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. HACE 6 DÍAS

    Dr. Greenhouse: The #1 Mistake Killing Your Plants ft. Nadia Sabeh

    What if keeping the room a little too dry is killing your plants? Humidity—and the HVAC that controls it—drives plant health, but air isn’t uniform across the room. The fix isn’t more AC; it’s dialing VPD so humidity, lights, airflow, and irrigation work together. Get it wrong and you lose yield and fail tests; get it right and buds stay sticky, healthy, and consistent. This week we sit down with Dr. Greenhouse (aka Nadia Sabeh) to discuss: Dry ≠ safe: why extra-dry rooms can actually spread powdery mildewMeasure where it matters: a simple toolkit and method at the canopyDesign for airflow: room shapes and layouts that keep climate evenSummary In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney welcome Nadia Sabeh, also known as Dr. Greenhouse, to discuss the intricacies of cannabis cultivation, focusing on HVAC systems, climate control, and the importance of data monitoring. Nadia shares her journey into the cannabis space, her expertise in controlled environment agriculture, and the challenges growers face in maintaining optimal conditions for their crops. The conversation delves into root cause analysis, the significance of understanding plant needs, and the necessity of proper data collection to improve cultivation practices. Nadia emphasizes the importance of customizing environments for different strains and the impact of room geometry on airflow dynamics. She also highlights essential tools for growers and offers final takeaways for improving cultivation practices.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Greenhouse and Nadia Sabeh 04:46 Understanding Root Cause Analysis in Cannabis Cultivation 10:54 The Importance of Data Collection and Monitoring 18:04 Troubleshooting HVAC Systems in Cultivation Facilities 24:19 Customization of Environment for Different Strains 30:41 Room Geometry and Airflow Dynamics 40:27 Essential Tools for Growers 50:41 Final Takeaways and Future Tools for Growers Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-sabeh-phd-pe-leed-ap-45656315/https://www.doctorgreenhouse.com/https://www.youtube.com/@drgreenhouseinchttps://www.linkedin.com/company/doctor-greenhouse/https://www.instagram.com/drgreenhouseincOur 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. 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 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. Sign up for our playbook here: 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/

    1 h y 3 min
  2. 21 AGO

    Richie Proud on the iAnthus Turnaround: Why Selling Arizona Fueled Core-Market Growth

    What if the smartest growth move is cutting—on purpose? Turnarounds aren’t financial stories—they’re operational ones. Growth-at-all-costs is out. The new playbook: prune non-core assets, concentrate resources in high-return states, and speed the path from cultivation to checkout. This week we sit down with Richie Proud, CEO of iAnthus, to discuss: Brand strategy: MPX & Cheetah — complementary roles that travel and drive velocityArizona sale → core growth — why pruning unlocked focus in FL/NYWednesdays in Florida — weekly drops as a repeat-traffic engine  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to IANTHUS and Richie Proud 02:23 Richie's Journey to Cannabis Leadership 05:54 Navigating the Complexities of IANTHUS 09:40 Strategic Decisions: Divesting from Arizona 11:27 Identifying Key Markets for Growth 14:28 Building Relationships in the Cannabis Industry 18:03 Operational Challenges and KPIs 22:13 Understanding Consumer Differences Across States 23:51 The Cheetah Brand Acquisition 26:54 Integrating New Brands and Operations 32:37 Creating a Unique Retail Experience 36:08 Learning from the Fashion Industry 39:55 Balancing Speed and Quality in Product Development 45:22 Leveraging AI for Real-Time Insights 47:22 Lessons Learned in Operations 51:33 Building a Super Friend Network 52:27 Connecting with Consumers and Community Summary In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney sit down with Richie Proud, CEO of IANTHUS, to discuss his unique journey from the fashion industry to leading a cannabis company. Richie shares insights into the complexities of operating across multiple states, the importance of building relationships in the cannabis industry, and the strategic decisions that have shaped IANTHUS's growth. He emphasizes the need for operational excellence, understanding consumer behavior, and the role of AI in enhancing business decisions. The conversation also touches on the significance of creating a unique retail experience and the lessons learned from past operational challenges. Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richie-proud/https://www.ianthus.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ianthus-capital-management/https://x.com/ianthuscapitalOur Links: Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter Newton Insights: For extraction teams, everything changes when you can finally see what’s happening in real time. 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 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. Sign up for our playbook here: 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/

    55 min
  3. 14 AGO

    Secrets Behind Failed Cannabis Builds: Where Every Team Needs to Look Now ft. David Fettner

