Most cannabis automation fails for a simple reason.
It optimizes motion instead of understanding.

Automation executes. Robotics adapts.
That distinction matters in an industry where variability is unavoidable and capital is limited.

This episode breaks down why feedback loops matter more than machines, why fully automated facilities are still far off, and how teams should think about constraints before investing.

This week, we sit down with Nohtal Partansky to cover:

• Why automation breaks under variability
• Automation vs robotics, clearly defined
• How to avoid expensive missteps

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Automation in Cannabis Manufacturing

03:02 The Role of Robotics vs. Automation

05:45 Consultative Approach to Automation

08:54 Challenges in Cultivation Automation

11:59 Designing for Variability in Automation

15:01 Iterative Development and Customer Feedback

18:08 Identifying Design vs. Customer Issues

21:06 Adapting to Environmental Nuances

23:55 Conveying Value in Automation Solutions

27:09 Strategic Approaches to Automation in Supply Chain

30:10 Optimizing Pre-Roll Production Processes

33:44 Understanding Tolerance Levels in Manufacturing

36:39 Intellectual Property in the Cannabis Industry

42:26 Innovations in Cannabis Manufacturing

45:32 Challenges in Automation and Scaling

50:51 Improving Processes and Training in Cannabis Operations

Summary

In this conversation, Bryan Fields and Nohtal Partansky delve into the intricacies of automation and robotics within the cannabis manufacturing industry. They discuss the differences between fully automated and automated processes, the consultative approach to implementing automation, and the challenges faced in cultivation. The conversation highlights the importance of feedback loops in robotics, the iterative design process, and the need for a deep understanding of customer needs. They also touch on the significance of protecting intellectual property while fostering innovation in a rapidly evolving industry.

Guest Links

• https://www.instagram.com/sortingroboticsinc/
• https://www.youtube.com/@sortingrobotics
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/sortingrobotics/
• https://www.sortingrobotics.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/nohtal/

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.

Before CBD was discussed by a President in the Oval Office, it was a medical necessity.

The Charlotte Figi story is well documented — and powerful.
Not because it was emotional, but because it forced a serious medical conversation.

Stories like Charlotte’s change how physicians, regulators, and institutions think about where cannabinoid therapy belongs — not as a last resort, but as a legitimate option.

Charlotte’s Web was built around that reality. By recognizing that cannabis does have medicinal properties — and that patients should have access to a plant-based option when it can materially improve quality of life — the company focused on trust, standards, and medical credibility first.

This week, we sit down with Bill Morachnick to break down:

• Why CBD earned acceptance through medical trust, not consumer marketing
• How physician comfort, reimbursement pathways, and standards changed the conversation
• CBD in the Oval Office — and what that signals for the future of cannabis

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Charlotte's Web and Bill Morachnick

03:00 The Inspiring Story of Charlotte Figi

05:51 The Executive Order and Its Implications

08:59 The Role of Education in CBD Acceptance

12:12 Challenges and Misconceptions in the Cannabis Industry

15:03 The Future of CBD and Medical Recommendations

18:06 The Impact of Federal Reimbursement on CBD

21:08 Defloria and the Future of Cannabis Research

24:01 Navigating Regulatory Changes and Industry Challenges

27:03 The Importance of Quality and Consistency in CBD Products

30:02 The Potential for Pharmaceutical Collaborations

33:04 Looking Ahead: The Future of CBD and Cannabis

36:13 Final Thoughts and Audience Engagement

Summary

In this episode, Bryan Fields interviews Bill Morachnick, CEO of Charlotte's Web, discussing the company's inspiring origins, the recent executive order regarding CBD, and the future of cannabis as a medicinal product. Bill shares the powerful story of Charlotte Figi, whose life was transformed by CBD, and emphasizes the importance of education in changing perceptions about cannabis. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the industry, the potential for pharmaceutical collaborations, and the impact of federal reimbursement on CBD products.

