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

Are you considering expanding to Germany? The answer should be yes.

As a brand or retailer, deciding where to grow is critical. California is the ultimate proving ground—fiercely competitive and filled with industry leaders. If you want to be a national player, is this where you make your mark?

But what about Germany? A high-potential market, still in its early stages, with adult-use legalization on the horizon. The demand for U.S. brands is clear, but how will regulations unfold, and what hurdles lie ahead?

This week, we sit down with Jamie Pearson to break it all down:

• Which companies should be thinking about Germany now
• Opportunities, risks, and how Germany compares to the U.S.
• How to get started and navigate regulations
• The sleeper market no one is talking about

⏱ [00:00 - 03:00] Introduction & Jamie Pearson’s Background

• Jamie’s journey into cannabis
• Why cannabis is harder than any other industry

⏱ [03:01 - 10:30] The Challenges of Running a Cannabis Business

• The legal vs. illegal market dilemma
• Why cannabis operators face unique financial struggles

⏱ [10:31 - 18:45] Raising Money in Cannabis: A Losing Battle?

• How funding works without traditional banking
• The risk investors take in the cannabis space

⏱ [18:46 - 25:30] Cannabis Brand Loyalty & Why It’s Different

• What makes a cannabis brand succeed
• The fine line between success & failure in branding

⏱ [25:31 - 32:15] Why the Next 5 Years Will Decide Everything

• The future of cannabis legalization & federal reform
• Who will survive, and who won’t in this industry

⏱ [32:16 - 38:50] Final Thoughts & Advice for Cannabis Operators

• What Jamie wishes more people knew about cannabis
• The one thing every entrepreneur in this space needs to prepare for

Guest Links:

• https://thetalmangroup.com/talman-house/
• https://internationalcbc.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamielpearsonnhg/
• https://www.instagram.com/jboogie.22/
• https://x.com/jboogie5000
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/newholland-group/

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

Standard Operating Procedures—every company has them. But how do you maintain consistency when a single change can ripple across 14 states, 15 cultivation sites, and 150 retail locations?

Verano faces the challenge of creating continuity across a vast and diverse footprint. Each state presents unique regulations and operational nuances, yet the expectation for repeatability in product quality and customer experience remains unwavering.

Balancing automation, efficiency, and quality isn’t just a logistical feat—it’s a deliberate strategy rooted in precision and innovation.

As Ray Dalio says, “Make sure everyone is in the right seat on the bus.” At Verano, this principle guides their team and processes, ensuring every product upholds the highest standards of excellence across the supply chain.

This week we sit down with Trip McDermott to discuss the following:

• An inside look at the role of a COO in an MSO
• The challenges and impact of changing an SOP
• Balancing automation, efficiency, and product quality
• Time Trials strategy for optimization

Episode Highlights

Tripp's Cannabis Journey (00:01:13)

• - Started in finance, working with oil and gas companies
• - Discovered cannabis industry in Colorado around 2014
• - Began networking and learning about the emerging market
• - Joined Verano in 2015 to help organize and streamline operations

Operational Excellence (00:36:00)

• - Focus on incorporating automation without compromising quality
• - Implementing detailed time trials and performance tracking
• - Developing consistent standard operating procedures (SOPs) across multiple states
• - Emphasis on employee empowerment and optimal team placement

Product Innovation (00:33:23)

• - Coordinated multi-state product launches
• - Developing 2-gram vape pens under the Savvy brand
• - Innovative launch events like terpene bars
• - Introducing barrel-style pre-rolls

Future Vision (00:50:38)

• - Expanding product lines
• - Refining extraction processes
• - Potential state market expansions
• - Exploring brand partnerships and acquisitions

Guest Links:

• https://verano.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/trip-mcdermott-2aa9a51a/
• https://www.instagram.com/veranobrands
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/verano-holdings/
• https://x.com/veranobrands

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

Cake is hitting different. A hockey stick chart is every founder's dream—but what looks like overnight success often hides expertise built years behind the scenes.

Thriving in California's intense, competitive cannabis market? That’s a different beast altogether.

Pink, chrome, fur—Cake's branding immediately resonates with its target audience. A masterclass in brand authenticity.

This week, we sit down with Chloe Kaleiokalani to discuss the following:

• How Chloe's vision for Cake became the top vape brand in the country.
• What is Designer Distillate
• Playbook for expanding their brand
• And so much more.

