The Dime

• Strategy Truths & Lies, Mature Industries Already Know ft. Mitchell Osak

  Cannabis is chaotic by design. Vertical integration forces operators to run six or seven businesses at once — then replicate that model across states with different regulations, all without economies of scale. It’s no wonder the industry feels messy.The bigger problem? Too many companies are chasing the wrong metrics and ignoring the lessons other industries already learned.This week we sit down with Mitchell Osak — a veteran strategist across pharma, CPG, financial services, and cannabis — to unpack the hard truths and strategy lessons MSOs can’t afford to miss.In this episode we cover:• The wrong metrics driving cannabis off course — and which ones Mitch would track instead• Why TAM slides are the biggest lie in cannabis strategy•  Which playbooks cannabis should borrow from pharma, wine, and techSummary:In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney engage with Mitch Osak, a seasoned consultant in the cannabis industry. They explore Mitch's journey into cannabis consulting, the importance of strategic planning, and the challenges of standardization in the market. The conversation delves into the differences between large operators and middle market firms, the significance of understanding metrics, and the need for innovation. Mitch emphasizes the importance of learning from other industries, the role of AI, and the necessity for scenario planning in navigating the evolving landscape of cannabis. The episode concludes with insights on the future of the industry and the importance of external consultation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry and Its Challenges04:01 Strategic Planning in Cannabis: A Holistic Approach06:01 Bridging the Gap: Cultivators vs. Financial Stakeholders09:46 Market Dynamics: The Rise of Middle Market Firms12:08 The Importance of Strategic Focus in Cannabis14:01 Understanding Quality and Consumer Insights18:10 The Role of Data and Metrics in Cannabis Business22:12 Cost Management vs. Quality Improvement25:50 Learning from Other Industries: Wine, Fashion, and Tech30:11 Future Opportunities in the Global Cannabis Market31:56 Navigating Regulatory Challenges and International Expansion33:04 The Importance of External Perspectives in Business Strategy35:32 Understanding Market Dynamics and Total Addressable Market (TAM)36:24 Opportunities in Distressed Assets and Market Entry39:10 Evaluating Acquisition Strategies and Asset Valuation41:27 The Complexity of Due Diligence in Cannabis Investments44:37 Scenario Planning for Future Industry Changes47:10 The Role of AI in Strategic Decision-Making51:25 Data as the Foundation for AI Success53:01 Preparing for Industry Consolidation and Survival Strategies TakeawaysMitch Osak has extensive experience in consulting across various industries, including cannabis.Strategic planning in cannabis requires a holistic approach, considering multiple factors.There is a disconnect between cultivators and investors in the cannabis industry.Standardization in the cannabis market is essential for growth and consistency.Middle market firms are gaining market share from larger operators due to strategic focus.Quality improvement should take precedence over merely cutting costs.External consultation can provide valuable insights for cannabis companies.Data and metrics are crucial for making informed decisions in the cannabis industry.AI can be a powerful tool, but it requires quality data to be effective.The cannabis industry must learn from other sectors to navigate its challenges.  Guest Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchellosak/https://mitchellosak.substack.com/https://x.com/MitchellOsak 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.

