed with valuable insights and industry expertise. Perfect for cannabis entrepreneurs, banking professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the rapidly changing landscape of cannabis finance.We sit down with Sundie Seefried to discuss the following:Explaining Bank SecrecyDifferences in Banking Hemp vs. CannabisVisa/MasterCard:  What is needed?And so much more Topics and Timestamps Sundie’s background and how she got into the cannabis banking space (00:00:46 - 00:01:49)The challenges of banking cannabis businesses and the "criminal" practices they were forced into prior to Safe Harbor (00:01:49 - 00:03:55)Navigating regulations and relationships with state/federal regulators to establish a compliant cannabis banking program (00:03:55 - 00:07:07)Differences between state-chartered and federally-chartered banking institutions when it comes to cannabis (00:07:07 - 00:08:01)The impact of the SAFE Banking Act and the limitations it may have (00:08:32 - 00:10:05)Challenges with credit card processing and merchant services for cannabis businesses (00:10:16 - 00:11:33)Guest Linkshttps://shfinancial.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sundie-seefried-748194130/https://www.linkedin.com/company/safeharbor-financial/About Sundie Seefried:Safe Harbor Financial is the brainchild of Sundie Seefried. A 35-year veteran of the credit union industry, in 2014, she saw that CRBs needed financial services and that Colorado communities would be safer if the new industry had access to banking solutions.A 39-year credit union industry veteran, Seefried was the former CEO of Partner Colorado Credit Union (PCCU). Established in 2015 by PCCU, Safe Harbor was formed to provide an unmet need – compliant banking and financial services to the rapidly growing U.S. cannabis industry. Seefried designed a full scope Cannabis Banking Program for PCCU known as the Safe Harbor program, which has withstood the scrutiny of 16 federal and state exams to date. Now in its 8th year, Safe Harbor has grown to nearly 600 accounts spanning 20 states, and processed over $12 billion in cannabis-related transactions.Seefried regularly provides cannabis banking education and expertise to legislators, regulators, attorneys generals, state officials, and financial institutions. She is on a mission to normalize banking for the cannabis industry, while assisting law enforcement and federal agencies to be more effective at combating illicit activities and protecting the financial system.To share her knowledge, Seefried authored the book ‘Navigating Safe Harbor – Cannabis Banking in Uncertain Times’ in 2016, as well as contributed a chapter on cannabis banking in the university textbook ‘The Politics of Marijuana: A New Paradigm’ by Timothy McGettigan.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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Connected is one of the most influential cannabis brands in the world, renowned for its best-in-class genetics and highest-quality flower. But it's their unmatched R&D, breeding program, and bold appetite for pushing boundaries that truly set them apart.To understand how Connected became the powerhouse it is today, we delve into the origins of its journey, including the story behind the naming of Biscotti. In this episode, Caleb Counts breaks down how much Connected invests in R&D and offers an inside look into their renowned breeding program. He shares insights on how decisions are made, the process of crossing strains, and how they’re revitalizing sativas. Caleb also discusses their pre-launch program, why Connected has been mentioned in hundreds of rap songs, and how they’ve designed a system that ensures they continue to deliver on the trust that’s nearly impossible to build in this industry.This week, we sit down with Caleb Counts to discuss:In-depth details on their extensive Breeding ProgramThe Sativa Revival Project, featuring strains like Tropical Z & Silver SpoonHow Connected strains consistently get mentioned in songsAnd much more!Guest Links https://connectedcannabisco.com/https://www.instagram.com/connected.california/https://www.instagram.com/counts/Our Links Bryan 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 is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is Cannabis the most overlooked treatment in modern healthcare? Learn how it could revolutionize care for cancer and other illnesses.In this episode of The Dime, Dr. Benjamin Caplan, founder of CED Clinic and author of the "Doctor Approved Cannabis Handbook," joins us to discuss the untapped potential of Cannabis in medicine. From his journey as a traditional primary care doctor to becoming a leader in cannabis healthcare, Dr. Caplan dives deep into the science behind cannabis' therapeutic effects on conditions like cancer, Parkinson's, and even dementia. He challenges the misconceptions around Cannabis, discusses its impact on the endocannabinoid system, and explains why it could be the "Swiss army knife" of medicine. Tune in to learn about the real benefits of Cannabis, the gaps in medical education, and what it will take for the healthcare industry to embrace this powerful plant. Whether you're a patient, a