Humbling… How many times have we thought catalysts were on the way, only to find out at the last minute it was just a pawn or a negotiation tactic?

The question remains for optimists like myself: Is the thesis still intact? Yes, but the timing was off. A hard lesson learned—never count on DC for simple, sound decisions on a reasonable timeline.

Let’s revisit the thesis.

Gone are the days of unicorns, but we’re now in a phase where challenges persist, and change could come quickly. Optimist Bryan is still holding on.

How do you balance emotional attachment with a clear perspective on the investment thesis, recognizing these businesses are moving in the right direction and poised to explode?

This week, we sat down with Jesse Redmond to revisit this thesis and explore exactly that.

• Cannabis Investing: A Generational Opportunity?
• Pick & Shovel Strategies vs. MSOs in Cannabis
• Balancing Political Catalysts and Investment Approach

Topics Discussed:

Jesse's background and path into the cannabis industry (00:02:05)

The current state of the cannabis investment thesis and opportunities ahead (00:06:18)

The potential impact of catalysts like Florida going adult-use and Schedule 3 rescheduling (00:09:37)

The relationship and dynamics between the cannabis and hemp industries (00:18:57)

Strategies for investing in the cannabis space, including ETFs and specialized companies (00:22:03)

The importance of understanding the "why" behind being involved in the cannabis industry (00:59:55)

Jesse's predictions for the next 12 months in the cannabis market (01:04:14)

About Jesse Redmond is the Managing Director at Water Tower Research where I cover cannabis and natural products. Before this, I founded two hedge funds and a leading California cannabis collective. I began my career at Franklin Templeton, was an early employee of Fisher Investments, and spent a decade co-managing multiple hedge funds. In this role, I allocated more than $1 billion to hedge fund strategies and conducted more than 1,000 due diligence visits around the world.

In 2016, I founded a dispensary outside of Santa Barbara, California, that became number one in its region. In 2020, I founded Higher Calling Consulting, where he helped investors find the best cannabis investments. Through these experiences, I bring a unique perspective to the sectors I cover.

In addition to publishing written research, I'm the co-host of The Water Tower Hour and Higher Exchanges podcasts.

Guest Links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesseredmond/
• https://www.watertowerresearch.com/sector/12
• https://x.com/jesseredmond
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/higher-exchanges/id1710898583

Our Links

Bryan Fields on Twitter

Kellan Finney on Twitter

The Dime on Twitter

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 podcast

The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.

The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast

Sign up for our playbook here:

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

Imagine this...... The sun is shining, you’re lounging on a beautiful beach in Thailand with your partner.

The kids are with their grandparents when a friendly resort worker approaches with a smile and offers you an edible.

Sounds like a dream of mine, or maybe just another social media fantasy, right?

Nope, this is reality in 2024.

Kanha is revolutionizing plant medicine with a global perspective, making cannabis edibles an experience to be enjoyed across the world.

This week, we sit down with Cameron Clarke to dive into:

• Kanha’s innovative partnership with Thai beach resorts.
• How close we are to personalized cannabis therapy.
• Kanha’s product strategy for Europe and Asia."
• and so much more

Main Topics Discussed:

• (00:01:53) Origins of Kanha - Cameron's background in biotech and how he got into the cannabis industry
• (00:03:33) Early product development - Starting with extraction, then moving into edibles and tinctures
• (00:05:46) Consistency and quality focus - Ensuring accurate labeling and potency
• (00:09:26) Addressing onset time with nanotechnology
• (00:13:08) Extraction methods and their impact on end products
• (00:15:47) R&D process and new product development
• (00:18:23) Launching products in new states and managing expansion
• (00:20:31) Challenges of operating in a state-by-state regulated market
• (00:21:12)Kanha expansion into Thailand
• (00:27:49) Personalized cannabis and the role of genetics/endocannabinoid system
• (00:35:33) The future of cannabis in health and wellness

Guest Links

• https://kanhatreats.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/kanhabliss/
• https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kanhabliss/
• https://x.com/kanhahighlife
• https://kanhahemp.com/

Our founders embarked on a journey to seek greater balance in their lives that took them from the Amazon rainforest, to the jungles of West Africa, to the ancient cultures of Asia, including transformational lessons from a respected spiritual guide in India.

