It’s not about planting flags anymore. It’s about profitability.

As the cannabis industry shifts from rapid growth at all costs to operational precision, hard decisions are being made.

Which assets are sized properly? Where can we build a well-rounded, potentially profitable business given the realities of today’s market?

And how do we make the right calls for our teams while positioning for the world we’re actually in—not the one we hoped for?

Ayr Wellness is deep into this approach, actively sizing its business for today’s environment

This week we sit down with George DeNardo, President of Ayr Wellness, to discuss how Ayr is redefining success in cannabis:

• The shift from expansion to optimization: why less is more
• Data-driven decisions and automation tools Ayr is betting on
• Why Ayr is still growing in Florida—and not waiting on the feds

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to George DiNardo and AYR Wellness

03:05 Transitioning to President of AYR Wellness

05:55 Operational Efficiency and Integration Challenges

09:05 Data-Driven Decision Making in Cannabis

11:57 Technology Adoption and Automation in Cannabis

14:52 Balancing Investment in Technology and Operational Needs

18:01 Facility Consolidation and Strategic Growth

20:56 Future Plans for Expansion in Florida

23:58 Navigating Florida's Cannabis Market Dynamics

26:11 Quality Control and Brand Strategy in Cannabis

28:16 Data Management and Crop Planning Efficiency

30:35 The Importance of Internal Communication and Reporting

33:10 Operational Challenges and Market Adaptation

36:30 Leadership and Team Engagement in Cannabis

38:31 Advice for New Entrepreneurs in the Cannabis Space

40:45 The Value of Time Over Material Gifts

42:43 Future Outlook for the Cannabis Industry

Guest Links:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgedenardo/
• http://www.ayrwellness.com
• https://x.com/AyrWellness
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/ayr-wellness-inc/

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 has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.

The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast

Sign up for our playbook here:

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

While it feels like progress isn’t happening — and that may be true at the federal level — inside the industry, it’s a completely different story.
The financial model you built, the regulatory category you operate in, the market dynamics, the consumer behavior — every one of those variables is in motion. Constantly evolving. And new competitors are entering, disrupting your playbook from every angle.

Reality is, the shakeout isn’t ending anytime soon. This industry is not for the faint of heart.

The one thing that doesn’t lie? Data.
Ground yourself in it. Use it to make decisions — the hard decisions. Because if you don’t, eventually the market will make them for you.

Yes, it’s insanely difficult right now.
But that’s par for the course in a billion-dollar startup industry with a constantly shifting foundation.

This week we sit down with Annarae Grabstein to discuss the following:

• Why most cannabis financial models were doomed from the start
• The THC beverage boom and what it reveals about consumer demand
• Go Wide vs. Go Deep: A strategy framework to actually survive this market

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry and Guest Background

03:02 Consumer-Centric Market Dynamics

06:08 Navigating Regulatory Challenges

08:52 The Intersection of Hemp and Cannabis

11:55 Market Realities and Strategic Adaptation

15:00 The Role of Data in Cannabis Operations

17:59 Growth of Cannabinoid Consumption

21:04 Future of Regulation and Market Access

28:08 Defining Objectives for Market Success

29:31 Deep vs. Wide Market Strategies

32:14 Understanding Market Dynamics and Customer Relationships

35:36 The Role of Technology in Cannabis

39:32 Balancing Investment in Technology

42:28 Integrating Data into Business Practices

44:05 Future Trends in the Cannabis Industry

46:45 Qualitative Due Diligence in Investment Decisions

Guest Links:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/annarae/
• Instagram (@annarae_g)
• AnnaRae Grabstein (@annarae_g) on X
• https://wolf-meyer.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolf-meyer/

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 has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.

The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast

Sign up for our playbook here:

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

Can cannabis be the key to lowering healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes?

Impossible, right?

Think again.

Leafwell has analyzed millions of data points and uncovered staggering, undeniable results—cannabis patients experience fewer ER visits, reduced prescription drug use, and better health outcomes compared to non-users. These findings aren’t just groundbreaking—they’re a wake-up call.

This is just the beginning of unlocking the true potential of plant medicine, and with further research, education, and access, millions more could benefit.

This week, we sit down with Emily Fisher & Dr. June Chin of Leafwell to discuss:

• The shocking data proving cannabis' impact on healthcare
• How employers are integrating cannabis into their benefits
• How insurance coverage could change the future of medical cannabis

Guest Links:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-arida/
• Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card Online - Leafwell
• Instagram (@leafwell_official)
• https://x.com/Leafwell
• Leafwell
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/leafwellofficial/

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 has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.

The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast

Sign up for our playbook here:

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime