Politics is a dirty business. Sometimes being feared is the influence you need because access is not the problem.

Politicians say "we'll take care of this." Gretchen Gailey has a different approach: stab them in the back, push them down the stairs, and take credit for the fall. It's time to put fear behind cannabis.

She spent 20 years on Capitol Hill. She's watched cannabis show up once a year for fly-ins, throw money at the wrong politicians, and wonder why nothing changes. This episode breaks down why incrementalism is the only path, why banking matters more than you think, and why the industry needs to stop picking out curtains when it hasn't built a basement.

This week we sit down with Gretchen Gailey:

• Stab them in the back politics
• Curtains before basement problem
• Project Champion playbook

Timestamps:

00:00 - The industry's fundamental misunderstanding about Washington politics

02:35 - Challenges with incrementalism versus desire for rapid change

04:47 - Supporting pro-cannabis politicians like Cynthia Loomis

06:45 - The role of education and public awareness campaigns

10:06 - Building a basic regulatory foundation: banking, safe products, and rescheduling

13:23 - The limitations of state-led models and the need for federal coordination

15:50 - The importance of transparency and federal standards for consumer safety

18:43 - The influence of political operatives and the importance of direct advocacy

22:51 - Using industry tools and data to inform policy and educate policymakers

26:15 - The significance of Congressional engagement and how to make cannabis an urgent issue

30:10 - The importance of political will and executive orders in advancing reform

34:40 - The disconnects within Washington and how industry can better influence policy

37:19 - Opportunities in leveraging symbolism like Veterans issues and Congressional events

41:14 - The disconnect between access and influence, and how to effectively make the case

44:40 - The necessity of creative strategies, public pressure, and celebrity involvement

50:21 - Successful stories: case of Cory Booker and the impact of direct constituent advocacy

52:16 - Final thoughts: how to stay engaged and educate the industry and policymakers

Summary:

In this episode, Gretchen Gailey shares over 20 years of experience navigating Washington's complex cannabis legislation. We explore how industry players can effectively engage with policymakers, the importance of foundational regulations, and strategies to accelerate federal progress on cannabis reform.

Guest Links:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchengailey
• https://projectchampion.org/
• https://x.com/GretchenGailey

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.

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.

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

https://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.

Investing in cannabis requires a split personality.

Everyone thinks they're early. Dan McDermitt has been trading the sector for 15 years — through the Canadian boom, the Biden promise, and the slow bleed that followed. His take: if you've been through multiple pump-and-dump cycles, you're not early anymore. You're just still here.

This is a masterclass in separating trader psychology from fundamental conviction. Dan explains why he keeps a small position just to stay seated, why he already knows he'll sell early on the next catalyst, and why the moment everybody's talking about cannabis on Wall Street Bets is the moment you size up — not before.

This week we sit down with Dan McDermitt:

• The "I'm early" delusion
• Why traders sell early
• Catalyst stacking thesis
• MSOS mechanics breakdown

Chapters

00:00 The Catalyst Dilemma in Cannabis

03:03 Trading Strategies and Market Positioning

05:48 Understanding Trader vs. Fundamentalist Perspectives

08:46 The Unique Nature of MSOS Trading

11:51 Market Dynamics and Trading Psychology

15:03 The Role of Uplisting and Rescheduling

18:08 Long-Term Perspectives in a Volatile Market

21:04 Risk Management and Trading Mindset

23:51 The Impact of AI on Trading Strategies

Summary

In this conversation, Bryan Fields and Dan McDermitt discuss the current state of the cannabis market, focusing on the challenges and opportunities within the sector. They explore the impact of potential rescheduling and uplisting on cannabis stocks, the differences between trading and fundamental analysis, and the unique trading dynamics of MSOS. Dan shares insights on risk management, trading psychology, and the influence of AI on trading strategies, emphasizing the importance of adapting to market conditions while maintaining a disciplined approach.

Guest Links:

• https://x.com/ChartGuys
• https://www.instagram.com/chartguys/
• https://www.youtube.com/@ChartGuys
• https://www.chartguys.com/

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.

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.

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

https://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.

Most cannabis companies chased scale. Rubicon chased quality.

What does it actually take to build a premium cannabis brand? Trust sits behind what “premium” really means, why consumers only give brands one chance, how Rubicon evaluates resource capacity and audits operations, and why Europe could become the next meaningful opportunity for their trusted brands.

This week we sit down with Margaret Brodie, CEO of Rubicon Organics:

• Why premium cannabis starts with flower
• Consumers Trust
• Internal Resource Audits

Chapters

00:00 Quality Over Quantity in Cannabis

02:58 Building a Premium Cannabis Brand

05:47 Operational Excellence and Team Culture

09:04 The Pursuit of Continuous Improvement

11:45 Understanding Consumer Trust and Brand Loyalty

14:45 Strategic Decision-Making in Cannabis

18:06 Navigating Industry Challenges and Opportunities

27:55 Navigating the Fast-Paced Cannabis Industry

29:13 Investment Priorities for Growth

31:43 Strategic Market Expansion and Brand Development

35:08 Building a Lasting Brand in Cannabis

37:20 Learning from International Markets

40:56 Balancing Speed and Quality in Growth

42:51 Understanding Consumer Dynamics

46:06 Honoring the Legacy Market

49:30 Reflecting on the Journey and Future of Cannabis

Guest Links

https://www.instagram.com/rubiconorganics/

https://www.rubiconorganics.com/

https://x.com/RubiconOrganics

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.

