Author: bfields

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

 

Kentucky is now hot on the radar as a prime location for medical cannabis opportunities. As the application window dwindles, we take a detailed look at the potential and challenges within the state’s medical market.

In this episode, we explore the intricate process of applying for cannabis licenses in Kentucky. Learn what you need to do to be successful, whether you’re a mom-and-pop shop or a larger enterprise. Discover the necessary steps, strategies for success, and how to position yourself for the best chances of obtaining a license in this competitive field. Understand the opportunities, potential, and challenges that await willing participants in this emerging market.

This week we sit down with Emily Sisneros to discuss the following:

• Winning Cannabis licenses
• Kentucky Medical Program
• Which south states have big upside?
• Distressed Licenses 

Guest Links:

• https://cannabusinessservices.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyseelman/
• https://x.com/canna_services
• https://www.instagram.com/canna_services/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyseelman/

 

Chapters:

Introduction and Background ([00:00:00]) – The hosts Bryan and Kellan introduce their guest Emily CEO of Cannabis Business Services, and discuss her background in the cannabis industry.

Emily’s Journey into Cannabis ([00:01:25]) – Emily shares how she started in the cannabis industry as a civil litigator in Pennsylvania and then transitioned to founding her own consulting firm.

Early Challenges and Lessons Learned ([00:03:53]) – Emily discusses the chaotic early days of the cannabis industry and the challenges she faced, including educating clients and dealing with unqualified vendors.

Expanding into New Markets ([00:05:44]) – Emily talks about how her business expanded beyond Pennsylvania to serve clients in various states and sectors of the cannabis industry.

Approach to Understanding Regulations ([00:07:05]) – Emily explains her process for deeply researching and understanding the regulations in each state she works in to provide the best service to her clients.

Kentucky’s Medical Cannabis Program ([00:10:39]) – Emily provides a detailed overview of the current status and unique aspects of Kentucky’s new medical cannabis program, including the short application window and lottery system.

Challenges and Considerations for Entrepreneurs ([00:14:47]) – Emily discusses the significant investment and grit required to successfully navigate the cannabis licensing process, as well as the importance of remaining flexible.

Opportunities in the Cannabis Industry ([00:16:27]) – Emily shares her insights on promising markets and sectors within the cannabis industry, such as Pennsylvania, distressed assets, and ancillary businesses.

The Future of Cannabis in the South ([00:43:17]) – The hosts and Emily speculate on how the cannabis industry may evolve in the southern United States, particularly in states like Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

 

Follow us: 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

 

Cannabis reform always feels like it’s on the verge of a breakthrough with policy.

We know some policies can pass both the House & Senate yet it doesn’t , but it ends up feeling like a pawn in the horse trading by policymakers who all know that ~70% of Americans are in favor of cannabis legalization. So why does policy that has support from both sides of the aisle struggle to make progress?

This week, we sit down with Erin Moffet and David Mangone to discuss:

• Stories from Inside DC
• Measuring Progress 
• Process of educating Member/Staffers
• And so much more 

 

About The Liaison Group 

The Liaison Group (TLG) is a DC-based federal lobbying firm dedicated to shaping the federal legislative and policy landscape for the Cannabis Industry.  TLG focuses its efforts and expertise in both the House and Senate with the overarching goal of protecting and preserving state-authorized Cannabis programs.

 

Key Topics Discussed:

• David and Erin’s background getting into cannabis lobbying (00:01:04)
• What lobbying is and how it works in the cannabis industry (00:02:34)
• Balancing relationships with members of Congress and educating them on cannabis (00:07:12)
• Coordinating with other industry groups and finding the right messengers (00:13:18)
• Navigating the complexities of cannabis policy and legislation (00:20:27)
• Measuring success and the importance of the upcoming 6 months (00:42:54)

Follow us: 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