The Dime

• The Lyft Playbook for Cannabis: Building Trust Through Tech ft. Ashwin Raj

  What happens when a Silicon Valley exec who helped Lyft rewrite the rules brings that same playbook to cannabis?This week we sit down with Ashwin Raj, CEO of LeafLink, to break down how disciplined tech thinking and first-principle strategy can reshape a fragmented industry.In this episode:• How Lyft’s regulatory battles mirror cannabis today• Why listening — not speed — builds trust and loyalty• How data, discipline, and adaptability will drive the next era of cannabis techChapters00:00 Introduction to Ashwin Raj and LeafLink02:02 Ashwin's Journey to the Cannabis Industry04:29 Navigating Challenges in the Cannabis Space07:19 Listening to Customers: The Key to Success10:05 Addressing Pricing Challenges13:11 Building Trust with Customers14:15 Balancing Competing Customer Needs16:25 Strategic Focus and Resource Allocation19:45 Long-Term Vision for LeafLink21:03 The Role of Technology in Cannabis23:05 Identifying Customer Needs26:53 Overcoming Industry Challenges30:45 The Impact of AI on LeafLink32:01 The Future of the Cannabis Industry36:10 The Role of Hemp in the Cannabis Market42:04 Building Trust with Retailers45:11 AI and Future Innovations at LeafLinkSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney interview Ashwin Raj, CEO of LeafLink, who shares his journey from the tech industry to the cannabis space. Ashwin discusses the challenges and opportunities within the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of listening to customers and building relationships with both clients and team members. He highlights the role of technology and efficiency in driving growth and the impact of the hemp industry on the cannabis market. Ashwin also touches on the need for regulatory clarity and the potential of AI in enhancing LeafLink's offerings.Guest Links:https://www.leaflink.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaflink/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashwinraj/ 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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• Built for Consolidation, Guided by Icahn-Like Discipline, and Poised for Cannabis’ Next Iteration, ft Jared Maloof

  Setbacks early on can reshape everything.They can alter your future strategy, shift your appetite for risk, and — if you’re patient — quietly set you up for success while others chase growth at any cost.As with any company, “figuring it out” is part of the job. And sometimes, that figuring it out happens faster than you’d ever hope.The challenges you face early in your cannabis journey become the lens you see the world through — for better or worse. Those lessons, combined with the financial discipline from previous chapters of life, shape your decision-making, your culture, and your tolerance for this chaotic industry.And as cannabis braces for consolidation and a $6B debt wall, that slow, methodical approach might prove to be the ultimate advantage.This week we sit down with Jared Maloof, CEO of Standard Wellness, to discuss:• How early mistakes built long-term discipline• Why focused, prudent capital deployment became Standard’s superpower• The playbook across Utah, Ohio, and beyond• Conversations with Carl Icahn Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Journey02:55 Transitioning into the Cannabis Industry06:10 Challenges in the Early Days09:07 Expanding into New Markets11:58 Navigating Regulatory Differences15:06 Operational Efficiencies and Vertical Integration17:55 The Future of Cannabis Expansion25:52 Navigating the Licensing Landscape27:40 Market Dynamics and Qualifying Conditions29:12 Interstate Commerce Considerations31:43 The Impact of Hemp on the Cannabis Market34:25 Consumer Perception and Market Competition38:20 The Future of Cannabis Beverages40:16 Opportunities Amidst Industry Challenges44:20 Leveraging AI in Cannabis Operations46:15 The Importance of Uplifting for Industry GrowthSummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney engage with Jared Maloof, CEO of Standard Wellness, to explore the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry. Jared shares his journey from finance to cannabis, detailing the challenges faced in Ohio's market, the strategic decisions made for expansion into states like Utah, and the complexities of operating in a highly regulated environment. The conversation also touches on the impact of external factors, the role of AI in operations, and the future prospects of the cannabis market.Guest Links:https://www.linkedin.com/company/standard-wellness-company/https://www.standardwellness.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredmaloof/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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• Chris Ball: Betting It All — What It Really Takes to Build a Brand With Your Name on It: Pain, Patience, and Relentless Faith

  Building something that lasts takes more than money — it takes self-belief, grit, and the willingness to keep pushing forward when easier options present themselves.Putting your name on it only adds to the weight — and the responsibility — to make it work.As with anything worth doing, there are difficult moments along the journey that demand a leap of faith.If you want to be different, you have to be willing to swim against the current — to stand out long enough for customers to find their fit.Daniel LaRusso was that choice for Chris Ball. A nod to his movie-buff personality, the name sent a subtle but direct message to his audience about grit, discipline, and staying true to the craft.These decisions are easy to reflect on now, but the journey was anything but simple.This week we sit down with Chris Ball, Founder of Ball Family Farms, to discuss:The journey from origin to now — and the critical decisions that shaped itHow he’s constantly tinkering forward to stay aheadThe Rare Breed mentorship program and its impact on the next generation of growersSummaryIn this episode, Chris Ball, CEO of Ball Family Farms, shares his journey from the legacy cannabis market to establishing a successful legal cannabis business. He discusses the importance of family in building his brand, the challenges of navigating the cannabis industry, and the significance of quality over quantity in product development. Chris also highlights the role of mentorship through his Rare Breed program, which aims to nurture new talent in the cannabis space. He emphasizes the need for innovation while maintaining a connection to the community and culture of cannabis. The conversation concludes with insights into the realities of being a CEO in the cannabis industry and the importance of resilience and adaptability.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chris Ball and His Journey03:05 The Birth of Ball Family Farms05:58 Building the Family Business09:01 Branding and Marketing Strategies11:55 The Power of Unique Strain Names15:12 Recognizing Success and Growth17:53 Expanding the Strain Lineup21:00 Navigating Challenges and Decisions24:00 Trusting the Process and Team26:48 Collaboration with Hood Baby28:09 Lessons from the COVID Crash29:37 Building a Stronger Team31:34 Recognizing Talent in the Industry33:52 The Importance of Mentorship37:31 Balancing Innovation and Tradition46:32 The Rare Breed Program: Nurturing New TalentGuest Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/chrisball45/?hl=enhttps://x.com/BallFamilyFrmshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ball-family-farms/https://www.ballfamilyfarms.com/https://www.instagram.com/ballfamilyfarmsOur 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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• $28.4 Billion Dollar Hemp Industry Can’t Be Put Back in the Bottle ft Jim Higdon

