The Dime

• You’re Thinking About Debt Wrong: The Secret to Smart Financing ft. Adam Stettner

  Most operators think debt is dangerous. But what if the real problem is how we think about it?The opposite is true: when used correctly, debt is the single biggest growth lever in cannabis. Every major industry scales on borrowed capital — cannabis is the only one still trying to do it alone.This week we sit down with Adam Stettner to discuss:• Why debt — used properly — compounds growth• The difference between smart leverage and over-leverage• How operators can fix cash-flow bottlenecks and scale predictablyChapters00:00 Introduction to Adam Stettner and FundCanna.03:05 Adam's Journey into the Cannabis Industry06:12 Understanding Underwriting in Cannabis Financing09:05 The Importance of Client-Centric Financing11:56 Navigating Complex Variables in Cannabis Lending14:57 Building Infrastructure for Cannabis Financing17:48 Segmenting the Cannabis Industry for Better Insights20:55 The Unique Challenges of Cannabis Lending24:12 The Role of Transparency in Client Relationships28:23 Building Partnerships for Success29:29 Funding Options for Operational Efficiency32:29 Understanding Technology and Business Operations37:54 Navigating Debt and Financial Strategies42:10 Using Debt to Accelerate Growth52:46 Exploring Funding OpportunitiesSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney welcome Adam Stettner, CEO of FundCanna, to discuss the complexities of cannabis financing. Adam shares his journey from the apparel industry to cannabis, emphasizing the importance of understanding the unique challenges of underwriting in this space. He highlights the need for a client-centric approach in lending, the significance of transparency, and the innovative strategies FunCounter employs to navigate the cannabis market. Adam also discusses the importance of knowledge sharing and the metrics that indicate success in cannabis financing. In this conversation, Adam Stettner discusses the importance of building partnerships in the cannabis industry, focusing on how funding can enhance operational efficiency and support business growth. He emphasizes the need for flexible financial solutions that allow businesses to thrive without being constrained by debt. Stettner also highlights the significance of understanding technology and its impact on business operations, advocating for a metrics-based approach to financial decisions. The discussion concludes with insights on leveraging debt as a tool for growth and the importance of fostering relationships in the industry.  Guest Links:https://fundcanna.comhttps://fundcanna.com/about/adam-stettner/https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstettnerhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/fundcanna/About Adam Stettner:Adam has 30 years of business, strategy and leadership experience in both Private and Public Companies. In 2021, Adam believed the timing and opportunity was right for him to bring his passion for business, innovative financing and entrepreneurial spirit to the Cannabis sector by creating funding products for all areas of this early stage, growth industry by founding FundCanna. FundCanna provides short term funding to all areas of the sector; cultivators, manufacturers, vendors, suppliers, distributors and retailers. In just its first year, FundCanna has underwritten roughly 3000 files and funded over 500 unique files bringing much needed liquidity and financing solutions to the legal Cannabis industry.Our Links:Bryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction 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.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• How LEVEL Delivers Effects-Based Cannabis Tablets ft. Chris Emerson

  Everyone in cannabis talks about effects-based products — almost no one can deliver them consistently.Repeatable experiences require precision and formulation discipline that looks a lot more like pharma than cannabis.And here’s why: most operators don’t treat in-house analytics as essential. But that’s the mistake.Process control isn’t optional — it’s the foundation for delivering the same experience every single time.This week we sit down with Chris Emerson, Founder of LEVEL, to break down:• How true effects-based products are actually built• The analytics and standardization required for repeatability• Why most teams can’t achieve consistency — and what it takes to fix it Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chris Emerson and Level03:07 The Journey into Cannabis and Product Development06:02 Challenges in Consistency and Formulation08:48 Navigating the Market and Consumer Education12:05 The Role of Cannabinoids and Future Innovations14:56 Expanding Beyond California: Challenges and Strategies27:32 The Importance of Consistency in Product Quality29:51 Navigating the Medical vs Recreational Cannabis Landscape33:03 Advanced Analytics in Cannabis Production36:02 Innovations in Product Formulation and Consumer Experience39:56 Strategic Approaches to Hemp and Cannabinoid Research45:00 Exploring the Future of Cannabinoids and Consumer Education SummaryIn this conversation, Chris Emerson, founder of Level, shares his journey from academia to the cannabis industry, discussing the challenges and innovations in product development. He emphasizes the importance of effects-based formulations, consistency in product quality, and the need for consumer education in a rapidly evolving market. The discussion also touches on the future of cannabinoid products and the strategies for expanding into new markets while maintaining quality and consistency. In this conversation, Chris Emerson discusses the complexities of cannabis production, emphasizing the importance of consistency and advanced analytics in ensuring product quality. He explores the challenges faced by the medical cannabis market as it competes with recreational use, and shares insights on the evolving landscape of cannabinoid research, particularly focusing on the Varin class and acidic cannabinoids. The discussion also touches on strategic approaches to hemp and the significance of consumer education in navigating the cannabis industry.Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-emerson-ph-d-464b245a/https://www.instagram.com/level.experiencehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/levelexperience/https://levelexperience.com/Our Links:Bryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction 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.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• What Tobacco and Alcohol Taught Me About Cannabis. ft. Nick Kenny

