The Dime

Bryan Fields & Kellan Finney
  • 4.9 (108)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. DEC 19

    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

  2. DEC 11

    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

  3. DEC 5

    You’re Thinking About Debt Wrong: The Secret to Smart Financing ft. Adam Stettner

    Most operators think debt is dangerous. But what if the real problem is how we think about it? The opposite is true: when used correctly, debt is the single biggest growth lever in cannabis. Every major industry scales on borrowed capital — cannabis is the only one still trying to do it alone. This week we sit down with Adam Stettner to discuss: • Why debt — used properly — compounds growth • The difference between smart leverage and over-leverage • How operators can fix cash-flow bottlenecks and scale predictably Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Adam Stettner and FundCanna. 03:05 Adam's Journey into the Cannabis Industry 06:12 Understanding Underwriting in Cannabis Financing 09:05 The Importance of Client-Centric Financing 11:56 Navigating Complex Variables in Cannabis Lending 14:57 Building Infrastructure for Cannabis Financing 17:48 Segmenting the Cannabis Industry for Better Insights 20:55 The Unique Challenges of Cannabis Lending 24:12 The Role of Transparency in Client Relationships 28:23 Building Partnerships for Success 29:29 Funding Options for Operational Efficiency 32:29 Understanding Technology and Business Operations 37:54 Navigating Debt and Financial Strategies 42:10 Using Debt to Accelerate Growth 52:46 Exploring Funding Opportunities Summary In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney welcome Adam Stettner, CEO of FundCanna, to discuss the complexities of cannabis financing. Adam shares his journey from the apparel industry to cannabis, emphasizing the importance of understanding the unique challenges of underwriting in this space. He highlights the need for a client-centric approach in lending, the significance of transparency, and the innovative strategies FunCounter employs to navigate the cannabis market. Adam also discusses the importance of knowledge sharing and the metrics that indicate success in cannabis financing. In this conversation, Adam Stettner discusses the importance of building partnerships in the cannabis industry, focusing on how funding can enhance operational efficiency and support business growth. He emphasizes the need for flexible financial solutions that allow businesses to thrive without being constrained by debt. Stettner also highlights the significance of understanding technology and its impact on business operations, advocating for a metrics-based approach to financial decisions. The discussion concludes with insights on leveraging debt as a tool for growth and the importance of fostering relationships in the industry.     Guest Links: https://fundcanna.comhttps://fundcanna.com/about/adam-stettner/https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstettnerhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/fundcanna/About Adam Stettner: Adam has 30 years of business, strategy and leadership experience in both Private and Public Companies. In 2021, Adam believed the timing and opportunity was right for him to bring his passion for business, innovative financing and entrepreneurial spirit to the Cannabis sector by creating funding products for all areas of this early stage, growth industry by founding FundCanna. FundCanna provides short term funding to all areas of the sector; cultivators, manufacturers, vendors, suppliers, distributors and retailers. In just its first year, FundCanna has underwritten roughly 3000 files and funded over 500 unique files bringing much needed liquidity and financing solutions to the legal Cannabis industry. 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.

    54 min

  4. NOV 20

    How LEVEL Delivers Effects-Based Cannabis Tablets ft. Chris Emerson

    Everyone in cannabis talks about effects-based products — almost no one can deliver them consistently. Repeatable experiences require precision and formulation discipline that looks a lot more like pharma than cannabis. And here’s why: most operators don’t treat in-house analytics as essential. But that’s the mistake. Process control isn’t optional — it’s the foundation for delivering the same experience every single time. This week we sit down with Chris Emerson, Founder of LEVEL, to break down: • How true effects-based products are actually built • The analytics and standardization required for repeatability • Why most teams can’t achieve consistency — and what it takes to fix it   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chris Emerson and Level 03:07 The Journey into Cannabis and Product Development 06:02 Challenges in Consistency and Formulation 08:48 Navigating the Market and Consumer Education 12:05 The Role of Cannabinoids and Future Innovations 14:56 Expanding Beyond California: Challenges and Strategies 27:32 The Importance of Consistency in Product Quality 29:51 Navigating the Medical vs Recreational Cannabis Landscape 33:03 Advanced Analytics in Cannabis Production 36:02 Innovations in Product Formulation and Consumer Experience 39:56 Strategic Approaches to Hemp and Cannabinoid Research 45:00 Exploring the Future of Cannabinoids and Consumer Education   Summary In this conversation, Chris Emerson, founder of Level, shares his journey from academia to the cannabis industry, discussing the challenges and innovations in product development. He emphasizes the importance of effects-based formulations, consistency in product quality, and the need for consumer education in a rapidly evolving market. The discussion also touches on the future of cannabinoid products and the strategies for expanding into new markets while maintaining quality and consistency. In this conversation, Chris Emerson discusses the complexities of cannabis production, emphasizing the importance of consistency and advanced analytics in ensuring product quality. He explores the challenges faced by the medical cannabis market as it competes with recreational use, and shares insights on the evolving landscape of cannabinoid research, particularly focusing on the Varin class and acidic cannabinoids. The discussion also touches on strategic approaches to hemp and the significance of consumer education in navigating the cannabis industry. Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-emerson-ph-d-464b245a/https://www.instagram.com/level.experiencehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/levelexperience/https://levelexperience.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

