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 sense
• Balancing scale, quality, and consistency in cannabis manufacturing
• Why 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=il
• https://www.hefestus-tech.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/hefestus_1
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/hefestus-ltd/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFYcTJousPQjjB6NsMFyBnA

Our 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

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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 failing
• How Michigan’s success exposes the flaws of others
• Why Ohio is the political key to national cannabis reform
• The 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/anandastrategy

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

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https://www.newton-insights.com/

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 lifeboats
• Why a real reset is desperately needed — and what could trigger it
• The numbers behind cash flow, 280E, and the coming debt cliff

If 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/GreenWaveMJ
• https://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/

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 development
• M&A strategy — and what they’re eyeing next
• Competitive 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_Inc
• https://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/

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/@EthosCannabis
• https://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/

AI is reshaping every corner of commerce — and in cannabis, where the pace is chaotic and change can be difficult, thoughtful integration is even harder.

We’re in the middle of a digital transformation as profound as the rise of the internet. In a space where “speed and size” used to win, the new game is endurance. Because to finish first, you have to finish.

Balancing AI rollouts, sunsetting products with sunk costs, and staying mission-aligned while pushing innovation forward — that’s the razor-thin line companies like Jane walk every day.

This week, we sit down again with Socrates Rosenfeld, CEO of Jane Technologies, to explore:

• The real process behind AI rollouts at Jane
• Why “radical transparency” is Jane’s most important product
• What retailers can expect from Jane Premium’s early launch

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Industry Reflections

01:08 The Evolution of Jane and Resource Prioritization

04:27 Partnerships and Alignment in the Cannabis Industry

07:05 Balancing Innovation and Customer Readiness

09:58 The Importance of the 'Why' in Technology Adoption

12:50 Navigating Change Management in Cannabis

23:16 Leveraging AI for Business Growth

29:56 Understanding AI's Impact on Business

32:04 Navigating Challenges in AI Implementation

35:59 The Importance of Transparency in Business

36:45 Fostering a Culture of Innovation

40:33 The Need for Proactive Technology Adoption

42:17 Introducing Premium E-commerce Solutions

49:52 Engaging with Jane's New Offerings

AI Summary:

Summary

In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney welcome Socrates Rosenfeld back to discuss the evolution of Jane, a leading digital provider in the cannabis industry. They reflect on past predictions, the importance of aligning with visionary partners, and the balance between innovation and customer readiness. Socrates shares insights on the shift from a growth-at-all-costs mentality to a focus on endurance and sustainability. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in enhancing customer experiences and the upcoming launch of Jane's premium e-commerce platform.

Guest Links:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/socratesrosenfeld/
• https://www.iheartjane.com/overview
• https://www.instagram.com/_iheartjane/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/jane-technologies-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 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/

Prohibition is dead — and Texas just proved it.
The recent SB3 vote signaled the start of something much bigger.

While hemp and cannabis operate in very different styles, both are ultimately pushing toward the same goal: a sensible framework for a one-plant solution.

The how? I’ll leave that to people way smarter than me.
But the genie is NOT going back in the bottle — and while speed and clarity aren’t often associated with Congress, we might see that sentence written sooner than expected.

This week, we sit down with Jim Higdon to discuss:

• The massive implications of Texas’ SB3 vote
• What signals to watch for from Trump
• What a “one-plant” solution could look like

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Landscape

03:03 The Regulatory Cage of Cannabis

05:09 The Struggles of MSOs and Independent Operators

08:24 Advocating for Policy Change

10:15 The Role of the FDA and Future Regulations

12:43 The Future of Cannabis Regulation

15:04 Understanding the Texas Political Landscape

17:58 The Power Dynamics in Texas Politics

21:08 The Implications of the Texas Veto

23:53 The Role of Public Perception

26:09 The Economic Impact of THC in Texas

29:45 The Influence of Trump and Federal Oversight

30:14 The Path to Rescheduling Cannabis

34:31 The Future of the Farm Bill

36:00 The Optimistic Outlook for Cannabis

Summary

In this episode, Jim Higdon discusses the complexities of the cannabis and hemp industries, focusing on regulatory challenges, the political landscape in Texas, and the future of cannabis legislation. He emphasizes the need for collaboration between the hemp and cannabis sectors to navigate the evolving regulatory environment and advocates for a more unified approach to cannabis policy. The conversation also touches on the economic implications of THC products and the influence of political figures like Trump on the future of cannabis regulation.

Guest Links:

• https://www.cornbreadhemp.com/
• https://hempsupporter.com/team/jim-higdon/
• https://x.com/jimhigdon
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshigdon/

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/