  --------  

  56:08

  --------

  56:08
• THC Is an Ingredient, Where Pharma, MSOs & Hemp Collide, ft. Zach Edge

  THC is an ingredient.Cannabinoids will be treated like standardized inputs across pharma, licensed cannabis, and hemp—and the future winners are hedging until there’s clarity.What got you here won’t get you there. The next phase needs a new playbook: ops tweaks aren’t enough; strategy has to change.Near term, expect Schedule III to unlock e-pharmacy distribution and centralized GMP manufacturing, while tobacco pushes device rules, alcohol shapes low-dose beverage norms, and hemp keeps expanding.This chaotic industry is about to get even crazier.This week we sit down with Zach Edge to discussTHC as a moleculeIntersection of pharma, hemp, and licensed cannabis:Schedule III breakdown: e-pharmacies, centralized GMP Chapters00:00 Introduction to Zach Edge and His Journey03:11 The Changing Landscape of THC Commercialization07:45 Hedge Strategies in Cannabis and Hemp14:28 Regulatory Challenges and Future Outlook20:02 The Role of Science in Cannabinoid Production36:11 Innovations in Cannabinoid Purification45:20 Final Thoughts and Future QuestionsSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney engage with Zach Edge, a seasoned expert in the cannabis and hemp industries. Zach shares his journey into the cannabis space, highlighting the evolution of THC commercialization and the impact of regulation on the industry. He discusses the importance of a hedge strategy for businesses operating in multiple verticals, the challenges posed by varying state regulations, and the role of science in cannabinoid production and purification. The conversation also touches on the future of the industry, including potential growth in the hemp sector and the need for regulatory clarity.Guest Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-edge/https://www.zachedge.com/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.

  --------  

  43:08

  --------

  43:08
• Sensory Science Unlocked, Beyond THC, Inside True Terpenes ft. Dan Cook

  $8 billion in products hit shelves each year with True Terpenes inside. The real edge? Turning sensory science—backed by data—into products that connect and fill clear gaps in the market.We break down what cannabis can borrow from wine (shared language, guided discovery), where that analogy stops, and why toxicology and standards are the new trust layer.Plus: how to transform the consumer experience, educate at scale, and move beyond THC% and indica/sativa as guideposts—especially as regions and genetics evolve.This week we sit down with Dan Cook, CEO of True Terpenes, to discuss:Sensory > THC: using shared language (and data) to build products people can feelFrom grape to gas: wine’s aroma-wheel lessons for cannabis guidanceBuilt to last: audits, toxicology, and disciplined expansion Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Daniel Cook and True Terpenes02:53 Daniel's Journey into the Cannabis Industry06:01 Navigating Volatility in the Cannabis Market08:59 True Terpenes: Size and Clientele12:03 Formulation Process and Client Collaboration15:10 Sensory Science and Market Trends18:00 Standardizing Sensory Language in Cannabis21:11 The Importance of Data in Cannabis Formulation23:47 Future Directions for Cannabis Education28:06 Aligning Sensory Markers for Enjoyment30:04 Strain Variability and Consumer Expectations32:49 The Importance of Storytelling in Cannabis36:14 The Future of Cannabis: Regional Influences37:51 Exploring Therapeutic Claims and Research40:25 Navigating International Regulations42:51 Innovations Beyond Cannabis45:16 Challenges and Lessons in Rapid Growth49:55 Literature's Impact on Storytelling51:10 Toxicology and Product SafetySummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney interview Daniel Cook, CEO of True Turpenes, who shares his journey from literature to the cannabis industry. They discuss the importance of sensory science in cannabis products, the challenges of navigating the volatile cannabis market, and the need for consumer education and standardization in sensory language. Daniel emphasizes the significance of THC as one of many compounds that contribute to the cannabis experience and highlights True Turpenes' commitment to safety and innovation in flavor applications. The conversation also touches on the company's growth, lessons learned, and future aspirations in both the cannabis and beverage industries.About True Terpenes :As a next-generation flavor house with an innovative terpene solutions platform, we create incredible sensory experiences under the industry's highest safety standards. We are creators, scientists, and outside-the-box thinkers. We champion the terpene kingdom with science-based research and leverage sensory analysis to create flavors and aromas that are true to experience.Guest Links https://www.linkedin.com/company/trueterpenes/https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-a%C3%B1orga-cook-10b91655/https://www.instagram.com/trueterpenes/?hl=enBryan 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.