    Most cannabis facilities fail before the first wall goes up. Most assume it’s because of money — but they’re wrong. It’s because no one asked the right questions. The question you need to ask now is: Where should we be looking to set ourselves up for long-term success? Asking the right questions is critical — because decisions made for today can become death warrants tomorrow. Knowing where to look (and what to avoid) can be a game-changer. This week, we sit down with David Fettner, Managing Partner at Grow America Builders, to expose the hidden pitfalls that derail cannabis facility projects before they even begin. From chaotic planning to compliance nightmares to overinvesting in the wrong upgrades, we break down the most expensive — and avoidable — mistakes in the game. In this episode, we cover: • The most common and costly mistakes operators make when building cannabis facilities • Where smart investments need to be made now — including AI, technology, and automation • What separates successful projects from the ones that go sideways Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Fetner and Grow America Builders 03:04 Transitioning to the Cannabis Industry 06:08 Navigating Zoning and Construction Challenges 09:01 Balancing Grower Preferences and Compliance 12:03 Evaluating Properties and Site Selection 14:59 Timing and Strategy for Engaging with Builders 17:59 Upgrading Facilities for Compliance and Efficiency 21:53 Incremental Upgrades in Cannabis Facilities 24:08 Engineering for Regional Climate Challenges 25:14 Self-Contained Climate Control in Grow Rooms 27:01 The Role of Data and AI in Cultivation 29:51 Proactive Pest and Disease Management with AI 31:39 AI's Role in Climate Control and Efficiency 33:01 Overcoming Resistance to Technology in Growing 36:27 The Future of Sustainable Cannabis Growing 38:16 Cost Challenges in Sustainable Practices 40:21 Must-Have Facilities Features for Efficiency 43:21 The Importance of Due Diligence in Facility Planning 45:10 Common Mistakes in Cannabis Facility Management 46:15 Understanding Budget Constraints for Successful Projects Summary In this conversation, David Fetner, managing partner of Grow America Builders, shares his journey into the cannabis industry, discussing the unique challenges of construction and zoning in this emerging field. He emphasizes the importance of early consultation, the role of technology and AI in cultivation, and the need for facility upgrades to meet compliance standards. David also highlights common mistakes made by teams and the significance of understanding budget constraints. The discussion concludes with insights into sustainability and the future of cannabis cultivation. Guest Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fettner-79a108148https://growamericabuilders.com/https://www.instagram.com/growamericabuildershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-america-builders-llc/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. 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 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. Sign up for our playbook here: 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/

    50 min
  4. 7 AGO

    The ROI of Pre-Roll Automation: Scaling Quality, Reducing Labor, and Hitting 20K+ a Day ft. Shahar Yamay

    Every investment is just an ROI calculator. Automation feels risky—until you run the numbers. It doesn’t kill craftsmanship—it scales it. Growing your pre-roll category usually means balancing sales growth with hand-filling teams to maintain quality. But what if you could do both? What if you could leverage best-in-class automation to hit your numbers faster, cleaner, cheaper—without sacrificing quality? The truth? You don’t need 30 people rolling joints when 3 people and a machine can do it better. This week, we sit down with Shahar Yamay, CEO of Hefestus Technologies, to break it down. The ROI of Automation—and how to know if it actually makes senseBalancing scale, quality, and consistency in cannabis manufacturingWhy automation doesn’t replace jobs—it removes bottlenecks  Summary In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney welcome Shahar Yamay, CEO of Festus Technologies, to discuss the evolution of automation in the cannabis industry. Shahar shares insights on the iterative design process, the importance of customer feedback, and the challenges faced in R&D. The conversation also covers the current state of automation, ROI considerations, and the integration of AI for quality control. Shahar emphasizes the need for open-mindedness in engineering and the importance of being a trusted partner in the industry. The episode concludes with a look at future innovations and how listeners can connect with Festus Technologies.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Festus Technologies and Shahar Yamay 03:04 The Evolution of Cannabis Automation 05:58 Iterative Design and Customer Feedback 08:55 Challenges in Automation and R&D 12:14 Integration with Cannabis and Hemp 15:11 The State of Automation in the Cannabis Industry 18:04 ROI and the Case for Automation 21:06 Training and Implementation of Automated Systems 23:55 Quality Control and AI in Automation 27:02 Future Innovations and Industry Trends 30:08 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaharyamay/?originalSubdomain=ilhttps://www.hefestus-tech.com/https://www.instagram.com/hefestus_1https://www.linkedin.com/company/hefestus-ltd/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFYcTJousPQjjB6NsMFyBnAOur Links  Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter Newton Insights: For extraction teams, everything changes when you can finally see what’s happening in real time. 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 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. Sign up for our playbook here: 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/

