The Dime

Bryan Fields & Kellan Finney
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Most cannabis companies won't survive the next three years. The ones that do will have better capital discipline, sharper regulatory reads, and operational frameworks built for compression, not growth. The Dime is where cannabis operators, executives, and investors hear directly from the CEOs and founders making those decisions right now: MSO strategy, state-by-state market dynamics, cultivation and extraction economics, brand positioning, and the financing structures keeping companies alive. Bryan Fields hosts weekly conversations built for operators, not observers.

  1. MAR 27

    Gretchen Gailey: Cannabis Industry Has No Idea How DC Works, Why Rescheduling Is Delayed

    Politics is a dirty business. Sometimes being feared is the influence you need because access is not the problem. Politicians say "we'll take care of this." Gretchen Gailey has a different approach: stab them in the back, push them down the stairs, and take credit for the fall. It's time to put fear behind cannabis. She spent 20 years on Capitol Hill. She's watched cannabis show up once a year for fly-ins, throw money at the wrong politicians, and wonder why nothing changes. This episode breaks down why incrementalism is the only path, why banking matters more than you think, and why the industry needs to stop picking out curtains when it hasn't built a basement. This week we sit down with Gretchen Gailey: Stab them in the back politics Curtains before basement problem Project Champion playbook   Timestamps: 00:00 - The industry's fundamental misunderstanding about Washington politics 02:35 - Challenges with incrementalism versus desire for rapid change 04:47 - Supporting pro-cannabis politicians like Cynthia Loomis 06:45 - The role of education and public awareness campaigns 10:06 - Building a basic regulatory foundation: banking, safe products, and rescheduling 13:23 - The limitations of state-led models and the need for federal coordination 15:50 - The importance of transparency and federal standards for consumer safety 18:43 - The influence of political operatives and the importance of direct advocacy 22:51 - Using industry tools and data to inform policy and educate policymakers 26:15 - The significance of Congressional engagement and how to make cannabis an urgent issue 30:10 - The importance of political will and executive orders in advancing reform 34:40 - The disconnects within Washington and how industry can better influence policy 37:19 - Opportunities in leveraging symbolism like Veterans issues and Congressional events 41:14 - The disconnect between access and influence, and how to effectively make the case 44:40 - The necessity of creative strategies, public pressure, and celebrity involvement 50:21 - Successful stories: case of Cory Booker and the impact of direct constituent advocacy 52:16 - Final thoughts: how to stay engaged and educate the industry and policymakers Summary:  In this episode, Gretchen Gailey shares over 20 years of experience navigating Washington's complex cannabis legislation. We explore how industry players can effectively engage with policymakers, the importance of foundational regulations, and strategies to accelerate federal progress on cannabis reform. Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchengailey https://projectchampion.org/ https://x.com/GretchenGailey 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.

    53 min

  2. MAR 19

    15 Years of Cannabis Trading . Why I'll Sell Early (Unless This Happens) ft. Dan McDermitt

    Investing in cannabis requires a split personality. Everyone thinks they're early. Dan McDermitt has been trading the sector for 15 years — through the Canadian boom, the Biden promise, and the slow bleed that followed. His take: if you've been through multiple pump-and-dump cycles, you're not early anymore. You're just still here. This is a masterclass in separating trader psychology from fundamental conviction. Dan explains why he keeps a small position just to stay seated, why he already knows he'll sell early on the next catalyst, and why the moment everybody's talking about cannabis on Wall Street Bets is the moment you size up — not before. This week we sit down with Dan McDermitt: The "I'm early" delusion Why traders sell early Catalyst stacking thesis MSOS mechanics breakdown Chapters 00:00 The Catalyst Dilemma in Cannabis 03:03 Trading Strategies and Market Positioning 05:48 Understanding Trader vs. Fundamentalist Perspectives 08:46 The Unique Nature of MSOS Trading 11:51 Market Dynamics and Trading Psychology 15:03 The Role of Uplisting and Rescheduling 18:08 Long-Term Perspectives in a Volatile Market 21:04 Risk Management and Trading Mindset 23:51 The Impact of AI on Trading Strategies  Summary In this conversation, Bryan Fields and Dan McDermitt discuss the current state of the cannabis market, focusing on the challenges and opportunities within the sector. They explore the impact of potential rescheduling and uplisting on cannabis stocks, the differences between trading and fundamental analysis, and the unique trading dynamics of MSOS. Dan shares insights on risk management, trading psychology, and the influence of AI on trading strategies, emphasizing the importance of adapting to market conditions while maintaining a disciplined approach. Guest Links: https://x.com/ChartGuys https://www.instagram.com/chartguys/ https://www.youtube.com/@ChartGuys https://www.chartguys.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.

    40 min

  3. MAR 13

    Premium vs Scale in Cannabis: Inside Rubicon’s Strategy ft. Margaret Brodie

    Most cannabis companies chased scale. Rubicon chased quality. What does it actually take to build a premium cannabis brand? Trust sits behind what “premium” really means, why consumers only give brands one chance, how Rubicon evaluates resource capacity and audits operations, and why Europe could become the next meaningful opportunity for their trusted brands. This week we sit down with Margaret Brodie, CEO of Rubicon Organics: • Why premium cannabis starts with flower • Consumers Trust • Internal Resource Audits   Chapters 00:00 Quality Over Quantity in Cannabis 02:58 Building a Premium Cannabis Brand 05:47 Operational Excellence and Team Culture 09:04 The Pursuit of Continuous Improvement 11:45 Understanding Consumer Trust and Brand Loyalty 14:45 Strategic Decision-Making in Cannabis 18:06 Navigating Industry Challenges and Opportunities 27:55 Navigating the Fast-Paced Cannabis Industry 29:13 Investment Priorities for Growth 31:43 Strategic Market Expansion and Brand Development 35:08 Building a Lasting Brand in Cannabis 37:20 Learning from International Markets 40:56 Balancing Speed and Quality in Growth 42:51 Understanding Consumer Dynamics 46:06 Honoring the Legacy Market 49:30 Reflecting on the Journey and Future of Cannabis Guest Links https://www.instagram.com/rubiconorganics/ https://www.rubiconorganics.com/ https://x.com/RubiconOrganics 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. MAR 6

    Prop 64 Fine Print, Pesticide Drift, The Economics Behind Concentrates ft. Micah Anderson

    When California legalized cannabis, did anyone see 70% of the state opting out. Retail access never recovered. The illicit market stayed durable. And taxes kept compounding pressure on operators. Micah Anderson, CEO of LEEF Brands, explains how local bans strengthened the illicit market, why pesticide drift can wipe out millions in product, and why he is rebuilding a recovery and wellness push with NBA player Jimmy Butler. This week we sit down with Micah Anderson: Pesticide drift killing millions Jimmy Butler recovery line Trump’s CBD signal Chapters 00:00 Introduction: California Cannabis Market Challenges 00:31 Prop 64: A Poorly Executed Initiative 01:38 Local Politics and Industry Complexity 02:28 Fixing California Cannabis Policy 03:23 Industry Engagement and Advocacy 04:02 Reevaluating Prop 64 and Market Structure 05:02 Offense vs Defense in Industry Strategy 06:28 Changing Public Perception and Policy Reform 07:36 Industry Regulation and Taxation Issues 08:07 The Role of Advocacy and Industry Voice 09:19 Hindsight and Lessons Learned 10:41 Industry Participation in Policy Making 11:26 CBD and Medical Cannabis Opportunities 12:17 Brand Revival and Market Expansion 13:16 Supply Chain and Cultivation Strategies 14:09 Innovations in Wellness and Recovery Products 15:40 Educational Campaigns and Consumer Awareness 16:39 Research and Clinical Studies in Cannabis 17:08 Regulatory Barriers and Opportunities in Cultivation 18:12 Operational Challenges and Solutions 19:36 Medical Cannabis and Future Legislation 20:29 Supply Chain Management and Quality Control 21:31 Entry of New Participants and Industry Diversification 22:29 Market Expansion and Interstate Commerce 23:24 Pesticide Scrutiny as Industry Moat 24:22 Industry's Role in Consumer Safety and Transparency 25:29 Understanding Pesticide Regulations and Organic Standards 26:55 Supply Chain Variability and Farm Management 28:25 Cost and Efficiency in Cultivation 29:55 Sampling and Testing Challenges 31:33 Expanding Beyond California 33:50 Complexities of Concentrate Production 36:33 Yield Variability and Cultivation Nuances 38:20 Product Development and Customer Collaboration 40:54 Demand Planning and Market Forecasting 42:08 Data-Driven Decision Making in Extraction 44:24 Margins, Product Mix, and Client Relationships 45:47 Market Entry Strategies and Expansion 47:43 Future of Cannabis and International Markets 48:39 Bitcoin and Cannabis: An Evolving Relationship 51:30 Cryptocurrency as a Business Strategy 53:53 Future of Automation and Robotics in Cannabis Production 55:41 Contact and Follow-up   Guest links https://www.linkedin.com/in/micah-anderson-leef/ https://leefbrands.com/about/   Resources LEEf Brands Website - https://leefbrands.com Elliot Lewis on Pesticide Regulations - https://twitter.com/ElliotLewis California Cannabis Regulations Overview - https://cannabis.ca.gov/regulations/ Bitcoin Official Website - https://bitcoin.org   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

  5. FEB 27

    JB (Cheech & Chong CEO): Building a National Cannabis Brand Through Trial, Error & Partnership

    Everyone knows the Cheech & Chong name. Almost no one understands the infrastructure behind it. This isn’t a celebrity brand story. It’s a leverage story inside a fragmented, state-locked cannabis market that could shift overnight. While most operators vertically integrate and hope legislation cooperates, Cheech & Chong are building optionality. Reverse licensing, local partnerships, and asset-light expansion aren’t branding tactics , they’re positioning moves. This week we sit down with Jonathan Black to discuss. How they are using reverse IP licensing MSO vs Big Tobacco Alcohol vs GLP-1 vs Hemp Beverages    Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Brand Infrastructure 00:10 JB's Vision for Cheech and Chong 01:07 Market Infiltration and Consumer Experience 02:20 Cheech and Chong's Brand Recognition and Growth 03:06 State-Level Strategies and MSO Dynamics 04:30 Building Ecosystems and Partner Collaboration 05:55 Shelf Space and Local Market Strategies 07:16 Establishing a National Brand in Cannabis 08:34 Trial and Error in Market Entry 09:02 Terpene Profiles and Product Consistency 10:01 Adapting to Different State Systems 11:12 Working with Dispensaries and Partners 12:08 Tools and Technology in Market Monitoring 13:24 Partnering with Celebrities and Influencers 14:23 Advertising Strategies and Consumer Awareness 15:17 Measuring Success and Market Penetration 17:37 Market Footprint and Future Opportunities 18:35 Expanding into New Markets and Countries 20:25 Product Launch Timing and Market Readiness 21:59 Exclusivity and Distribution Agreements 22:40 Managing State-Specific Regulations 23:07 Reverse Licensing Model Explained 24:42 Long-term Industry Outlook and Legislation 27:30 Industry Challenges and Opportunities 29:29 Big Tobacco and MSO Strategies 32:08 Hemp vs Cannabis Market Dynamics 34:14 Legislative Outlook and Industry Legislation 36:29 Cannabis as a Functional Beverage Alternative 38:42 Impact of Legislation on Market Growth 40:29 Celebrity Endorsements and Brand Building 42:31 Future Industry Scenarios and Opportunities 44:56 Getting in Touch and Industry Collaboration  Summary In this in-depth interview, industry expert JB discusses the strategic growth of Cheech and Chong's brand in the cannabis and hemp markets, navigating state regulations, and the future of interstate commerce. Gain insights into brand expansion, licensing models, and industry challenges. Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-black-520a7a10/ https://cheechandchong.com/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/willyakowicz/2025/08/24/why-cheech-and-chongs-100-million-cannabis-empire-is-no-joke/ 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.

    45 min

  6. FEB 19

    Cannabis Beverages Are Bringing New Consumers Into Cannabis ft Kristin & Eric Rogers

    Beverage may be the most approachable format in cannabis. Familiar ritual. Familiar packaging. Familiar context. Easily Sharable  But familiarity creates comparison. Alcohol. That means safety, expectation, and education cannot be left to chance. This week we sit down with Kristin and Eric Rogers of Levia to discuss: • Beverage as a social format • The responsibility of education • Scaling experience across fragmented markets Chapters 00:00 Understanding Success in Cannabis Expansion 03:08 Brand Consistency Across State Lines 05:59 Targeting the Right Consumer Demographics 08:55 The Evolution of Cannabis Beverages 12:01 Navigating Dosage and Consumer Experience 15:02 Quality Control and Supply Chain Management 17:50 The Future of Cannabis and Alcohol Beverages 21:04 Educating Consumers and Regulators 24:07 Navigating Cannabis Regulations in Massachusetts 27:24 Understanding Cannabis vs. Alcohol: Safety and Impairment 31:10 The Impact of Cannabis on Alcohol Consumption 33:43 Educating Consumers: The Importance of Responsible Consumption 36:11 Packaging and Communication: Bridging the Knowledge Gap 40:04 Challenges in the Cannabis Industry: Patience and Perseverance Summary In this conversation, Bryan Fields and Kristin and Eric Rogers discuss the complexities of the cannabis beverage industry, emphasizing the importance of brand consistency, understanding consumer demographics, and navigating regulatory challenges. They explore the science behind cannabis beverages, the significance of dosage, and the potential future of combining cannabis with alcohol. The discussion also highlights the need for education and awareness among consumers and regulators, as well as the perseverance required to succeed in this evolving industry. Guest Links https://levia.buzz/https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-rogers12/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinhrogers/https://www.linkedin.com/company/leviabrands/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.

    46 min

  7. FEB 13

    Hidden Growth Unmasked: Rescheduling, the Farm Bill & What Comes Next ft Trent Woloveck

    For the last 18–24 months, reported cannabis growth told an incomplete story. Demand did not plateau. It was fragmented — between hemp channels, illicit markets, and regulated operators. Now, with the Farm Bill loophole closing, Virginia coming online, and rescheduling potentially closer to execution, the numbers begin to look different. And feel different. This week we sit down with Trent Woloveck to discuss: • Why leading with retail first changes everything • The strategic tradeoffs of vertical integration • What true cannabinoid demand actually looks like once distortion fades Chapters 00:00 The Value of Vertical Integration in Cannabis 04:52 Market Dynamics and Capital Allocation 09:34 Virginia's Cannabis Market Evolution 19:04 Impact of Federal Rescheduling on Cannabis 24:38 M&A Challenges in the Cannabis Industry 31:34 Navigating Regulatory Complexities 39:39 The Future of the Cannabis Market 47:27 Looking Ahead: Jushi's Future and Industry Changes Summary In this conversation, Bryan Fields and Trent Woloveck discuss the complexities of the cannabis industry, focusing on vertical integration, market dynamics, and the impact of federal rescheduling. They explore the challenges of capital allocation, the evolution of the Virginia cannabis market, and the difficulties of mergers and acquisitions in a heavily regulated environment. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding market demands and the potential for growth as the industry continues to normalize and expand.   Guest Links https://jushico.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/jushi-inc/https://x.com/two3king  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.

    46 min

  8. FEB 5

    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
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About

Most cannabis companies won't survive the next three years. The ones that do will have better capital discipline, sharper regulatory reads, and operational frameworks built for compression, not growth. The Dime is where cannabis operators, executives, and investors hear directly from the CEOs and founders making those decisions right now: MSO strategy, state-by-state market dynamics, cultivation and extraction economics, brand positioning, and the financing structures keeping companies alive. Bryan Fields hosts weekly conversations built for operators, not observers.

Information

  • Creator
    Bryan Fields & Kellan Finney
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    215
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Dime
  • Show Website
    The Dime