The Dime

Bryan Fields & Kellan Finney

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.

  1. 14 HR AGO

    Most Cannabis Marketing Fails Because It Is Asked to Solve the Wrong Problems ft. John Shute

    If you doubled your marketing spend tomorrow, would you double your sales? Most cannabis marketing does not fail because teams spend too little. It fails because marketing is asked to create success while known problems remain unfixed. That is why marketing is often the first thing cut when results stall. What has changed is that modern tracking makes attribution clearer and easier than ever. Attribution means understanding which actions actually drive revenue, not just traffic or activity. This week we sit down with John Shute to discuss: • Why marketing gets blamed for upstream failures • How attribution reveals what is actually working • Where most teams are missing  Chapters 00:00 Navigating Budget Cuts in Cannabis Marketing 02:59 The Importance of Trackable Marketing Strategies 06:05 Understanding Consumer Behavior and Retention 08:53 Leveraging Data for Brand Growth 11:59 The Role of Email Marketing in Cannabis Brands 15:10 Product Quality and Consumer Safety 18:01 Narrowing Focus for Brand Success 23:26 Smart Growth Strategies in Cannabis Marketing 26:24 The Importance of Data-Driven Decisions 27:21 Closing the Gap: SEO and Market Positioning 30:27 Maximizing Marketing ROI 33:03 Understanding Marketing Attribution 36:14 Navigating Challenges in Client Relationships 39:19 The Complexity of Marketing in Cannabis 45:04 Community Engagement and Social Responsibility Summary In this conversation, John Shute discusses the challenges and strategies of marketing within the cannabis industry, particularly in the context of budget cuts. He emphasizes the importance of trackable marketing efforts, such as email marketing, and the need for brands to focus on consumer retention and data analytics. John also highlights the significance of building a strong brand identity and ensuring product quality and consumer safety. The discussion touches on the evolving landscape of cannabis marketing, the necessity for comprehensive audits, and the value of community engagement initiatives. Guest Links https://x.com/johnshute_https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-shute-pufcreativ/https://www.instagram.com/pufcreativ/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY2pdmT1-QHKux8728PRy2Ahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/pufcreativhttps://pufcreativ.com/Our Links Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter Extraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights. At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast The Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    48 min
  2. 29 JAN

    How Top Teams Balance Art and Process in Extraction ft. Brian Adams

    Exceptional extraction has long been treated as an art. What separates the best teams is not creativity. It is the ability to repeat quality, consistently. And it is not SOP alone. It is judgment applied consistently under real constraints. Constraints that define what is technically possible, operationally realistic, and economically viable. Those constraints tart with understanding your system and tracking the right operational parameters at a level of detail most teams never reach. That depth of understanding is what allows teams to produce a consistent, high-quality end product instead of relying on feel or memory. This week we sit down with Brian Adams to discuss How to balance SOPs with operator flexibilityHow to think clearly about your extraction system and its limitsWhether rolling back adult use in Massachusetts is real or noise  Chapters 00:00 The Complexity of Extraction Processes 03:06 Adapting SOPs for Optimal Results 06:04 Understanding Cost Structures in Extraction 09:12 The Importance of Hardware in Product Quality 12:07 Navigating Consumer Expectations and Feedback 15:10 Quality Control and Brand Reputation 18:11 Expanding Product Categories and Maintaining Standards 21:07 Educating Consumers on Concentrate Differences 23:56 The Future of the Cannabis Industry in Massachusetts 30:32 The Current State of Cannabis in Massachusetts 34:27 The Threat of Opposition and Industry Response 39:55 Navigating Negative Perceptions and Future Outlook 41:14 The Importance of Industry Unity and Consumer Education 42:29 Engaging with Consumers and Building a Brand Summary In this conversation, Bryan Fields and Brian Adams delve into the complexities of extraction processes in the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to achieve optimal results. They discuss the significance of understanding cost structures, the role of hardware in product quality, and the challenges of maintaining brand reputation amidst consumer feedback. The conversation also touches on the need for consumer education regarding concentrate differences and the potential future of the cannabis industry in Massachusetts. In this conversation, Brian Adams discusses the current challenges facing the cannabis industry in Massachusetts, particularly in light of recent negative news and opposition movements. He emphasizes the need for industry unity to combat misinformation and protect the rights of consumers. The discussion also touches on the importance of educating consumers about cannabis production and the potential impact of regulatory changes on the industry. Guest Links: https://www.nimbuscannabisco.com/https://www.nimbuscannabisco.com/ Our Links https://www.nimbuscannabisco.com/https://www.instagram.com/nimbuscc/https://www.linkedin.com/company/nimbus-cannabis-co/https://www.linkedin.com/company/hudson-botanical-processing/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jb-adams/Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter Extraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights. At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast The Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    43 min
  3. 22 JAN

    Robotics vs Automation in Cannabis Manufacturing ft. Nohtal Partansky

    Most cannabis automation fails for a simple reason. It optimizes motion instead of understanding. Automation executes. Robotics adapts. That distinction matters in an industry where variability is unavoidable and capital is limited. This episode breaks down why feedback loops matter more than machines, why fully automated facilities are still far off, and how teams should think about constraints before investing. This week, we sit down with Nohtal Partansky to cover: Why automation breaks under variabilityAutomation vs robotics, clearly definedHow to avoid expensive missteps  Chapters 00:00 Understanding Automation in Cannabis Manufacturing 03:02 The Role of Robotics vs. Automation 05:45 Consultative Approach to Automation 08:54 Challenges in Cultivation Automation 11:59 Designing for Variability in Automation 15:01 Iterative Development and Customer Feedback 18:08 Identifying Design vs. Customer Issues 21:06 Adapting to Environmental Nuances 23:55 Conveying Value in Automation Solutions 27:09 Strategic Approaches to Automation in Supply Chain 30:10 Optimizing Pre-Roll Production Processes 33:44 Understanding Tolerance Levels in Manufacturing 36:39 Intellectual Property in the Cannabis Industry 42:26 Innovations in Cannabis Manufacturing 45:32 Challenges in Automation and Scaling 50:51 Improving Processes and Training in Cannabis Operations Summary In this conversation, Bryan Fields and Nohtal Partansky delve into the intricacies of automation and robotics within the cannabis manufacturing industry. They discuss the differences between fully automated and automated processes, the consultative approach to implementing automation, and the challenges faced in cultivation. The conversation highlights the importance of feedback loops in robotics, the iterative design process, and the need for a deep understanding of customer needs. They also touch on the significance of protecting intellectual property while fostering innovation in a rapidly evolving industry. Guest Links https://www.instagram.com/sortingroboticsinc/https://www.youtube.com/@sortingroboticshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/sortingrobotics/https://www.sortingrobotics.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nohtal/Our Links Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter Extraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights. At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast The Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    51 min
  4. 15 JAN

    Building Jaunty Into One of New York’s Top Cannabis Brands ft. Nicolas Guarino

    Jaunty’s rise to the top of the New York cannabis market was not an overnight success. It was built through discipline in a market uniquely designed New York’s rollout remains unforgiving. One store openings, supply and demand constraints, and continuous price compression forced every decision into the open. This week we sit down with Nicolas Guarino, Co-Founder and CEO of Jaunty, to break down what it actually takes to survive and scale in one of the most interesting cannabis markets in the country. This week we sit down with Nick to discuss: Why consistency becomes the only real moat as prices fall How New York’s rollout punished assumptions and rewarded preparedness Capital discipline, supplier trust, and avoiding overspend death spirals Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jaunty and Nicolas Guarino 03:06 The Journey into the Cannabis Industry 06:07 Challenges and Lessons Learned in CBD 09:00 Transitioning to Recreational Cannabis 11:54 Building a Brand in a Competitive Market 15:07 Navigating Market Dynamics and Growth Challenges 18:07 The Importance of Support and Resilience 20:49 Understanding Market Economics and Consumer Behavior 23:55 Future Prospects for Cannabis in New York 31:48 The Economics of Cannabis Production 36:29 The Importance of Consistency in Branding 41:11 Navigating Challenges in Cannabis Operations 46:10 Strategic Planning for Future Growth 51:56 Inventory Management and Cost Control 56:02 Preparing for Market Consolidation 58:11 Final Thoughts and Future Directions   About: Nicolas Guarino is Co-Founder and CEO of Jaunty. As a GMP-certified 100% New York company working in cannabis extraction since 2017, Jaunty has been producing and distributing the finest solventless hash, live resin, and distillate cannabis products in its mission to close the gap between flower and oil. With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Hoosick Falls, NY, Jaunty is one of New York's leading companies licensed for all adult-use cannabis supply chain activities outside of retail, including cultivation, processing, manufacturing, and distribution. They produce and distribute one of New York’s best-selling cannabis vape brands, available in all of the state’s licensed dispensaries, and their product portfolio also features gummies, concentrates, and disposable vapes. Summary In this episode, Bryan Fields interviews Nicolas Guarino, co-founder and CEO of Jaunty, discussing his journey in the cannabis industry, the challenges faced in the CBD market, and the transition to recreational cannabis. They explore the importance of brand consistency, financial strategies for growth, and the dynamics of the New York cannabis market. Nicholas shares insights on consumer education, market predictions, and the future vision for Jaunty emphasizing the need for adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced industry. Guest Links https://jaunty.com/https://x.com/getjauntyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/get-jauntyhttps://www.instagram.com/get_jaunty/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-guarino-43939b103/Our Links: Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter Extraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights. At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast The Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    57 min
  5. 8 JAN

    How Charlotte’s Web Unlocked Medical CBD ft. Bill Morachnick

    Before CBD was discussed by a President in the Oval Office, it was a medical necessity. The Charlotte Figi story is well documented — and powerful. Not because it was emotional, but because it forced a serious medical conversation. Stories like Charlotte’s change how physicians, regulators, and institutions think about where cannabinoid therapy belongs — not as a last resort, but as a legitimate option. Charlotte’s Web was built around that reality. By recognizing that cannabis does have medicinal properties — and that patients should have access to a plant-based option when it can materially improve quality of life — the company focused on trust, standards, and medical credibility first. This week, we sit down with Bill Morachnick to break down: Why CBD earned acceptance through medical trust, not consumer marketingHow physician comfort, reimbursement pathways, and standards changed the conversationCBD in the Oval Office — and what that signals for the future of cannabis  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Charlotte's Web and Bill Morachnick 03:00 The Inspiring Story of Charlotte Figi 05:51 The Executive Order and Its Implications 08:59 The Role of Education in CBD Acceptance 12:12 Challenges and Misconceptions in the Cannabis Industry 15:03 The Future of CBD and Medical Recommendations 18:06 The Impact of Federal Reimbursement on CBD 21:08 Defloria and the Future of Cannabis Research 24:01 Navigating Regulatory Changes and Industry Challenges 27:03 The Importance of Quality and Consistency in CBD Products 30:02 The Potential for Pharmaceutical Collaborations 33:04 Looking Ahead: The Future of CBD and Cannabis 36:13 Final Thoughts and Audience Engagement Summary In this episode, Bryan Fields interviews Bill Morachnick, CEO of Charlotte's Web, discussing the company's inspiring origins, the recent executive order regarding CBD, and the future of cannabis as a medicinal product. Bill shares the powerful story of Charlotte Figi, whose life was transformed by CBD, and emphasizes the importance of education in changing perceptions about cannabis. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the industry, the potential for pharmaceutical collaborations, and the impact of federal reimbursement on CBD products. Guest Links: https://www.trycharlottesweb.com/https://www.charlottesweb.com/https://www.youtube.com/charlotteswebcbdhttps://www.instagram.com/charlotteswebcbd/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-morachnick-01318a6/https://www.linkedin.com/company/charlottesweb/Our Links: Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter Extraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights. At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast The Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    50 min
  6. 2 JAN

    The Playbook Behind Consistent Cannabis Products at Scale ft. Ryan Crandall

    Everyone wants their product and brand to be known for consistency . Almost no one is willing to do the difficult work that makes consistency possible. This week we sit down with Ryan Crandall, Chief Commercial Officer at MariMed, to break down: Why most cannabis brands fail at scale — and how process control, not an artisanal mindset, determines who lastsHow MariMed engineers consistency across states by centralizing inputs & testing aggressively,What it actually takes to make effects-based products consistent and repeatable  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry and Edibles 03:05 The Evolution of Edibles: From Early Days to Now 06:01 Ensuring Consistency Across State Lines 09:09 Quality Control and Testing in Edibles 12:01 Consumer Education and Brand Trust 15:13 MariMed Brand Portfolio and Market Strategy 18:06 Role of R&D in Product Development 21:00 Future Trends and Innovations in Edibles 24:03 Building Relationships with Budtenders and Consumers 27:58 Exploring Cannabinoids: THCV and CBG Effects 30:06 Understanding Edible Experiences and Consumer Expectations 32:00 Responsible Product Development in the Cannabis Industry 33:52 Brand Strategy and Market Penetration in New States 35:51 Innovative Products: Vibations and Consumer Convenience 38:04 Navigating the Hemp Market and Brand Expansion 39:52 Consumer Behavior: Beverages vs. Edibles in Cannabis 44:02 The Importance of Team and Company Culture Guest Links: https://www.marimedinc.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/marimed-inc/about/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-crandall-43133b12/https://x.com/MariMed_IncSummary In this episode, Bryan Fields interviews Ryan Crandall, Chief Commercial Officer at MariMed, discussing the evolution of the cannabis industry, particularly focusing on edibles. They explore the importance of consistency in product quality across different states, the role of research and development in product innovation, and the significance of branding and consumer trust. Ryan shares insights into MariMeds diverse product portfolio and their approach to quality control and testing procedures. The conversation also touches on the future of hemp and cannabinoids, as well as the beverage market's impact on consumer behavior. Our Links: Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter Extraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights. At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast The Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    47 min
  7. 19/12/2025

    Schedule III Changes Everything — This Is Just the Beginning

    Schedule III isn’t the finish line. It’s the starting gun. The EO said a lot — but most operators aren’t ready for what it actually means. This week we sit down with Zach Edge and Dr. Matthew Moore to break down: Why Schedule III is guidance, not rules — and why the real impact comes during rulemakingWhat GMP, CFR, and pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing will actually require from operatorsWhich parts of the supply chain face the biggest disruption as cannabis moves forwardChapters 00:00 Historic Changes in Cannabis Scheduling 03:13 The Impact of Hemp in the New Landscape 06:07 Strategic Shifts for Cannabis Operators 08:59 Navigating Regulatory Changes 11:58 The Role of Pharmacies in the New Market 15:04 Global Trade and Competition in Cannabis 17:53 Research Opportunities and Challenges 21:02 Veterans and the Future of CBD 24:02 The Supply Chain Dynamics 26:47 The Future of Hemp and CBD Products 29:56 Final Thoughts on the Cannabis Industry   Summary: In this episode, Bryan Fields discusses the recent changes in cannabis scheduling with experts Zach Edge and Matthew Moore. They explore the implications of the new executive order, particularly regarding hemp and its potential impact on the industry. The conversation delves into the strategic shifts that cannabis operators need to consider, the role of compounding pharmacies, and the opportunities for research that arise from the new regulations. They also discuss the challenges in the supply chain and the potential market dynamics as the industry evolves.   Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rho-advisory/https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-edge/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmoore09/Our Links: Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter Extraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights. At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast The Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    38 min
  8. 11/12/2025

    Inside SNDL’s Hidden Scale: Global Reach & Supply Chain Powerhouse ft. Tyler Robson

    SNDL is much bigger than most people realize — with global distribution, massive extraction capacity, and a diversified retail and manufacturing engine that touches nearly every part of the cannabis supply chain. This week we sit down with Tyler Robson, President of SNDL, to break down: • How SNDL became a global manufacturing and retail powerhouse • Why extraction and derivatives are their true competitive edge • How they operate across countries with completely different rules and product formats Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sundial and Tyler Robson 02:08 The Complexity of Extraction and Manufacturing 04:38 Merging Sundial and Valens: Challenges and Strategies 06:11 Sundial's Operations and Global Reach 07:39 Firefighting and Problem Solving in Leadership 09:52 Data-Driven Decision Making 12:44 Navigating Different Regulatory Environments 13:55 Core Competencies and Operational Efficiencies 15:46 Staying Focused in a Distracted Industry 16:18 Sundial's Market Position and Brand Partnerships 17:10 Strategic Focus on Texas and Florida 19:09 Resource Planning and Flexibility 20:42 Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing 22:34 Synergies Between Liquor and Cannabis 24:48 Future of Cannabis and Liquor Co-Mingling 26:30 Emerging International Markets 28:23 Potential Partnerships and Collaborations 30:08 The Size of the Global Cannabis Opportunity 31:31 Strategic Partnerships in the US 32:03 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Summary In this episode, Tyler Robson, president of Sundial, shares insights into his journey in the cannabis industry, the complexities of extraction and manufacturing, and the challenges of merging companies. He discusses Sundial's global operations, the importance of data-driven decision making, and the need for focus in a distracted industry. Tyler also highlights the potential for growth in emerging markets and the synergies between the cannabis and liquor industries, while emphasizing the significance of strategic partnerships. Guest Links: https://sndl.com/homepage/default.aspxhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-robson-a77ba4155/https://www.linkedin.com/company/sndlinc/investors@sndl.com Our Links: Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter Extraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights. At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry. The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcast The Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    33 min

About

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.

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