  --------  

  51:32

  --------

  51:32
• Dr. Greenhouse: The #1 Mistake Killing Your Plants ft. Nadia Sabeh

  What if keeping the room a little too dry is killing your plants?Humidity—and the HVAC that controls it—drives plant health, but air isn’t uniform across the room. The fix isn’t more AC; it’s dialing VPD so humidity, lights, airflow, and irrigation work together. Get it wrong and you lose yield and fail tests; get it right and buds stay sticky, healthy, and consistent.This week we sit down with Dr. Greenhouse (aka Nadia Sabeh) to discuss:Dry ≠ safe: why extra-dry rooms can actually spread powdery mildewMeasure where it matters: a simple toolkit and method at the canopyDesign for airflow: room shapes and layouts that keep climate evenSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney welcome Nadia Sabeh, also known as Dr. Greenhouse, to discuss the intricacies of cannabis cultivation, focusing on HVAC systems, climate control, and the importance of data monitoring. Nadia shares her journey into the cannabis space, her expertise in controlled environment agriculture, and the challenges growers face in maintaining optimal conditions for their crops. The conversation delves into root cause analysis, the significance of understanding plant needs, and the necessity of proper data collection to improve cultivation practices. Nadia emphasizes the importance of customizing environments for different strains and the impact of room geometry on airflow dynamics. She also highlights essential tools for growers and offers final takeaways for improving cultivation practices. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Greenhouse and Nadia Sabeh04:46 Understanding Root Cause Analysis in Cannabis Cultivation10:54 The Importance of Data Collection and Monitoring18:04 Troubleshooting HVAC Systems in Cultivation Facilities24:19 Customization of Environment for Different Strains30:41 Room Geometry and Airflow Dynamics40:27 Essential Tools for Growers50:41 Final Takeaways and Future Tools for GrowersGuest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-sabeh-phd-pe-leed-ap-45656315/https://www.doctorgreenhouse.com/https://www.youtube.com/@drgreenhouseinchttps://www.linkedin.com/company/doctor-greenhouse/https://www.instagram.com/drgreenhouseincOur 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.8th Revolution Cannabinoid Playbook is an Industry-leading report covering the entire cannabis supply chain 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.Sign up for our playbook here:🎥 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.

  --------  

  1:03:19

  --------

  1:03:19
• Richie Proud on the iAnthus Turnaround: Why Selling Arizona Fueled Core-Market Growth

  What if the smartest growth move is cutting—on purpose?Turnarounds aren’t financial stories—they’re operational ones.Growth-at-all-costs is out. The new playbook: prune non-core assets, concentrate resources in high-return states, and speed the path from cultivation to checkout.This week we sit down with Richie Proud, CEO of iAnthus, to discuss:Brand strategy: MPX & Cheetah — complementary roles that travel and drive velocityArizona sale → core growth — why pruning unlocked focus in FL/NYWednesdays in Florida — weekly drops as a repeat-traffic engine Chapters00:00 Introduction to IANTHUS and Richie Proud02:23 Richie's Journey to Cannabis Leadership05:54 Navigating the Complexities of IANTHUS09:40 Strategic Decisions: Divesting from Arizona11:27 Identifying Key Markets for Growth14:28 Building Relationships in the Cannabis Industry18:03 Operational Challenges and KPIs22:13 Understanding Consumer Differences Across States23:51 The Cheetah Brand Acquisition26:54 Integrating New Brands and Operations32:37 Creating a Unique Retail Experience36:08 Learning from the Fashion Industry39:55 Balancing Speed and Quality in Product Development45:22 Leveraging AI for Real-Time Insights47:22 Lessons Learned in Operations51:33 Building a Super Friend Network52:27 Connecting with Consumers and CommunitySummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney sit down with Richie Proud, CEO of IANTHUS, to discuss his unique journey from the fashion industry to leading a cannabis company. Richie shares insights into the complexities of operating across multiple states, the importance of building relationships in the cannabis industry, and the strategic decisions that have shaped IANTHUS's growth. He emphasizes the need for operational excellence, understanding consumer behavior, and the role of AI in enhancing business decisions. The conversation also touches on the significance of creating a unique retail experience and the lessons learned from past operational challenges.Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richie-proud/https://www.ianthus.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ianthus-capital-management/https://x.com/ianthuscapitalOur Links:Bryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterNewton 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 podcastThe 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 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.

  --------  

  55:05

  --------

  55:05

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About The Dime

The Dime: Podcasts in Family