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

“It’s this crazy melody of things constantly happening, and you need an incredible degree of grit and fortitude. Even the best-prepared individuals with meticulous plans have to throw them up in the air like confetti. It’s an intangible feeling—until you get into it, you really don’t know.”

This quote from Christina Betancourt Johnson perfectly captures the cannabis industry—where relentless highs and lows force constant adaptation. The question is: are we just treading water, or pushing forward to something greater?

This week, we sit down with Christina Betancourt Johnson, CEO of Standard Wellness Maryland, to discuss:

• How even the best-laid plans evolve in cannabis.
• The balance between compliance, funding, and long-term growth.
• The mindset and strategies needed to thrive in an unpredictable industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Journey

02:55 Transitioning into the Cannabis Industry

05:52 Navigating the Application Process

09:03 Understanding the Dichotomy of Cannabis Business

11:50 The Importance of Vertical Integration

15:11 Challenges of Operationalizing a Cannabis Business

18:01 Managing Stakeholder Expectations

20:49 Resilience and Adaptability in Cannabis

26:31 Navigating the Cannabis Landscape

30:49 Challenges of Social Equity in Cannabis

33:37 The Importance of Agility in Leadership

36:50 Engaging in the Legislative Process

39:42 Empowering Communities Through Education

43:54 Future Trends in the Cannabis Industry

48:09 Lessons from Experience

Guest Links

• https://www.standardwellness.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/standardwellnesscompany/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/standard-wellness-company/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinabjohnson/

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

Want to know what a company really values? Look at where they spend their money.

In cannabis, where cash is a rare commodity, Jetty Extracts is choosing to invest in:

• Thousands of dollars each month in additional third-party testing that isn’t required
• OCal-certified cannabis, the cleanest on the market

Most companies can’t even consider this level of investment. Jetty does it because they’ve spent over a decade building a brand on quality.

As the industry shifts toward clean products, organic certification, and transparency, Jetty is making a conscious choice to lead, not follow.

This isn’t just compliance—it’s a brand separator. And that’s what makes them different.

This week we sit down with Ron Gershoni Co Founder Jetty Extracts to discuss the following

• Why solventless extraction is the future.
• Why OCal certification is a game-changer.
• How Jetty built a brand on quality and consistency

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jetty Extracts and Ron Grishoni

02:39 Ron’s Journey into the Cannabis Industry

10:24 Building Jetty Extracts: Early Challenges and Growth

15:14 Scaling and Expanding Jetty Extracts

21:19 The Importance of Consistency in Cannabis Products

35:57 The Shift Towards Clean Cannabis

43:10 Future of Jetty Extracts and Industry Insights

Guest Links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-gershoni-1ba1271/
• https://jettyextracts.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/jettyextracts/
• https://x.com/jettyextracts

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

Cannabis started as a movement, not just a business. But as legalization expanded, the industry found itself caught between profit and purpose, struggling under massive overregulation and taxation. So how do we get back on track?

For over 11 years, Luna Stower has been on the front lines—fighting for safe access, patient rights, and the end of prohibition. While many have lost steam, her relentless passion and advocacy have never wavered. She has worked to bridge the gap between activism and industry, ensuring that cannabis remains accessible, ethical, and true to its roots.

This week, we sit down with Luna Stower to discuss:

• The real challenges of legalization and what’s holding progress back
• Why patient access must come first
• How small actions can create big change in the industry

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Luna Stower and Cannabis Roots

03:31 Optimism vs. Reality in Cannabis

08:43 Activism and Advocacy in Cannabis Legislation

12:56 Navigating Cannabis Conversations in Society

14:43 The Unique Classification of Cannabis

17:57 The Conspiracy Against Cannabis

20:14 The Role of Activism in Cannabis Legislation

22:29 Cannabis as a Catalyst for Broader Social Change

23:24 The Importance of Speaking Up

24:24 Descheduling Cannabis: A Call to Action

25:33 The Prison Industrial Complex and Cannabis

26:57 Economic Impact of Cannabis Legalization

28:52 Racism and Cannabis: A Lens on Society

29:11 Challenges Facing the Cannabis Industry

30:37 Vaping Safety and Regulation

32:53 Patient Access and Rights

34:08 Long-term Safety of Vaping

38:22 Global Cannabis Perspectives

42:01 Consumption Lounges: A New Experience

43:55 Activism and Community Engagement

Guest Links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lunastower/
• https://www.lunastower.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/luna_stower
• https://x.com/lunastower
• https://www.instagram.com/getispire/

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

Vaping is more than just oil and hardware—it’s a delicate balance of oil, terpenes, device performance, and supply chain efficiency. When one element is off, consumers notice, and brands suffer.

With new tariffs on China and CCELL massive U.S. investment, what does this mean for the future of the vape industry? How do hardware vendors differentiate themselves while ensuring brands thrive? And can a nine-figure R&D budget redefine the vaping experience?

This week, we sit down with Nick Kovacevich, Corporate Relations Director at CCELL, to explore:

• The challenge of balancing cost, quality, and consumer expectations in vapes
• How China tariffs are reshaping the global vape supply chain
• The hidden factors that determine whether a vape product succeeds or fails

Guest Links:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickkovacevich/
• https://x.com/nickkovacevich
• https://www.ccell.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/ccellofficial/
• https://x.com/CCELLofficial
• https://www.instagram.com/CCELLofficial/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Vape Industry and Guest Background

02:53 The Rise of C-cell and Its Innovations

06:08 Understanding the Supply Chain in Cannabis

08:59 Investment Strategies and Long-term Vision

11:52 Navigating Consumer Data and Market Trends

15:13 The Importance of Quality Control in Vape Products

18:02 Technological Advancements in Vape Technology

20:56 The Role of Batteries in Vape Performance

27:06 The Evolution of Cannabis Vaping Devices

29:26 Supply Chain Innovations in Cannabis

32:48 Automation and Efficiency in Production

35:15 Navigating Tariffs and Political Changes

38:58 The Future of Cannabis Legislation

42:15 Research and Development in Cannabis Safety

45:09 The Case for Vaping as a Safer Alternative

49:08 Consumer Awareness and Industry Transparency

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

Consumer buy brands. And in cannabis, California brands reign supreme because they uphold the most sacred element in any relationship—trust.

Trust isn’t just about marketing—it’s about consistency, quality, and experience. The moment a brand breaks that trust, it loses everything. But expanding a highly trusted California brand into new markets isn’t just about slapping a logo on a jar—it’s about ensuring the same elite quality, cultivation standards, and consumer experience across state lines.

So how do you scale a collective of powerhouse cannabis brands while maintaining the trust that made them successful in the first place?

This week, we sit down with Nate D, co-founder of Turn, Made, and Project Packs, to break down:

·Why Trust Is Cannabis’ Most Valuable Asset

·How a Collective Model Helps Cannabis Brands Scale

· The Cultivation & Quality Challenges of Scaling Cannabis

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Nate D and His Ventures

02:48 The Ecosystem of Cannabis Businesses

06:07 Quality Control in Cannabis Cultivation

09:08 Scaling Challenges in Cannabis

11:56 The Importance of Team and Trust

15:07 Navigating Market Trends and Consumer Preferences

17:55 R&D in Cannabis: The Long Game

20:50 Collaboration and Community in the Cannabis Industry

23:58 Future Trends and Predictions

27:10 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

Guest Links:

• https://www.instagram.com/turndotme/
• https://www.youtube.com/@turndotme
• https://x.com/turndotme
• https://turn.me/
• https://madeforsmokers.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/YOUREMADE/

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

"Bureaucracy defends the status quo long past the time when the quo has lost its status."
— Laurence J. Peter

Nowhere is that more evident than in cannabis, where local governments resist change, operators scramble for clarity, and policies shift overnight. The biggest mistake cannabis operators make? Waiting too long to ask for help.

Navigating cannabis regulations isn’t just about compliance—it’s a high-stakes game of politics, timing, and strategy. This week, we sit down with Jeff Guillot, Managing Partner of MAD Global Strategy, to expose the backroom battles.

• The biggest misconceptions about how cannabis laws are actually made
• Why local governments resist cannabis businesses (and how to change their minds)
• How lobbying really works—and who actually needs it in cannabis

Links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-guillot-69266614/
• https://www.madglobalstrategy.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cannabis Politics and Advocacy

02:51 Navigating Government Affairs in Cannabis

06:12 The Importance of Proactive Representation

08:58 Understanding Uncertainty in Political Campaigns

12:06 Challenges in Legislative Advocacy

14:50 The Unique Landscape of Cannabis Legislation

17:57 Facilitating Change in Regulatory Bodies

20:51 The Art of Securing Meetings with Officials

24:07 Local Municipalities and Cannabis Confusion

29:10 Understanding Agency Incompetence and Public Education

34:11 Navigating Political Uncertainty and Renewable Energy

39:02 State Budget Proposals and Economic Development

40:59 Cannabis Regulation and Political Dynamics

44:48 The Future of Cannabis and Hemp Industries

52:08 Education Gaps in Cannabis Legislation

54:59 Expertise in Government and Politics

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