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.

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

https://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.

Beverage may be the most approachable format in cannabis.

Familiar ritual. Familiar packaging. Familiar context. Easily Sharable

But familiarity creates comparison.

Alcohol.

That means safety, expectation, and education cannot be left to chance.

This week we sit down with Kristin and Eric Rogers of Levia to discuss:

• Beverage as a social format
• The responsibility of education
• Scaling experience across fragmented markets

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Success in Cannabis Expansion

03:08 Brand Consistency Across State Lines

05:59 Targeting the Right Consumer Demographics

08:55 The Evolution of Cannabis Beverages

12:01 Navigating Dosage and Consumer Experience

15:02 Quality Control and Supply Chain Management

17:50 The Future of Cannabis and Alcohol Beverages

21:04 Educating Consumers and Regulators

24:07 Navigating Cannabis Regulations in Massachusetts

27:24 Understanding Cannabis vs. Alcohol: Safety and Impairment

31:10 The Impact of Cannabis on Alcohol Consumption

33:43 Educating Consumers: The Importance of Responsible Consumption

36:11 Packaging and Communication: Bridging the Knowledge Gap

40:04 Challenges in the Cannabis Industry: Patience and Perseverance

Summary

In this conversation, Bryan Fields and Kristin and Eric Rogers discuss the complexities of the cannabis beverage industry, emphasizing the importance of brand consistency, understanding consumer demographics, and navigating regulatory challenges. They explore the science behind cannabis beverages, the significance of dosage, and the potential future of combining cannabis with alcohol. The discussion also highlights the need for education and awareness among consumers and regulators, as well as the perseverance required to succeed in this evolving industry.

Guest Links

• https://levia.buzz/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-rogers12/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinhrogers/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/leviabrands/

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.

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.

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

https://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.

For the last 18–24 months, reported cannabis growth told an incomplete story.

Demand did not plateau.
It was fragmented — between hemp channels, illicit markets, and regulated operators.

Now, with the Farm Bill loophole closing, Virginia coming online, and rescheduling potentially closer to execution, the numbers begin to look different. And feel different.

This week we sit down with Trent Woloveck to discuss:

• Why leading with retail first changes everything
• The strategic tradeoffs of vertical integration
• What true cannabinoid demand actually looks like once distortion fades

Chapters

00:00 The Value of Vertical Integration in Cannabis

04:52 Market Dynamics and Capital Allocation

09:34 Virginia's Cannabis Market Evolution

19:04 Impact of Federal Rescheduling on Cannabis

24:38 M&A Challenges in the Cannabis Industry

31:34 Navigating Regulatory Complexities

39:39 The Future of the Cannabis Market

47:27 Looking Ahead: Jushi's Future and Industry Changes

Summary

In this conversation, Bryan Fields and Trent Woloveck discuss the complexities of the cannabis industry, focusing on vertical integration, market dynamics, and the impact of federal rescheduling. They explore the challenges of capital allocation, the evolution of the Virginia cannabis market, and the difficulties of mergers and acquisitions in a heavily regulated environment. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding market demands and the potential for growth as the industry continues to normalize and expand.

Guest Links

• https://jushico.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/jushi-inc/
• https://x.com/two3king

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.

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.

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

https://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.

If you doubled your marketing spend tomorrow, would you double your sales?

Most cannabis marketing does not fail because teams spend too little. It fails because marketing is asked to create success while known problems remain unfixed. That is why marketing is often the first thing cut when results stall.

What has changed is that modern tracking makes attribution clearer and easier than ever. Attribution means understanding which actions actually drive revenue, not just traffic or activity.

This week we sit down with John Shute to discuss:

• Why marketing gets blamed for upstream failures
• How attribution reveals what is actually working
• Where most teams are missing

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Budget Cuts in Cannabis Marketing

02:59 The Importance of Trackable Marketing Strategies

06:05 Understanding Consumer Behavior and Retention

08:53 Leveraging Data for Brand Growth

11:59 The Role of Email Marketing in Cannabis Brands

15:10 Product Quality and Consumer Safety

18:01 Narrowing Focus for Brand Success

23:26 Smart Growth Strategies in Cannabis Marketing

26:24 The Importance of Data-Driven Decisions

27:21 Closing the Gap: SEO and Market Positioning

30:27 Maximizing Marketing ROI

33:03 Understanding Marketing Attribution

36:14 Navigating Challenges in Client Relationships

39:19 The Complexity of Marketing in Cannabis

45:04 Community Engagement and Social Responsibility

Summary

In this conversation, John Shute discusses the challenges and strategies of marketing within the cannabis industry, particularly in the context of budget cuts. He emphasizes the importance of trackable marketing efforts, such as email marketing, and the need for brands to focus on consumer retention and data analytics. John also highlights the significance of building a strong brand identity and ensuring product quality and consumer safety. The discussion touches on the evolving landscape of cannabis marketing, the necessity for comprehensive audits, and the value of community engagement initiatives.

Guest Links

• https://x.com/johnshute_
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-shute-pufcreativ/
• https://www.instagram.com/pufcreativ/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY2pdmT1-QHKux8728PRy2A
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/pufcreativ
• https://pufcreativ.com/

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.

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.

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

https://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.