  5. NOV 14

    What Tobacco and Alcohol Taught Me About Cannabis. ft. Nick Kenny

    Tobacco and alcohol are already laying the groundwork for cannabis — building IP, infrastructure, and data. Nick Kenney breaks down what legacy industries already understand — how regulated markets are built, and why readiness always beats speed. This week we sit down with Nick Kenny to discuss: • How tobacco and alcohol are entering cannabis • The playbook for building standardized, scalable systems • Why predictability and timing will define the next wave of winners Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry Journey 02:54 The Evolution of Cannabis Perception 06:02 Navigating Regulatory Challenges 08:48 Tobacco and Alcohol Industry Perspectives 11:59 The Role of Research and Development 14:58 Long-Term Strategies vs. Short-Term Survival 18:10 Consumer Behavior and Market Trends 21:03 The Importance of Data in Decision Making 23:58 Collaboration and Networking in the Industry 27:04 Future Outlook and Industry Innovations Summary In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney engage with Nick Kenney, a Global Strategic Advisor, to explore the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry. Nick shares his journey from the tobacco sector to cannabis, highlighting the significant shifts in perception and investment within the industry. The conversation delves into the regulatory challenges, the perspectives of tobacco and alcohol companies, and the importance of research and development. They discuss the need for long-term strategies, the impact of consumer behavior, and the critical role of data in decision-making. Nick emphasizes the value of networking and collaboration in the cannabis space, while also providing insights into future innovations and market trends. Guest Links: https://www.kbsstrategicadvisors.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/kbsstrategicadvisory/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasjkenny/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.

    41 min

  6. NOV 7

    The Amazon of THC, How Edibles.com Will Take Cannabis National, ft. Thomas Winstanley

    Before Target and DoorDash, Edible Arrangements joined the cannabinoid space. Supply chains look a lot different when you can lean on national infrastructure, logistics, and distribution that already exist. Through Edibles.com, the company is using that foundation to build access — curating top brands and letting customers shop the way they understand best: by experience. Could this platform and distribution model become the Amazon of cannabinoids? This week we sit down with Thomas Winstanley to discuss: • The strategy and roadmap behind Edibles.com • Balancing risk and regulation in an uncertain market • How infrastructure and logistics unlock national access Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Space 02:56 Thomas Winstanley's Journey in Cannabis 06:06 Understanding Edibles.com 08:50 Curating Products for Consumers 12:01 Building Trust with Brands 15:01 Navigating Market Dynamics 18:10 Supply Chain and Distribution Strategies 27:06 Leveraging Internal Resources for Competitive Advantage 29:32 Exploring Innovative Product Offerings 31:57 Strategic Growth and Investment Considerations 32:31 The Importance of Retail in Consumer Engagement 39:03 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in the Hemp Industry 48:07 Defining Success and Future Opportunities Summary In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney engage with Thomas Winstanley of Edibles.com, exploring his journey in the cannabis industry, the mission of Edibles.com, and the complexities of product curation and market dynamics. Thomas shares insights on building trust with brands, navigating the evolving landscape of cannabis and hemp, and the importance of consumer education in this burgeoning market. In this conversation, Thomas Winstanley discusses the competitive advantages of Edibles.com, the importance of innovative product offerings, and the strategic growth considerations for the company. He emphasizes the significance of retail in enhancing consumer engagement and navigating the regulatory challenges within the hemp industry. Winstanley also outlines his vision for success and future opportunities for Edibles.com, highlighting the need for compliance and adaptability in a rapidly changing market. Guest Links: https://www.instagram.com/thomasrwinstanley/https://x.com/thomwinstanleyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ediblesdotcom/http://edibles.com/https://www.instagram.com/ediblescom/https://x.com/ediblesdotcomOur 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.

    53 min

  7. OCT 30

    Introducing Singular: How Active's Modular Vape Platform Changes Everything ft. Alex Kwon

    What happens when years of iteration, engineering, and a unique understanding of the plant align? In cannabis, building hardware is walking a tightrope — precision, timing, and vision all matter. Singular, the latest release from Active710, connects that entire loop. While most will gravitate toward its sleek, modular design, the real story lies in how it solves major operational challenges — and unlocks a world of future opportunity. This week, Alex Kwon joins The Dime to discuss: • The major unlock behind Singular — and what makes it a platform, not a product • How Active710 is leaning into sustainability, engineering, and consumer choice • What’s next for cannabis hardware — and why modular design changes everything   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Singular and the Vape Industry 04:12 Challenges and Innovations in Vape Technology 10:55 Sustainability and Future-Proofing Vape Solutions 14:46 Inspiration from the E-Juice and Tobacco Industries 19:12 Customer Feedback and Iterative Development 23:13 Innovative Pod Systems and Their Functionality 30:08 The Future of Vape Technology 37:41 Iterative Product Development and Consumer Feedback Summary In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney welcome back Alex Kwan to discuss the launch of Singular, a groundbreaking modular vape platform. Alex shares insights into the challenges faced in the vape industry, the importance of sustainability, and how customer feedback has shaped the development of this innovative product. The conversation also explores the influence of the e-juice and tobacco industries on vape technology and the future direction of the market. In this conversation, Alex discusses the innovative aspects of their new pod system, emphasizing its modularity and compatibility with various oil types. He highlights the importance of consumer choice and access to quality cannabis products. The discussion also covers the iterative process of product development, the challenges faced, and the excitement surrounding future advancements in vape technology. Guest Links: http://www.futureofvape.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/active710/https://active710.com/https://www.instagram.com/avd710/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.

    44 min

  8. OCT 23

    The Lyft Playbook for Cannabis: Building Trust Through Tech ft. Ashwin Raj

    What happens when a Silicon Valley exec who helped Lyft rewrite the rules brings that same playbook to cannabis? This week we sit down with Ashwin Raj, CEO of LeafLink, to break down how disciplined tech thinking and first-principle strategy can reshape a fragmented industry. In this episode: • How Lyft’s regulatory battles mirror cannabis today • Why listening — not speed — builds trust and loyalty • How data, discipline, and adaptability will drive the next era of cannabis tech Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ashwin Raj and LeafLink 02:02 Ashwin's Journey to the Cannabis Industry 04:29 Navigating Challenges in the Cannabis Space 07:19 Listening to Customers: The Key to Success 10:05 Addressing Pricing Challenges 13:11 Building Trust with Customers 14:15 Balancing Competing Customer Needs 16:25 Strategic Focus and Resource Allocation 19:45 Long-Term Vision for LeafLink 21:03 The Role of Technology in Cannabis 23:05 Identifying Customer Needs 26:53 Overcoming Industry Challenges 30:45 The Impact of AI on LeafLink 32:01 The Future of the Cannabis Industry 36:10 The Role of Hemp in the Cannabis Market 42:04 Building Trust with Retailers 45:11 AI and Future Innovations at LeafLink Summary In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney interview Ashwin Raj, CEO of LeafLink, who shares his journey from the tech industry to the cannabis space. Ashwin discusses the challenges and opportunities within the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of listening to customers and building relationships with both clients and team members. He highlights the role of technology and efficiency in driving growth and the impact of the hemp industry on the cannabis market. Ashwin also touches on the need for regulatory clarity and the potential of AI in enhancing LeafLink's offerings. Guest Links: https://www.leaflink.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaflink/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashwinraj/  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
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4.9
out of 5
108 Ratings

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Bryan Fields & Kellan Finney
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    281
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Dime
  • Show Website
    The Dime

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