  California wants to ban hemp. Texas is protecting it. Spritz and Big Alcohol are lobbying to crush it.The enemy of my enemy is my friend? Not in the cannabinoid space.The hemp industry stands at a crossroads. With federal clarity still missing, states pulling in opposite directions, and Big Alcohol leaning on lawmakers, billions are at stake in hemp’s next chapter.This week we sit down with Jim Higdon, Co-Founder of Cornbread Hemp, to unpack it allThe bipartisan letter signed by 27 members of Congress to protect hempWhy Gavin Newsom’s winery ties matter in the hemp beverage fightHow Big Alcohol is lobbying to crush hemp — and what comes next for a one-plant solution Chapters00:00 Introduction and Current State of the Hemp Industry03:04 Bipartisan Support and Legislative Challenges05:46 The Path to a One Plant Solution08:54 California's Unique Position in the Hemp Debate11:57 The Impact of Alcohol Industry on Hemp Legislation14:57 The Future of Hemp and Spirits Collaboration26:03 Navigating Legislative Challenges in California32:30 The Complex Landscape of Cannabis Regulations35:25 Texas: A State in Legislative Limbo39:01 Rescheduling Cannabis: Implications for the Industry42:15 Innovative Partnerships: Normalizing Cannabis in SportsSummaryIn this conversation, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney engage with Jim Hagan to discuss the current state of the hemp industry, focusing on legislative challenges, bipartisan support, and the path towards a unified cannabis solution. They explore the unique regulatory landscape in California, the impact of the alcohol industry on hemp legislation, and the ongoing developments in Texas. The discussion also touches on the implications of cannabis rescheduling and innovative marketing strategies, including sponsorships in sports, to normalize hemp products.Guest Links:https://www.cornbreadhemp.com/https://hempsupporter.com/team/jim-higdon/https://x.com/jimhigdonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshigdon/Our Links Bryan Fields on TwitterKellan Finney on TwitterThe Dime on TwitterAt 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.

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• Largest Medical Cannabis & Cancer Study Ever: Can These Findings Push Rescheduling? ft Ryan Castle

  If you were given some of the worst news in the world, wouldn’t you expect your doctors to use every tool available?What if one of those tools could save millions of lives—and the science is already here?The world’s largest medical cannabis and cancer study—10,000 papers, ranked in the top 5% globally—shows overwhelming evidence that cannabis has medical benefits. If fully embraced, its impact on patients and medicine could be transformative. As science continues to unfold, sometimes it takes skeptics to dive deep and uncover what’s truly there, even when powerful interests push back.This week we sit down with Ryan Castle, Research Director at Whole Health Oncology Institute, to discuss:Medical cannabis: efficacy, placebo, and why it matters less than you thinkHow this study is being used in rescheduling effortsHow vested interests fuel anti-cannabis researchChapters00:00 Introduction to Medical Cannabis Research03:06 Ryan Castle's Journey into Cannabis Research05:58 The Meta-Analysis Process Explained09:00 Understanding the Data and Its Implications11:54 Skepticism and the Shift in Perspective15:01 Consensus in Medical Cannabis Research18:04 Nuances in Cancer Treatment and Cannabis20:55 Biomarkers and Inflammatory Responses22:56 Exploring Cannabis and Cancer Outcomes29:37 Bridging the Gap: Patient-Reported Outcomes35:32 The Future of Medical Cannabis Research45:34 The Cancer Playbook: Empowering Patients SummaryIn this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney engage with Ryan Castle, Research Director at Whole Health Oncology Institute, to explore the evolving landscape of medical cannabis research. Ryan shares his journey from skepticism to advocacy, detailing the extensive meta-analysis he conducted on the efficacy of cannabis in treating various symptoms and conditions, particularly in oncology. The conversation delves into the challenges of measuring effectiveness, the importance of patient-reported outcomes, and the need for a shift in medical perspectives towards cannabis as a legitimate treatment option. Ryan emphasizes the potential impact of policy changes and the importance of transparency in research, while also discussing the Cancer Playbook initiative aimed at empowering patients with data-driven insights. TakeawaysRyan Castle initially set out to prove that cannabis doesn't work.His extensive research revealed that cannabis is effective for a wide range of conditions.The meta-analysis included over 10,000 studies and 800,000 data points.Cannabis showed efficacy not just for symptoms but also for cancer treatment.Patient-reported outcomes are crucial for understanding cannabis effectiveness.The study found that cannabis can help reduce opioid dependency.There is a significant need for a shift in medical perspectives on cannabis.Transparency in research is essential for building trust in findings.The health impact assessment could reveal the broader benefits of cannabis.The Cancer Playbook initiative aims to empower patients with data-driven insights.Guest Linkshttps://wholehealthoncologyinstitute.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.

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