The Dime

Public companies dominate the headlines for the cannabis industry, but a few private beasts operate in plain sight. Motif Labs is one of them. Their deep focus on profitability and data at every step is why they have built such a deeply rooted and successful organizational philosophy. This week, we sit down with Mario Naric to discuss: How he builds process efficiency at every step What understand...

Pricing and promotion in the retail business may seem closely linked but are fundamentally different. Understanding the intention behind a promotion across the organization is a critical yet often overlooked element in the cannabis industry. Using pricing as a tool to drive sales can have unintended consequences.  For example, if a customer typically purchases one product every 30 days but buys tw...

Synthesis, a process that may sound complex, is actually quite common in our daily lives. From the production of everyday items like Advil, organic milk, citric acid, to the creation of vitamins A and D, and multivitamins, synthesis is a key player. Why does this realization often provoke a negative reaction?  Perhaps it's because there's a desire for clean, safe, and consistent natural products,...

The economic impact of Hop Latent Viroid on cannabis cultivation remains a significant concern, costing the industry millions annually. In our latest episode, we dive into proactive measures to combat this threat with Dr. Tassa Saldi.  Affecting ~80% of cultivators, Dr. Saldi sheds light on the necessity of proactively testing. While some may question the need for proactive testing, likening it to...

BRĒZ immediate success is a testament to the power of a skilled team, a great product, and incredible marketing. A little over a year since its inception, BRĒZ hockey stick trajectory is undeniable and worthy of emulation. When executed perfectly, marketing becomes more than just a line item on a P&L; it becomes a tool with unlimited potential. BRĒZ ability to connect with consumers on a personal...

The use of psychedelics by high-performing individuals and entrepreneurs is on the rise as they openly discuss the benefits these substances offer. As research continues and we dive deeper into these advantages, questions arise: Where are the opportunities, and what should interested individuals know? How do they get started, and how do they find the proper protocol for their needs? This week, we...

The 2018 Farm Bill has undeniably reshaped the cannabis industry, blurring lines and unlocking opportunities between hemp and cannabis. This episode delves into the nuanced differences and similarities between these two facets of the cannabis world. Chris Fontes shares his insights to dissect the complex web of legislation, the evolving roles of MSOs and Big Pharma, and the boundless opportunities...

Capital in the cannabis industry is not just scarce; it's a puzzle.  Have you come across terms like sale-leaseback and triple net lease in press releases and earnings reports yet find yourself questioning their actual mechanics?  What's more, the implications for companies opting for these leasebacks might be more surprising than you think.  And from the perspective of a REIT company, how do they...

Major industry behemoths like P&G or British Tobacco are setting their sights on the cannabis industry, poised to disrupt and seamlessly integrate. In this rapidly evolving landscape, are you engaging in crucial internal and external conversations in anticipation of the next wave? This week, we sit down with Seth Yakatan to discuss the following: Founders and Companies set up for major exits. Secr...

Amidst the breaking down the walls of prohibition, it's clear that change is underway. The speed at which the cannabis industry is evolving is hard to truly grasp unless you step back and appreciate how much has altered in the last 10 years compared to the previous 100. While issues and unknowns persist, incremental progress with accelerated catalysts is gaining momentum, making one thing extremel...

"Great companies were never built by conservative leaders. Great companies were built by risk-takers." Deeply ingrained in Curaleaf's DNA is the ability to navigate the unknown ahead of opportunities. Timing these events is nearly impossible, but having the foresight and strategic resources in place when the opportunity strikes can change the game. For visionaries like Boris Jordan, being early in...

Investing in cannabis stocks is not for the faint of heart. It's common to see these stocks pop only to retrace their gains quickly. Understanding the implications and the strategies that institutional investors will use as they enter the sector, currently dominated by retail, could be a  generational difference-maker  for so many. This week, we speak with Pablo Zuanic to discuss the following: Ca...

Companies obsessed with solving specific pain points always win. The cannabis industry, with its unique challenges, demands tailor-made software solutions. Software that guides critical decisions forms the company's foundational backbone.  An unwavering dedication to profoundly understanding customer challenges and the agility to create nimble, value-focused software solutions is indispensable and...