    39 min
  5. 31 JUL

    Keep Your Eye on Ohio: Why California’s Failures Are Michigan’s Success, and the Global Cannabis Landscape ft. Hirsh Jain

    What’s the real goal of a legal cannabis market? If it’s to replace the illicit market, create safe access, and drive tax revenue—then why is California, the world’s 4th largest economy, failing while Michigan is thriving? Despite California’s size and cultural dominance, cannabis sales are shrinking, cities are refusing to opt in, and the illicit market is flourishing. Meanwhile, Michigan is seeing record growth, robust retail access, and real tax benefits flowing back to local communities. So—who’s to blame? Is it the regulators? The lawmakers? The businesses? Or is the system itself fundamentally broken? This week, we bring back Hirsh Jain to break down: Why California’s cannabis model is failingHow Michigan’s success exposes the flaws of othersWhy Ohio is the political key to national cannabis reformThe rise of the global cannabis supply chain—and what it means for the U.S.Chapters 00:00 California's Cannabis Crisis 06:54 Regulatory Challenges and Solutions 14:07 Comparing California and Michigan's Markets 21:59 The Role of Federal Reform and Rescheduling 28:45 Navigating Political Compromises in Cannabis Advocacy 36:53 The Ohio Cannabis Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges 46:05 Texas and Ohio: A Political Triangle in Cannabis Reform 51:39 Future Predictions: The Next Year in Cannabis Legislation Summary In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney engage with Hirsch Jain to discuss the current state of the cannabis industry, focusing on California's regulatory challenges, the comparison with Michigan's market, and the potential for federal reform. They explore the impact of state policies, the role of regulators, and the influence of international trends on the U.S. cannabis landscape. The conversation highlights the need for accountability and effective leadership in navigating the complexities of cannabis regulation. Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hirsh-jain/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ananda-strategy/https://www.anandastrategy.com/https://www.instagram.com/anandastrategy/https://x.com/anandastrategyOur 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 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. Sign up for our playbook here: 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/

    57 min
  6. 24 JUL

    The Cannabis Titanic: The Reset Ahead, Matt Karnes on What the Numbers Say

    Debt is coming due — and we’re approaching a point of no return. At this stage, it’s not if there will be fallout — it’s who survives it. The surface-level view of the cannabis industry hides deep financial issues that only become clear when you dig into the numbers. And that’s exactly what Matt Karnes has been doing for years. From cash flow strain to 280E pressures and mounting debt, the industry is heading toward a critical reset. This week on The Dime, we sit down with Matt Karnes, founder of GreenWave Advisors, to unpack: The Titanic metaphor and which companies are heading for lifeboatsWhy a real reset is desperately needed — and what could trigger itThe numbers behind cash flow, 280E, and the coming debt cliffIf you're looking for signal through the noise, this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry and Matt Karnes 03:10 Matt Karnes' Journey and Background in Cannabis 06:00 The Current State of the Cannabis Industry 08:51 Understanding Financial Health in Cannabis Companies 11:56 Debt Challenges and Market Dynamics 15:09 Industry Reset and Future Outlook 19:05 The Impact of Federal Regulations on Cannabis 21:46 Positive Net Income and Investor Attraction 23:35 The Role of Government in Cannabis Legislation 28:22 International Movement and Rescheduling Challenges 32:27 Interstate Commerce and State Regulations 36:40 Federal Legalization and Market Dynamics 39:10 Future of the Cannabis Industry: Optimism and Consolidation Summary   In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney engage with Matt Karnes, founder of GreenWave Advisors, to explore the current state and future of the cannabis industry. Matt shares his journey into the cannabis space, the financial health of cannabis companies, and the challenges they face, particularly regarding debt and federal reform. The conversation delves into the dynamics of the market, the potential for industry consolidation, and the optimism surrounding upcoming changes in legislation that could reshape the landscape of cannabis in the U.S. and beyond. Guest Links: https://www.greenwaveadvisors.com/https://x.com/GreenWaveMJhttps://www.instagram.com/greenwavemj/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-karnes-cpa-13653b7/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. 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 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. Sign up for our playbook here: 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/

    43 min
  7. 17 JUL

    Organigram’s Competitive Edge: Paolo De Luca on BAT, M&A Strategy, and the Cannabis Long Game