Guest Links:

• https://www.trycharlottesweb.com/
• https://www.charlottesweb.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/charlotteswebcbd
• https://www.instagram.com/charlotteswebcbd/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-morachnick-01318a6/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/charlottesweb/

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.

Everyone wants their product and brand to be known for consistency .
Almost no one is willing to do the difficult work that makes consistency possible.

This week we sit down with Ryan Crandall, Chief Commercial Officer at MariMed, to break down:

• Why most cannabis brands fail at scale — and how process control, not an artisanal mindset, determines who lasts
• How MariMed engineers consistency across states by centralizing inputs & testing aggressively,
• What it actually takes to make effects-based products consistent and repeatable

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Industry and Edibles

03:05 The Evolution of Edibles: From Early Days to Now

06:01 Ensuring Consistency Across State Lines

09:09 Quality Control and Testing in Edibles

12:01 Consumer Education and Brand Trust

15:13 MariMed Brand Portfolio and Market Strategy

18:06 Role of R&D in Product Development

21:00 Future Trends and Innovations in Edibles

24:03 Building Relationships with Budtenders and Consumers

27:58 Exploring Cannabinoids: THCV and CBG Effects

30:06 Understanding Edible Experiences and Consumer Expectations

32:00 Responsible Product Development in the Cannabis Industry

33:52 Brand Strategy and Market Penetration in New States

35:51 Innovative Products: Vibations and Consumer Convenience

38:04 Navigating the Hemp Market and Brand Expansion

39:52 Consumer Behavior: Beverages vs. Edibles in Cannabis

44:02 The Importance of Team and Company Culture

Guest Links:

• https://www.marimedinc.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/marimed-inc/about/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-crandall-43133b12/
• https://x.com/MariMed_Inc

Summary

In this episode, Bryan Fields interviews Ryan Crandall, Chief Commercial Officer at MariMed, discussing the evolution of the cannabis industry, particularly focusing on edibles. They explore the importance of consistency in product quality across different states, the role of research and development in product innovation, and the significance of branding and consumer trust. Ryan shares insights into MariMeds diverse product portfolio and their approach to quality control and testing procedures. The conversation also touches on the future of hemp and cannabinoids, as well as the beverage market's impact on consumer behavior.

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.

Schedule III isn’t the finish line.
It’s the starting gun.

The EO said a lot — but most operators aren’t ready for what it actually means.

This week we sit down with Zach Edge and Dr. Matthew Moore to break down:

• Why Schedule III is guidance, not rules — and why the real impact comes during rulemaking
• What GMP, CFR, and pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing will actually require from operators
• Which parts of the supply chain face the biggest disruption as cannabis moves forward

Chapters

00:00 Historic Changes in Cannabis Scheduling

03:13 The Impact of Hemp in the New Landscape

06:07 Strategic Shifts for Cannabis Operators

08:59 Navigating Regulatory Changes

11:58 The Role of Pharmacies in the New Market

15:04 Global Trade and Competition in Cannabis

17:53 Research Opportunities and Challenges

21:02 Veterans and the Future of CBD

24:02 The Supply Chain Dynamics

26:47 The Future of Hemp and CBD Products

29:56 Final Thoughts on the Cannabis Industry

Summary:

In this episode, Bryan Fields discusses the recent changes in cannabis scheduling with experts Zach Edge and Matthew Moore. They explore the implications of the new executive order, particularly regarding hemp and its potential impact on the industry. The conversation delves into the strategic shifts that cannabis operators need to consider, the role of compounding pharmacies, and the opportunities for research that arise from the new regulations. They also discuss the challenges in the supply chain and the potential market dynamics as the industry evolves.

Guest Links:

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rho-advisory/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-edge/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmoore09/

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.

SNDL is much bigger than most people realize — with global distribution, massive extraction capacity, and a diversified retail and manufacturing engine that touches nearly every part of the cannabis supply chain.

This week we sit down with Tyler Robson, President of SNDL, to break down:

• How SNDL became a global manufacturing and retail powerhouse
• Why extraction and derivatives are their true competitive edge
• How they operate across countries with completely different rules and product formats

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sundial and Tyler Robson

02:08 The Complexity of Extraction and Manufacturing

04:38 Merging Sundial and Valens: Challenges and Strategies

06:11 Sundial's Operations and Global Reach

07:39 Firefighting and Problem Solving in Leadership

09:52 Data-Driven Decision Making

12:44 Navigating Different Regulatory Environments

13:55 Core Competencies and Operational Efficiencies

15:46 Staying Focused in a Distracted Industry

16:18 Sundial's Market Position and Brand Partnerships

17:10 Strategic Focus on Texas and Florida

19:09 Resource Planning and Flexibility

20:42 Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing

22:34 Synergies Between Liquor and Cannabis

24:48 Future of Cannabis and Liquor Co-Mingling

26:30 Emerging International Markets

28:23 Potential Partnerships and Collaborations

30:08 The Size of the Global Cannabis Opportunity

31:31 Strategic Partnerships in the US

32:03 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Summary

In this episode, Tyler Robson, president of Sundial, shares insights into his journey in the cannabis industry, the complexities of extraction and manufacturing, and the challenges of merging companies. He discusses Sundial's global operations, the importance of data-driven decision making, and the need for focus in a distracted industry. Tyler also highlights the potential for growth in emerging markets and the synergies between the cannabis and liquor industries, while emphasizing the significance of strategic partnerships.

Guest Links:

• https://sndl.com/homepage/default.aspx
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-robson-a77ba4155/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/sndlinc/

investors@sndl.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.

Everyone in cannabis talks about effects-based products — almost no one can deliver them consistently.

Repeatable experiences require precision and formulation discipline that looks a lot more like pharma than cannabis.

And here’s why: most operators don’t treat in-house analytics as essential. But that’s the mistake.

Process control isn’t optional — it’s the foundation for delivering the same experience every single time.

This week we sit down with Chris Emerson, Founder of LEVEL, to break down:
• How true effects-based products are actually built
• The analytics and standardization required for repeatability
• Why most teams can’t achieve consistency — and what it takes to fix it

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chris Emerson and Level

03:07 The Journey into Cannabis and Product Development

06:02 Challenges in Consistency and Formulation

08:48 Navigating the Market and Consumer Education

12:05 The Role of Cannabinoids and Future Innovations

14:56 Expanding Beyond California: Challenges and Strategies

27:32 The Importance of Consistency in Product Quality

29:51 Navigating the Medical vs Recreational Cannabis Landscape

33:03 Advanced Analytics in Cannabis Production

36:02 Innovations in Product Formulation and Consumer Experience

39:56 Strategic Approaches to Hemp and Cannabinoid Research

45:00 Exploring the Future of Cannabinoids and Consumer Education

Summary

In this conversation, Chris Emerson, founder of Level, shares his journey from academia to the cannabis industry, discussing the challenges and innovations in product development. He emphasizes the importance of effects-based formulations, consistency in product quality, and the need for consumer education in a rapidly evolving market. The discussion also touches on the future of cannabinoid products and the strategies for expanding into new markets while maintaining quality and consistency. In this conversation, Chris Emerson discusses the complexities of cannabis production, emphasizing the importance of consistency and advanced analytics in ensuring product quality. He explores the challenges faced by the medical cannabis market as it competes with recreational use, and shares insights on the evolving landscape of cannabinoid research, particularly focusing on the Varin class and acidic cannabinoids. The discussion also touches on strategic approaches to hemp and the significance of consumer education in navigating the cannabis industry.

Guest Links:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-emerson-ph-d-464b245a/
• https://www.instagram.com/level.experience
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/levelexperience/
• https://levelexperience.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.