Creating trust is foundational in authentic brand development. The transition from content creator visibility to tangible product offerings has become a pivotal strategy among leading global brands. The success stories of Mr. Beast's Feastables and Logan Paul & KSI's Prime underscore the significance of integrating your brand's identity into every aspect of your product. This approach ensures meti...

Operating since 2011 comes with an enormous amount of experience and scars. Navigating the turbulence and keeping an eye on what's essential while scaling your organization is no small feat. Identifying new hidden revenue opportunities is the first challenge, but capitalizing on those opportunities, given the plethora of cannabis challenges, is an entirely different beast. This week, we sit down w...

Trulieve stands at the brink of what may be a golden swan event. With rescheduling likely "imminent" and recent remarks from Gov. DeSantis suggesting that adult use appearing on Florida ballots could set ablaze an unparalleled opportunity. "It really will change the structure of the business," and "We have the largest catalyst; I think that has ever happened to a single company in this space ahead...

Cookies is the most well-known and prominent cannabis brand. Berner's story and his rise in the cannabis industry are well documented, but it's his authentic approach that has given life to Cookies, propelling it to global fame. Despite the challenges and constraints in the cannabis industry, the brand's growing global popularity is a testament to his vision & impact. Brands like Cookies transcend...

The NY CAURD program, intended to be a beacon of hope, turned into a myriad of challenges. Imagine relocating your family, investing your life savings, and building a dream, only to be met with a staggering injunction that brings the entire NY cannabis market to a halt. With countless unknowns, frequent regulatory changes, and surprises such as the NY cannabis tax, many entrepreneurs aspiring to e...

Cannabis rescheduling is likely imminent What needs to happen for cannabis to be successful rescheduled? Who are the key players involved, and what should the industry be doing to prepare for what will likely be strong opposition Understanding the inner workings of the DEA, HHS, and other involved parties is crucial in this complex scenario. As  '½ of the On Drugs' substack and one of the most inf...

Big Alcohol knows the writing is on the wall.  Cannabis consumption is growing, and Alcohol is shrinking.  "We believe that over the next 5 years, the cannabis category will add 18 million past-month consumers, while alcohol will lose 2 million past-month consumers, as consumers increasingly embrace cannabis and temper their alcohol consumption" – TD Cowen. This week, we sit down with Paul Weaver,...

The cannabis industry is gearing up for a significant shift towards sensors and technology. These tools aren't new; they are mainstays in industries like agriculture and oil and gas, now applied directly to cultivation and extraction. These technologies have been game-changers for the early adopters – playing a crucial role in boosting production and maintaining quality. Imagine having the power t...

The cannabis industry requires a unique personality and skill set to do what feels like building in quicksand.  This personality and perspective is known as Cannabis DNA .  This week, we sit down with Kmesh to discuss the following: Unpacking the 'Cannabis DNA The role of a career coach Navigating the maze: Tips for those aspiring or in the cannabis industry Guest Links  https://www.linkedin.com/i...

"Giant… That's a giant advantage." Cresco Labs may mirror other Tier 1 MSOs on the surface, but once you explore deeper, you'll discover their unique edge. They've built sophisticated systems and technology that set them apart and enable a nuanced understanding of market conditions. This advanced business intelligence approach significantly narrows risk aperture, proactively allowing Cresco to ide...

Navigating the cannabis industry, with its myriad obstacles, uncertainties, and regulatory complexities, demands an entrepreneur of exceptional resilience. Those who not only survive but thrive in this environment carry a wealth of hard-earned wisdom, the kind that could overshadow even the most intricate Harvard case study. In a sector where collaboration and a growth mindset are key, sharing les...

From 1971 to 1986, Barry Foy of the Gentleman Smugglers was the mastermind of the importation of over 250 tons of cannabis, valued at an astonishing one billion dollars.  His story is one of legend, marked by audacious moves, unexpected turns, and heart-stopping close shaves with the law. In this episode, we delve into the hidden world of international cannabis smuggling, uncovering the secrets of...