Key Topics Discussed

• CAKE's Origin Story (00:02:55)

• Started as cannabis growers

• Transitioned to extraction and vape production

• Launched brand in 2020

• Branding and Marketing Strategy (00:08:05)

• Unique pink branding

• Targeting festival and EDM culture

• Creating an approachable, fun cannabis experience

• Product Line Expansion (00:14:59)

• Designer Distillate vapes

• Chrome Live Resin

• Upcoming Dab Device

• Plans for flower and pre-roll lines

• Market Expansion (00:28:49)

• Currently in California, Arizona, and soon Nevada

• Careful approach to state-by-state expansion

• Adapting products to local market needs

Guest Links:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-kaleiokalani-b380a3299/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/cake-she-hits-different/
• https://www.instagram.com/cakehitsdifferent/
• https://shehitsdifferent.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/@shehitsdifferent

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

Why does it feel like the hemp industry is exploding while regulated cannabis remains stagnant?

The numbers may tell one story, but they don’t capture the whole picture.

What would a combined cannabis and hemp market look like if both operated with fewer restrictions, better access to resources, and increased capital?

This week, we welcome back Ben Burstein to dive into these critical questions and more, including:

• Why the numbers don’t tell the full story.
• The real growth drivers behind cannabis and hemp.
• Predictions for consolidation and expansion.
• The path to a $100 billion market.

Guest Links:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminburstein/
• https://www.leaflink.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/leaflink_/
• https://x.com/LeafLinkUS

Episode Highlights

Cannabis and Hemp Market Overview (00:00:56)

• Total hemp market currently around $10 billion
• Hemp-derived THC market represents about $5 billion in retail sales
• Strong growth trajectory with billions added each year

Market Dynamics and Expansion (00:02:40)

• Hemp-derived products offer:

State Market Insights (00:25:23)

• New York standout market

Future Industry Predictions (00:56:21)

• Expected to add billions in sales
• Improving margins and cost structures
• Potential Schedule 3 rescheduling
• Continued market consolidation

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

F1 hybrid seeds are the cornerstone of modern agriculture, offering the least expensive and most reliable way to grow uniform plants with predictable traits.

In the cannabis industry, however, growing from clones has long been the standard because true F1 hybrid seeds were unavailable—until now.

Today, F1 hybrid seeds have arrived in cannabis cultivation, delivering the same consumer and agronomic traits that make large-scale production in traditional agriculture so successful.

These seeds are not only transforming the economics of cannabis cultivation but also turning pain points into competitive advantages for forward-thinking growers.

By applying techniques borrowed from big agriculture, the cannabis industry can now achieve massive payoffs through uniform plants with predictable traits, shifting the narrative from inefficiency to profitability.

This week we sit down with Ralph Risch to discuss:

• Seeds vs. clones: key benefits, costs, and trade-offs.
• How F1 hybrid seeds are transforming cannabis cultivation.
• The economic impact of big-ag innovations in cannabis.

Key Topics Discussed

• Ralph's Entrepreneurial Journey (00:01:11)
• Background in emerging markets
• Transition into the cannabis industry
• Scientific Approach to Cannabis Breeding (00:02:37)
• First company taking a scientific approach to breeding
• Genomics-driven breeding methodology
• F1 Hybrid Seeds Explained (00:11:52)
• Difference between traditional and F1 hybrid seeds
• Uniformity and predictability in plant genetics
• Genetic Markers and Breeding Innovations (00:28:44)
• Currently using 15 genetic markers
• Potential for expanding to 40 markers in future
• Rare Cannabinoid Research (00:37:07)
• Exploring CBG, CBC, and other minor cannabinoids
• Potential therapeutic applications
• Future of Personalized Cannabis (00:45:53)
• Discussion on personalized medicine and cannabis
• Challenges in creating strain-specific solutions

About Phylos

Phylos is a cannabis genetics company focused on helping growers of all sizes to succeed commercially with seeds that produce the highest quality cannabis in the most cost-effective way. Phylos supports commercial-scale cultivation with the industry’s first Production-Ready Seed™: premium, phenotypically stable, fully-feminized F1 hybrid seeds that deliver exceptional flower quality, potency, vigor, and yield. Phylos also leverages its proprietary technologies and its cultivation, extraction, and formulation expertise to provide partners with unparalleled THCV genetics and natural, safe and effective ingredients.

Guest Links:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralphrisch/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/phylosbio/
• https://x.com/phylosbio

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