    Built to last. That’s not just a slogan — it’s a strategy. In an industry driven by short-term survival, the cannabis space often feels like a rollercoaster. Financial pressures and market volatility push companies to chase quarters instead of building moats. But what if you could play the long game? What if you could invest in domain knowledge, develop key expertise, and build durable competitive advantages across the supply chain? Organigram is doing exactly that. With financial backing from British American Tobacco (BAT), Organigram is executing a strategy rooted in sustainability — not hype. It’s a deliberate, disciplined approach designed to capitalize on where the industry is going, not just where it is today. This week on The Dime, we sit down with Paolo De Luca, CSO of Organigram, to explore: BAT collaborative product developmentM&A strategy — and what they’re eyeing nextCompetitive advantage: where Organigram is building across cannabis verticals  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Organigram and Paolo De Luca 02:03 Organigram's Business Model and Market Position 05:13 International Expansion and EUGMP Certification 10:12 Navigating Market Dynamics and Data Challenges 15:05 Learning from the US Cannabis Market 18:11 Future Prospects and Strategic Focus Areas 24:04 Integration of Acquisitions and Operational Synergies 28:10 Integrating Expertise for Operational Efficiency 30:16 Navigating the Relationship with BAT 33:27 Leveraging Competitive Advantages in Cannabis 39:12 Exploring AI in Cannabis Operations 41:47 Innovations in Seed-Based Cultivation 44:55 Cross-Industry Insights for Cannabis Efficiency 50:01 The Path to a Stable Cannabis Market 52:38 Lessons from Financial History 53:38 Defining Long-Term Competitive Advantages     Summary In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney interview Paolo De Luca, Chief Strategy Officer of Organigram, discussing the company's strategic approach to building a sustainable cannabis business. They explore Organigram's market position, international expansion efforts, the importance of EUGMP certification, and the challenges of data transparency in the cannabis industry. Paolo shares insights on the rise of cannabis beverages, the significance of M&A strategies, and the innovative shift towards seed-based cultivation. The conversation also touches on the collaboration with BAT and the potential role of AI in cannabis operations, concluding with thoughts on the future of the cannabis market and the importance of long-term competitive advantages. Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolo-deluca/https://www.organigram.ca/https://x.com/Organigram_Inchttps://www.linkedin.com/company/organigram/Our Links  Bryan Fields on Twitter Kellan Finney on Twitter The Dime on Twitter Newton Insights gives cannabis operators real-time visibility into extraction—track runs, reduce waste, and optimize in real time. 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. Sign up for our playbook here: 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/

    55 min
  8. 10 JUL

    The Michelin-Star Experience? Gibran Washington on What Customers Actually Want

    What if buying cannabis felt more like a Michelin-star dining experience than a traditional retail transaction? Where the staff doesn’t just sell—they guide, educate, and tailor every recommendation to how you want to feel. No guessing. Just clarity, confidence, and trust—rooted in science-backed evidence. That’s the vision behind Ethos Cannabis. When customers are willing to drive past other dispensaries for a meticulous, hospitality-driven, science-based experience, it’s not just working—it’s spreading. Organically. Word of mouth. This week, we sit down with Gibran Washington, CEO of Ethos, to discuss: • How Ethos is fusing science, medicine, and retail • What sets their buying experience apart: intentional, educational, personalized • How a university partnership is grounding the model in real clinical research Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gibran Washington and Ethos Cannabis 02:54 Gibran's Journey with Cannabis 06:08 Research Partnerships and Medical Focus 08:48 Understanding Cannabinoids and Pain Management 11:59 Education and Consumer Experience 15:13 Product Development and Strain Selection 17:54 Challenges in Cannabis Testing and Quality Control 24:18 Understanding Cannabis Quality and Standards 26:35 The Importance of Customer Experience in Cannabis Retail 29:15 Navigating Different Cannabis Markets 30:32 The Supply Chain: From Cultivation to Retail 34:28 Integrating Restaurant Industry Practices into Cannabis 37:36 Political Dynamics and the Future of Cannabis Legislation 43:17 Expanding Footprint: Future Markets and Opportunities 47:10 The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Education Summit Summary In this episode, Gibran Washington, CEO of Ethos Cannabis, shares his journey in the cannabis industry, discussing the importance of research, education, and quality control in cannabis products. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to cannabinoids, the significance of customer experience in dispensaries, and the future of cannabis legislation, particularly in Pennsylvania. Gibran also highlights the role of data and science in shaping the cannabis narrative and the challenges faced by the industry. Guest Links: https://www.youtube.com/@EthosCannabishttps://www.instagram.com/ethos.usa/https://ethoscannabis.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ethos-dispensary/https://www.linkedin.com/in/gibran-washington-25056482/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 10 Cannabis Podcast  The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished. Sign up for our playbook here: 🎥 YouTube:  The Dime 📸 Instagram:  The Dime https://www.newton-insights.com/

    50 min
4.9
de 5
106 calificaciones

Acerca de

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.

También te podría interesar