This spiritual journey profoundly impacted them and taught them how people from different cultures have learned to live in harmony with the world and how plant based medicine like cannabis can lead to a life of optimal wellness.

KANHA reflects the way we see cannabis and its role in connecting the world around us, serving as a metaphor that expresses how cannabis offers a better life and a stronger community through your own personal journey to happiness. KANHA strives to lead you on a joyful journey with delicious, reliable edibles. As a leading edible brand in the nation, KANHA delivers delectable gummies in an incredible variety of dosages, effects and flavors — so that consumers can taste the bliss at every step of their journey.

We’re dedicated to carefully crafting our wide range of products using only all-natural ingredients and premium cannabis oil extracted from pesticide-free flower, resulting in a perfectly consistent, accurate and delicious dose every time.

Our Links

Bryan Fields on Twitter

Kellan Finney on Twitter

The Dime on Twitter

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 podcast

The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast

Sign up for our playbook here:

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

Hemp beverages have exploded over the last 24 months, and they are likely the tip of the spear for broader cannabis reform, helping to normalize cannabis through a familiar form factor.

The opportunity to produce hemp-based products in a single facility and distribute them across state lines offers benefits throughout the supply chain, providing consumers with more cost-effective products—much like how global giants like Coca-Cola operate. However, the rules governing this are still very grey.

In contrast, regulated markets require brands like Keef to establish individual operations in each state, leading to massive capital expenditures and challenging returns, especially when confined to a single state's population. Now, Keef sometimes finds itself competing with others—or even itself—as those who can distribute more broadly enjoy better unit economics without the burden of regulatory headaches and infrastructure costs.

Balancing these two models—considering the investments, the state of the market, and the opportunities at hand—is far from simple. Especially when you consider that Keef has been pioneering cannabis beverages for the past 14 years.

This week, we sit down with Erik Knutson to discuss:

• Building a beverage brand in 2010
• The differences between the regulated cannabis market and the hemp-derived market
• Key manufacturing and strategy decisions
• And much more

Chapters:

1. Introduction and Background (00:00:00) - The hosts introduce their guest, Eric Knutson, co-founder of Keef Brands, and discuss his early introduction to the cannabis industry in Colorado.
2. Keef Brands Origin Story (00:01:28) - Eric shares the story of how Keef Brands was founded, starting with their initial focus on cannabis-infused beverages and the challenges they faced in developing the manufacturing process.
3. Navigating Expansion and Licensing (00:07:46) - Eric discusses Keef Brands' expansion efforts, the challenges of licensing their brand in different states, and the importance of vetting partnerships.
4. Regulated vs. Hemp-Derived Markets (00:27:26) - Eric explains the differences between the regulated cannabis market and the hemp-derived market, including the regulatory landscape, supply chain considerations, and Keef Brands' approach to each.
5. Planning and Forecasting in a Rapidly Changing Industry (00:42:32) - Eric shares insights on the challenges of planning and forecasting in the cannabis industry, emphasizing the need for flexibility and caution when it comes to investments and production.
6. Advice and Closing (00:46:01) - Eric provides advice for first-time cannabis beverage consumers and shares where listeners can find more information about Keef Brands.

Guest Links:

• https://keefbrands.com/
• https://x.com/keefbrands

About Keef Brands:

Born in Boulder, Colorado in 2010, Keef Brands is a leader in the cannabis beverage space with a suite of products that offer a new generation of consumers an alternative to alcohol and an innovative new way to celebrate, have fun and enjoy life.

Our Links

Bryan Fields on Twitter

Kellan Finney on Twitter

The Dime on Twitter

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 podcast

The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast

Sign up for our playbook here:

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

Connected is one of the most influential cannabis brands in the world, renowned for its best-in-class genetics and highest-quality flower. But it's their unmatched R&D, breeding program, and bold appetite for pushing boundaries that truly set them apart.

To understand how Connected became the powerhouse it is today, we delve into the origins of its journey, including the story behind the naming of Biscotti. In this episode, Caleb Counts breaks down how much Connected invests in R&D and offers an inside look into their renowned breeding program. He shares insights on how decisions are made, the process of crossing strains, and how they’re revitalizing sativas. Caleb also discusses their pre-launch program, why Connected has been mentioned in hundreds of rap songs, and how they’ve designed a system that ensures they continue to deliver on the trust that’s nearly impossible to build in this industry.

This week, we sit down with Caleb Counts to discuss:

• In-depth details on their extensive Breeding Program
• The Sativa Revival Project, featuring strains like Tropical Z & Silver Spoon
• How Connected strains consistently get mentioned in songs
• And much more!

Guest Links

• https://connectedcannabisco.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/connected.california/
• https://www.instagram.com/counts/

Our Links

Bryan Fields on Twitter

Kellan Finney on Twitter

The Dime on Twitter

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 podcast

The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast

Sign up for our playbook here:

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

Flavors, terpenes, and genetics—all essential components of an incredible cannabis product. But how do you achieve this while running a vertically integrated business with volatile wholesale prices?

That’s the beauty of the cannabis industry: you're building the plane while flying it.

In this episode, the founders of Trade Roots reveal the secrets behind their exceptional strains and flavors.

Discover how they've mastered the art of transitioning from legacy to legal cannabis cultivation, integrating West Coast genetics with cutting-edge techniques. They also discuss how vertical integration gives them a unique edge in delivering top-tier products that stand out in the market.

This week, we sit down with the Carl Giannone & Jesse Pitts to discuss:

• West Coast Genetics
• Understanding Vertical Integration
• Terpenes, THC & Consumer Education
• And so much more

• Jesse's background in the legacy cannabis market and transition to the legal industry (00:01:43)
• Carl's perspective shift from viewing cannabis as a "business for criminals and children" to becoming a partner in Trade Roots (00:07:18)
• The process of building Trade Roots' business plan, navigating regulations, and securing funding (00:13:08)
• Vertical integration and the importance of maintaining control over the supply chain (00:17:21)
• Challenges around testing, transparency, and integrity in the cannabis industry (00:38:57)
• Bringing in West Coast genetics and balancing customer demand with commercial viability (00:50:53)
• Highlights of Trade Roots' cultivation and extraction capabilities (00:59:29)

About Trade Roots

Trade Roots brings cannabis culture to the gateway of Cape Cod—Wareham, Massachusetts. We deliver a highly curated cannabis experience and have taken special care to tailor everything from our high-quality product to our gorgeous retail space to ensure a first-class experience for our customers.

Roots are important to us, and we’re proud of ours. One of our owners was born and raised in Wareham while the other lives in town, we’re staffed by members of the local community, our product is grown and produced on-site, and our retail shop features the work of local artists and craftsmen. As the saying goes, strong roots produce beautiful leaves.

Guest Links

• https://traderoots.buzz/
• https://www.instagram.com/traderoots_buzz/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/trade-roots-ma/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlgiannone/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-pitts-4b560199/

Bryan Fields on Twitter

Kellan Finney on Twitter

The Dime on Twitter

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 podcast

The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast

Sign up for our playbook here:

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

Growing cannabis is like navigating a path in many directions.

Are you cultivating for smokable flowers or extract?

How do you take a skill once passed down from person to person and translate that into high-end cultivation practices that can be standardized across employees or even scaled across companies?

These skills demand a unique blend of rigorous science and an intuitive "feel" that's hard to quantify.

This Week We Sit Down with Travis Higginbotham to Discuss the Following:

• Maximizing Yield Through Light Accumulation
• Why Harvest Timing Matters for Extracts vs. Flower
• Defining Quality in Cannabis Cultivation
• Challenges in Cannabis Cultivation

About Travis Higginbotham

Travis Higginbotham is the Founder and CEO of Due Diligence Horticulture (DDH), LLC, specializing in safeguarding investor capital in cultivation-specific businesses. DDH collaborates with debt lenders, court receivers, family offices, and other capital groups to turn businesses around, prevent bankruptcy, and support new startups with a solid horticultural foundation.

Travis holds a B.S. in Horticulture from Clemson University and an M.S. in Horticulture from Virginia Tech. His leadership at California's Statehouse Holdings from 2021 to 2024 resulted in a 65% increase in annual flower production YOY on average and a 33% cost reduction, earning nine awards during this time for flower quality.

Guest Links

• https://www.ddhort.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-higginbotham-94a94466/

Follow us: Our Links.

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 podcast

The Dime is a top 50 Cannabis Podcast

Sign up for our playbook here:

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime