Author: bfields

What is Bank Secrecy, and why are cash-heavy businesses like cannabis dispensaries, casinos, and laundromats treated the same?

Did regulators understand that they forced cannabis businesses were once forced into “criminal” banking practices?

Banking is available to the cannabis industry, but what are the differences?

We discuss the complexities of navigating federal and state regulations, the impact of the SAFE(R) Banking Act, and the differences between state-chartered and federally-chartered banks in handling cannabis-related transactions. Sundie also discusses the challenges of credit card processing for cannabis businesses and the emerging issues around hemp derivatives. Get a firsthand look at the strategies behind vetting and managing risky clients and what the future holds as the cannabis industry matures and evolves. If you’re interested in the intersection of finance, regulation, and cannabis, this episode is packed with valuable insights and industry expertise. Perfect for cannabis entrepreneurs, banking professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the rapidly changing landscape of cannabis finance.

We sit down with Sundie Seefried to discuss the following:

• Explaining Bank Secrecy
• Differences in Banking Hemp vs. Cannabis
• Visa/MasterCard:  What is needed?
• And so much more 

Topics and Timestamps 

• Sundie’s background and how she got into the cannabis banking space (00:00:46 – 00:01:49)
• The challenges of banking cannabis businesses and the “criminal” practices they were forced into prior to Safe Harbor (00:01:49 – 00:03:55)
• Navigating regulations and relationships with state/federal regulators to establish a compliant cannabis banking program (00:03:55 – 00:07:07)
• Differences between state-chartered and federally-chartered banking institutions when it comes to cannabis (00:07:07 – 00:08:01)
• The impact of the SAFE Banking Act and the limitations it may have (00:08:32 – 00:10:05)
• Challenges with credit card processing and merchant services for cannabis businesses (00:10:16 – 00:11:33)

Guest Links

• https://shfinancial.org/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sundie-seefried-748194130/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/safeharbor-financial/

About Sundie Seefried:

Safe Harbor Financial is the brainchild of Sundie Seefried. A 35-year veteran of the credit union industry, in 2014, she saw that CRBs needed financial services and that Colorado communities would be safer if the new industry had access to banking solutions.

A 39-year credit union industry veteran, Seefried was the former CEO of Partner Colorado Credit Union (PCCU). Established in 2015 by PCCU, Safe Harbor was formed to provide an unmet need – compliant banking and financial services to the rapidly growing U.S. cannabis industry. Seefried designed a full scope Cannabis Banking Program for PCCU known as the Safe Harbor program, which has withstood the scrutiny of 16 federal and state exams to date. Now in its 8th year, Safe Harbor has grown to nearly 600 accounts spanning 20 states, and processed over $12 billion in cannabis-related transactions.

Seefried regularly provides cannabis banking education and expertise to legislators, regulators, attorneys generals, state officials, and financial institutions. She is on a mission to normalize banking for the cannabis industry, while assisting law enforcement and federal agencies to be more effective at combating illicit activities and protecting the financial system.

To share her knowledge, Seefried authored the book ‘Navigating Safe Harbor – Cannabis Banking in Uncertain Times’ in 2016, as well as contributed a chapter on cannabis banking in the university textbook ‘The Politics of Marijuana: A New Paradigm’ by Timothy McGettigan.

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

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

Is Cannabis the most overlooked treatment in modern healthcare?

 Learn how it could revolutionize care for cancer and other illnesses.

In this episode of The Dime, Dr. Benjamin Caplan, founder of CED Clinic and author of the “Doctor Approved Cannabis Handbook,” joins us to discuss the untapped potential of Cannabis in medicine. From his journey as a traditional primary care doctor to becoming a leader in cannabis healthcare, Dr. Caplan dives deep into the science behind cannabis’ therapeutic effects on conditions like cancer, Parkinson’s, and even dementia. He challenges the misconceptions around Cannabis, discusses its impact on the endocannabinoid system, and explains why it could be the “Swiss army knife” of medicine. Tune in to learn about the real benefits of Cannabis, the gaps in medical education, and what it will take for the healthcare industry to embrace this powerful plant. Whether you’re a patient, a healthcare professional, or just curious about Cannabis, this episode is packed with groundbreaking insights!

This week, we sit down with Dr. Benjamin Caplan to discuss the following:

• The Overlooked Potential of Cannabis
• Breakthroughs Not Widely Reported
• Patient-Centric Cannabis Use
• And so much more 

 

Main Topics Discussed:

• Dr. Caplan’s background and how he got interested in cannabis (00:00:11 – 00:02:27)
• The evolving public perception and acceptance of cannabis over time (00:02:27 – 00:07:46)
• The endocannabinoid system and how cannabis interacts with the body (00:07:50 – 00:16:16)
• Specific conditions and symptoms Dr. Caplan has seen cannabis help, including pain, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and cancer (00:16:19 – 00:27:36)
• The potential benefits of cannabis for skin health and as a natural sunscreen (00:36:24 – 00:38:51)
• Dr. Caplan’s views on recreational cannabis use (00:42:23 – 00:43:53)
• Key insights and surprises from Dr. Caplan’s “Doctor Approved Cannabis Handbook” (00:44:06 – 00:46:02)
• Dr. Caplan’s interest in studying cannabis and aging/the endocannabinoid system in older adults (00:46:02 – 00:47:03)

 

About Dr. Benjamin Caplan

Dr. Benjamin Caplan, a trailblazer in Medical Cannabis care, has spent over two decades integrating rigorous, evidence-based practices into his specialty clinic. 

Recognized as one of the top 100 influential figures in cannabis, his work encompasses both patient care and groundbreaking clinical research. 

As Principal Investigator in numerous studies and a contributor to prestigious journals like The New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Caplan continues to explore the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis. He is the founder and CMO of CED Clinic and EO Care, Inc., leading organizations in patient care and digital cannabis education. CED Clinic, a top medical cannabis clinic in Massachusetts for adults and children, boasts an impressive record of treating about 18,000 patients, and the supervision of nearly 300,000 others, with an expanding international reach. EO Care, a digital health company, offers HIPAA-compliant, data-driven cannabinoid treatments with clinical oversight. Additionally, Dr. Caplan established Solo* Sciences, a cannabis tech company, which was acquired by Akerna in 2020, marking a significant milestone in the industry. In 2023, Penguin Random House launched Dr Caplan’s “The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook,” to an international audience, sharing a comprehensive and accessible guide to cannabis therapies, supported by peer-reviewed references.

healthcare industry to embrace this powerful plant. Whether you’re a patient, a healthcare professional, or just curious about cannabis, this episode is packed with groundbreaking insights!

Guest Links 

• https://benjamincaplan.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/
• https://doctorapprovedcannabishandbook.com/

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

Key Topics Discussed

• 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 TradeRevs (00:07:18)
• The process of building TradeRevs’ 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 TradeRevs’ 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 Higginbothman 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

Cresco Labs is one of the largest MSOs in the industry, but at its core, it has an entrepreneurial mindset that has always stayed the same.

Many overlook that a company with a market cap of almost $900 million can still possess the craftiness and perspective of a smaller company. This mindset has led to strategic opportunities that allow Cresco Labs to thrive in areas easily overlooked by its peers.

This week, we sit down with Zach Marburger to discuss:

• The Tech Ecosystem at Cresco Labs
• Innovative Custom Retail Solutions
• The Inner Workings of Their Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
• And so much more

Don’t miss this in-depth look at how one of the most prominent players in cannabis continues to innovate and lead the industry.

About Cresco Labs

Cresco Labs is one of the largest publicly traded, vertically integrated, multistate cannabis companies in the U.S. We produce the industry’s #1 portfolio of cannabis brands and operate dispensaries under our Sunnyside brand nationally that focus on delivering consumer education, trust and convenience.

Guest Links

https://twitter.com/crescolabs
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cresco-labs/
https://www.crescolabs.com/
 

Main Topics Discussed:

• Cresco’s approach to technology and the importance of seed-to-sale traceability systems (00:03:27)
• Cresco’s decision-making process for building vs. buying technology solutions (00:11:39)
• Cresco’s focus on integrating data and systems across cultivation, manufacturing, and retail (00:24:33)
• Cresco’s e-commerce strategy and the shift towards online sales (00:26:12)
• Zach’s thoughts on the potential use of AI and computer vision in cannabis operations (00:35:31)
• Challenges and lessons learned from Zach’s entrepreneurial background (00:43:26)

 

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