healthcare professional, or just curious about Cannabis, this episode is packed with groundbreaking insights!This week, we sit down with Dr. Benjamin Caplan to discuss the following:The Overlooked Potential of CannabisBreakthroughs Not Widely ReportedPatient-Centric Cannabis UseAnd so much more  Main Topics Discussed:Dr. Caplan's background and how he got interested in cannabis (00:00:11 - 00:02:27)The evolving public perception and acceptance of cannabis over time (00:02:27 - 00:07:46)The endocannabinoid system and how cannabis interacts with the body (00:07:50 - 00:16:16)Specific conditions and symptoms Dr. Caplan has seen cannabis help, including pain, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and cancer (00:16:19 - 00:27:36)The potential benefits of cannabis for skin health and as a natural sunscreen (00:36:24 - 00:38:51)Dr. Caplan's views on recreational cannabis use (00:42:23 - 00:43:53)Key insights and surprises from Dr. Caplan's "Doctor Approved Cannabis Handbook" (00:44:06 - 00:46:02)Dr. Caplan's interest in studying cannabis and aging/the endocannabinoid system in older adults (00:46:02 - 00:47:03) About Dr. Benjamin CaplanDr. Benjamin Caplan, a trailblazer in Medical Cannabis care, has spent over two decades integrating rigorous, evidence-based practices into his specialty clinic. Recognized as one of the top 100 influential figures in cannabis, his work encompasses both patient care and groundbreaking clinical research. As Principal Investigator in numerous studies and a contributor to prestigious journals like The New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Caplan continues to explore the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis. He is the founder and CMO of CED Clinic and EO Care, Inc., leading organizations in patient care and digital cannabis education. CED Clinic, a top medical cannabis clinic in Massachusetts for adults and children, boasts an impressive record of treating about 18,000 patients, and the supervision of nearly 300,000 others, with an expanding international reach. EO Care, a digital health company, offers HIPAA-compliant, data-driven cannabinoid treatments with clinical oversight. Additionally, Dr. Caplan established Solo* Sciences, a cannabis tech company, which was acquired by Akerna in 2020, marking a significant milestone in the industry. In 2023, Penguin Random House launched Dr Caplan’s "The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook," to an international audience, sharing a comprehensive and accessible guide to cannabis therapies, supported by peer-reviewed references.healthcare industry to embrace this powerful plant. Whether you're a patient, a healthcare professional, or just curious about cannabis, this episode is packed with groundbreaking insights!Guest Links https://benjamincaplan.com/https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/https://doctorapprovedcannabishandbook.com/Our Links Bryan 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 is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Flavors, terpenes, and genetics—all essential components of an incredible cannabis product. But how do you achieve this while running a vertically integrated business with volatile wholesale prices? That’s the beauty of the cannabis industry: you're building the plane while flying it.In this episode, the founders of Trade Roots reveal the secrets behind their exceptional strains and flavors. Discover how they've mastered the art of transitioning from legacy to legal cannabis cultivation, integrating West Coast genetics with cutting-edge techniques. They also discuss how vertical integration gives them a unique edge in delivering top-tier products that stand out in the market.This week, we sit down with the Carl Giannone & Jesse Pitts to discuss:West Coast GeneticsUnderstanding Vertical IntegrationTerpenes, THC & Consumer EducationAnd so much moreKey Topics DiscussedJesse's background in the legacy cannabis market and transition to the legal industry (00:01:43)Carl's perspective shift from viewing cannabis as a "business for criminals and children" to becoming a partner in Trade Roots (00:07:18)The process of building Trade Roots' business plan, navigating regulations, and securing funding (00:13:08)Vertical integration and the importance of maintaining control over the supply chain (00:17:21)Challenges around testing, transparency, and integrity in the cannabis industry (00:38:57)Bringing in West Coast genetics and balancing customer demand with commercial viability (00:50:53)Highlights of Trade Roots' cultivation and extraction capabilities (00:59:29) About Trade RootsTrade Roots brings cannabis culture to the gateway of Cape Cod—Wareham, Massachusetts. We deliver a highly curated cannabis experience and have taken special care to tailor everything from our high-quality product to our gorgeous retail space to ensure a first-class experience for our customers.Roots are important to us, and we’re proud of ours. One of our owners was born and raised in Wareham while the other lives in town, we’re staffed by members of the local community, our product is grown and produced on-site, and our retail shop features the work of local artists and craftsmen. As the saying goes, strong roots produce beautiful leaves.Guest Links https://traderoots.buzz/https://www.instagram.com/traderoots_buzz/https://www.linkedin.com/company/trade-roots-ma/https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlgiannone/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-pitts-4b560199/Bryan 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 is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Travis Higginbotham, founder of Due Diligence Horticulture, dives into the complexities of cannabis cultivation. He shares insights on maximizing yield through light accumulation and why harvest timing is crucial for both extracts and flowers. Travis explains the challenges in defining quality and the need for rigorous science in cultivation practices. He also discusses the role of technology and partnerships in enhancing operational efficiency, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement in this evolving industry.

Cresco Labs is one of the largest MSOs in the industry, but at its core, it has an entrepreneurial mindset that has always stayed the same.Many overlook that a company with a sizable market cap can still possess the craftiness and perspective of a smaller company. This mindset has led to strategic opportunities that allow Cresco Labs to thrive in areas easily overlooked by its peers.This week, we sit down with Zach Marburger to discuss:The Tech Ecosystem at Cresco LabsInnovative Custom Retail SolutionsThe Inner Workings of Their Unique Selling Proposition (USP)And so much moreDon't miss this in-depth look at how one of the most prominent players in cannabis continues to innovate and lead the industry.About Cresco LabsCresco Labs is one of the largest publicly traded, vertically integrated, multistate cannabis companies in the U.S. We produce the industry’s #1 portfolio of cannabis brands and operate dispensaries under our Sunnyside brand nationally that focus on delivering consumer education, trust and convenience.Guest Linkshttps://twitter.com/crescolabshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/cresco-labs/https://www.crescolabs.com/ Main Topics Discussed:Cresco's approach to technology and the importance of seed-to-sale traceability systems (00:03:27)Cresco's decision-making process for building vs. buying technology solutions (00:11:39)Cresco's focus on integrating data and systems across cultivation, manufacturing, and retail (00:24:33)Cresco's e-commerce strategy and the shift towards online sales (00:26:12)Zach's thoughts on the potential use of AI and computer vision in cannabis operations (00:35:31)Challenges and lessons learned from Zach's entrepreneurial background (00:43:26) 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  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kentucky is now hot on the radar as a prime location for medical cannabis opportunities. As the application window dwindles, we take a detailed look at the potential and challenges within the state's medical market.In this episode, we explore the intricate process of applying for cannabis licenses in Kentucky. Learn what you need to do to be successful, whether you're a mom-and-pop shop or a larger enterprise. Discover the necessary steps, strategies for success, and how to position yourself for the best chances of obtaining a license in this competitive field. Understand the opportunities, potential, and challenges that await willing participants in this emerging market.This week we sit down with Emily Sisneros to discuss the following:Winning Cannabis licensesKentucky Medical ProgramWhich south states have big upside?Distressed Licenses Guest Links:https://cannabusinessservices.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyseelman/https://x.com/canna_serviceshttps://www.instagram.com/canna_services/https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyseelman/ Chapters:Introduction and Background ([00:00:00]) - The hosts Bryan and Kellan introduce their guest Emily CEO of Cannabis Business Services, and discuss her background in the cannabis industry.Emily's Journey into Cannabis ([00:01:25]) - Emily shares how she started in the cannabis industry as a civil litigator in Pennsylvania and then transitioned to founding her own consulting firm.Early Challenges and Lessons Learned ([00:03:53]) - Emily discusses the chaotic early days of the cannabis industry and the challenges she faced, including educating clients and dealing with unqualified vendors.Expanding into New Markets ([00:05:44]) - Emily talks about how her business expanded beyond Pennsylvania to serve clients in various states and sectors of the cannabis industry.Approach to Understanding Regulations ([00:07:05]) - Emily explains her process for deeply researching and understanding the regulations in each state she works in to provide the best service to her clients.Kentucky's Medical Cannabis Program ([00:10:39]) - Emily provides a detailed overview of the current status and unique aspects of Kentucky's new medical cannabis program, including the short application window and lottery system.Challenges and Considerations for Entrepreneurs ([00:14:47]) - Emily discusses the significant investment and grit required to successfully navigate the cannabis licensing process, as well as the importance of remaining flexible.Opportunities in the Cannabis Industry ([00:16:27]) - Emily shares her insights on promising markets and sectors within the cannabis industry, such as Pennsylvania, distressed assets, and ancillary businesses.The Future of Cannabis in the South ([00:43:17]) - The hosts and Emily speculate on how the cannabis industry may evolve in the southern United States, particularly in states like Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Follow us: Our Links.Bryan 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 is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cannabis reform always feels like it's on the verge of a breakthrough with policy.We know some policies can pass both the House & Senate yet it doesn’t , but it ends up feeling like a pawn in the horse trading by policymakers who all know that ~70% of Americans are in favor of cannabis legalization. So why does policy that has support from both sides of the aisle struggle to make progress?This week, we sit down with Erin Moffet and David Mangone to discuss:Stories from Inside DCMeasuring Progress Process of educating Member/StaffersAnd so much more  About The Liaison Group The Liaison Group (TLG) is a DC-based federal lobbying firm dedicated to shaping the federal legislative and policy landscape for the Cannabis Industry.  TLG focuses its efforts and expertise in both the House and Senate with the overarching goal of protecting and preserving state-authorized Cannabis programs. Key Topics Discussed:David and Erin's background getting into cannabis lobbying (00:01:04)What lobbying is and how it works in the cannabis industry (00:02:34)Balancing relationships with members of Congress and educating them on cannabis (00:07:12)Coordinating with other industry groups and finding the right messengers (00:13:18)Navigating the complexities of cannabis policy and legislation (00:20:27)Measuring success and the importance of the upcoming 6 months (00:42:54)Follow us: Our Links.Bryan 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 is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dime  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Successful marketing requires a blend of specialized expertise and a broad understanding of strategic frameworks. However, too often, marketing gets pigeonholed into a single person's role, expecting them to handle everything from strategy to execution.In fast-paced, scaling startups, this is precisely where fractional marketers can make a critical difference. Leveraging a team of skilled, experienced individuals to handle various marketing roles can support your marketing team more effectively, saving time and costs.This week, we sit down with Brandon Bobart to discuss the following:How does a Fractional Marketer work?Benefits & DrawbacksBest Tactics for Cannabis BrandsAbout Brandon Bobart : We help small business owners (< 5 million in revenue) build their entire marketing team for the price of one full-time employee.Guest Linkshttps://pisgahpeaksventures.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-bobart/Time stamps of Main Topics Discussed:Overview of fractional marketing and how it applies to the cannabis industry (00:02:08)Importance of aligning marketing objectives with business KPIs (00:06:32)Challenges of managing a full marketing team vs. leveraging fractional experts (00:03:54)The critical role of a website as a digital storefront for cannabis businesses (00:22:47)Navigating social media restrictions and best practices for cannabis brands (00:34:00)Emerging marketing tactics beyond digital, such as direct mail and community engagement (00:37:42)The impact of AI and automation on the future of cannabis marketing (00:44:19) 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"Every time a company doubles in size, you need to redo all processes." – Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn.The speed and development of the cannabis industry often conflict with the ability to take a step back and recognize the internal organizational changes that have occurred since the last time you aligned your structure.Are your total compensation packages, timing, and organizational structure retaining and attracting employees?Can slight improvements outside of just pay provide a massive boost to your team?Enter Mike Siebold of FlowerHire. Having an experienced industry partner review your company structure to ensure alignment with incentives, titles, and compensation while building an ideal hierarchy might seem like a luxury, but it is a crucial asset.This week, we sit down with Mike Siebold to discuss:What is Growth Management?Pros & Cons of Unions in CannabisLeadership SummitsGuest Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesiebold/https://flowerhire.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLapnfHDjR7Gk_7tHF07op_bPR4L8CpGM2https://www.instagram.com/flowerhire/https://x.com/flowerhirehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/flowerhire/ 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.