  Tobacco and alcohol are already laying the groundwork for cannabis — building IP, infrastructure, and data.Nick Kenney breaks down what legacy industries already understand — how regulated markets are built, and why readiness always beats speed.This week we sit down with Nick Kenny to discuss:• How tobacco and alcohol are entering cannabis• The playbook for building standardized, scalable systems• Why predictability and timing will define the next wave of winnersChapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry Journey02:54 The Evolution of Cannabis Perception06:02 Navigating Regulatory Challenges08:48 Tobacco and Alcohol Industry Perspectives11:59 The Role of Research and Development14:58 Long-Term Strategies vs. Short-Term Survival18:10 Consumer Behavior and Market Trends21:03 The Importance of Data in Decision Making23:58 Collaboration and Networking in the Industry27:04 Future Outlook and Industry InnovationsSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney engage with Nick Kenney, a Global Strategic Advisor, to explore the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry. Nick shares his journey from the tobacco sector to cannabis, highlighting the significant shifts in perception and investment within the industry. The conversation delves into the regulatory challenges, the perspectives of tobacco and alcohol companies, and the importance of research and development. They discuss the need for long-term strategies, the impact of consumer behavior, and the critical role of data in decision-making. Nick emphasizes the value of networking and collaboration in the cannabis space, while also providing insights into future innovations and market trends.Guest Links:https://www.kbsstrategicadvisors.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/kbsstrategicadvisory/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasjkenny/Our Links:Bryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction 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.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• The Amazon of THC, How Edibles.com Will Take Cannabis National, ft. Thomas Winstanley

  Before Target and DoorDash, Edible Arrangements joined the cannabinoid space.Supply chains look a lot different when you can lean on national infrastructure, logistics, and distribution that already exist.Through Edibles.com, the company is using that foundation to build access — curating top brands and letting customers shop the way they understand best: by experience.Could this platform and distribution model become the Amazon of cannabinoids?This week we sit down with Thomas Winstanley to discuss:• The strategy and roadmap behind Edibles.com• Balancing risk and regulation in an uncertain market• How infrastructure and logistics unlock national accessChapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Space02:56 Thomas Winstanley's Journey in Cannabis06:06 Understanding Edibles.com08:50 Curating Products for Consumers12:01 Building Trust with Brands15:01 Navigating Market Dynamics18:10 Supply Chain and Distribution Strategies27:06 Leveraging Internal Resources for Competitive Advantage29:32 Exploring Innovative Product Offerings31:57 Strategic Growth and Investment Considerations32:31 The Importance of Retail in Consumer Engagement39:03 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in the Hemp Industry48:07 Defining Success and Future OpportunitiesSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney engage with Thomas Winstanley of Edibles.com, exploring his journey in the cannabis industry, the mission of Edibles.com, and the complexities of product curation and market dynamics. Thomas shares insights on building trust with brands, navigating the evolving landscape of cannabis and hemp, and the importance of consumer education in this burgeoning market. In this conversation, Thomas Winstanley discusses the competitive advantages of Edibles.com, the importance of innovative product offerings, and the strategic growth considerations for the company. He emphasizes the significance of retail in enhancing consumer engagement and navigating the regulatory challenges within the hemp industry. Winstanley also outlines his vision for success and future opportunities for Edibles.com, highlighting the need for compliance and adaptability in a rapidly changing market.Guest Links:https://www.instagram.com/thomasrwinstanley/https://x.com/thomwinstanleyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ediblesdotcom/http://edibles.com/https://www.instagram.com/ediblescom/https://x.com/ediblesdotcomOur LinksBryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction 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.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• Introducing Singular: How Active's Modular Vape Platform Changes Everything ft. Alex Kwon

  What happens when years of iteration, engineering, and a unique understanding of the plant align?In cannabis, building hardware is walking a tightrope — precision, timing, and vision all matter.Singular, the latest release from Active710, connects that entire loop.While most will gravitate toward its sleek, modular design, the real story lies in how it solves major operational challenges — and unlocks a world of future opportunity.This week, Alex Kwon joins The Dime to discuss:• The major unlock behind Singular — and what makes it a platform, not a product• How Active710 is leaning into sustainability, engineering, and consumer choice• What’s next for cannabis hardware — and why modular design changes everything Chapters00:00 Introduction to Singular and the Vape Industry04:12 Challenges and Innovations in Vape Technology10:55 Sustainability and Future-Proofing Vape Solutions14:46 Inspiration from the E-Juice and Tobacco Industries19:12 Customer Feedback and Iterative Development23:13 Innovative Pod Systems and Their Functionality30:08 The Future of Vape Technology37:41 Iterative Product Development and Consumer FeedbackSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney welcome back Alex Kwan to discuss the launch of Singular, a groundbreaking modular vape platform. Alex shares insights into the challenges faced in the vape industry, the importance of sustainability, and how customer feedback has shaped the development of this innovative product. The conversation also explores the influence of the e-juice and tobacco industries on vape technology and the future direction of the market. In this conversation, Alex discusses the innovative aspects of their new pod system, emphasizing its modularity and compatibility with various oil types. He highlights the importance of consumer choice and access to quality cannabis products. The discussion also covers the iterative process of product development, the challenges faced, and the excitement surrounding future advancements in vape technology.Guest Links:http://www.futureofvape.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/active710/https://active710.com/https://www.instagram.com/avd710/Our LinksBryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterExtraction 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.The Dime is a top 5% most shared  global podcastThe Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.🎥 YouTube:  The Dime📸 Instagram:  The Dimehttps://www.newton-insights.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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