# Retail & Dispensary Operations Episodes of The Dime Podcast covering Retail & Dispensary Operations: cannabis business conversations with founders, executives and investors. 38 episodes. - Canonical: https://www.dimepodcast.com/topics/retail-and-dispensary-operations - Topic index for agents: https://www.dimepodcast.com/topics/retail-and-dispensary-operations/llms.txt - All topics: https://www.dimepodcast.com/topics ## Analysis on Retail & Dispensary Operations First Principles essays by Bryan Fields. Human written. - [The Payment Problem I Still Can't Explain](https://www.dimepodcast.com/newsletter/the-payment-problem-i-still-cant-explain) (April 13, 2026): Cannabis banking's hardest problem: compliance does not equal permission. Every payment solution runs on the card brands' tolerance. Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/newsletter/the-payment-problem-i-still-cant-explain.md - [Your Marketing Isn't Broken. The System Is. Here's Why](https://www.dimepodcast.com/newsletter/your-marketing-isnt-broken-the-system-is-heres-why) (February 5, 2026): Cannabis marketing doesn't create value, it distributes it. If you doubled spend tomorrow, would returns scale or just expose what's broken? Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/newsletter/your-marketing-isnt-broken-the-system-is-heres-why.md - [There Is No Playbook for New York Cannabis](https://www.dimepodcast.com/newsletter/there-is-no-playbook-for-new-york-cannabis) (January 19, 2026): Jaunty's hockey stick in New York was never luck. New York punished assumptions fast, and what looks like momentum now is really accumulated lessons. Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/newsletter/there-is-no-playbook-for-new-york-cannabis.md - [The Lyft Playbook for Cannabis](https://www.dimepodcast.com/newsletter/the-lyft-playbook-for-cannabis) (October 23, 2025): Taxis didn't want rideshare. The world did. Every emerging industry has to earn its right to exist, and cannabis is living a version of the same story. Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/newsletter/the-lyft-playbook-for-cannabis.md ## Episodes - [Ed Rosenthal and Greg Baughman: You're Still Growing Cannabis Wrong](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/ed-rosenthal-and-greg-baughman-youre-still-growing-cannabis-wrong) — Ed Rosenthal & Greg Baughman: This episode features Ed Rosenthal, the legendary cannabis cultivation author, and Greg Baughman of CryoCure, discussing why cannabis post-harvest processes — drying, curing, storage, and… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/ed-rosenthal-and-greg-baughman-youre-still-growing-cannabis-wrong.md - [The Legal Market Was Never Built for Payments, Why Cannabis Still Breaks the Rules ft. Aubrey Amatelli](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/the-legal-market-was-never-built-for-payments-why-cannabis-still-breaks-the-rules-ft-aubrey-amatelli) — Aubrey Amatelli: In this episode, PayRio founder Aubrey Amatelli explains why cannabis payment processing remains fundamentally unstable even for companies that follow every card-network rule, drawing on her own… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/the-legal-market-was-never-built-for-payments-why-cannabis-still-breaks-the-rules-ft-aubrey-amatelli.md - [JB (Cheech & Chong CEO): Building a National Cannabis Brand Through Trial, Error & Partnership](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/jb-cheech-chong-ceo-building-a-national-cannabis-brand-through-trial-error-partnership) — Guest: In this episode, JB, CEO of Cheech & Chong, breaks down how the iconic 50-year-old brand built a national cannabis and hemp beverage business through partnership, reverse IP licensing, and… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/jb-cheech-chong-ceo-building-a-national-cannabis-brand-through-trial-error-partnership.md - [Most Cannabis Marketing Fails Because It Is Asked to Solve the Wrong Problems ft. John Shute](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/most-cannabis-marketing-fails-because-it-is-asked-to-solve-the-wrong-problems-ft-john-shute) — John Shute: In this episode, Bryan Fields talks with John Shute of Puff Creative about why so much cannabis marketing spend gets wasted — from over-reliance on untrackable social media to neglected email… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/most-cannabis-marketing-fails-because-it-is-asked-to-solve-the-wrong-problems-ft-john-shute.md - [The Amazon of THC, How Edibles.com Will Take Cannabis National, ft. Thomas Winstanley](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/the-amazon-of-thc-how-ediblescom-will-take-cannabis-national-ft-thomas-winstanley) — Thomas Winstanley: In this episode of The Dime, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney sit down with Thomas Winstanley, who left his role building Theory Wellness's cannabis retail and product empire to launch Edibles.com, a… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/the-amazon-of-thc-how-ediblescom-will-take-cannabis-national-ft-thomas-winstanley.md - [Built for Consolidation, Guided by Icahn-Like Discipline, and Poised for Cannabis’ Next Iteration, ft Jared Maloof](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/built-for-consolidation-guided-by-icahn-like-discipline-and-poised-for-cannabis-next-iteration-ft-jared-maloof) — Jared Maloof: This episode of The Dime features Jared Maloof, CEO of Standard Wellness, tracing his path from a finance and legal career at Carl Icahn's companies into building a vertically integrated multi-state… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/built-for-consolidation-guided-by-icahn-like-discipline-and-poised-for-cannabis-next-iteration-ft-jared-maloof.md - [Richie Proud on the iAnthus Turnaround: Why Selling Arizona Fueled Core-Market Growth](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/richie-proud-on-the-ianthus-turnaround-why-selling-arizona-fueled-core-market-growth) — Richie Proud: Richie Proud, CEO of iAnthus, joins The Dime to explain how the multi-state cannabis operator turned a quiet, post-restructuring balance sheet into a disciplined, cash-flow-first growth story. He… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/richie-proud-on-the-ianthus-turnaround-why-selling-arizona-fueled-core-market-growth.md - [The Michelin-Star Experience? Gibran Washington on What Customers Actually Want](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/the-michelin-star-experience-gibran-washington-on-what-customers-actually-want) — Gibran Washington: Gibran Washington, CEO of Ethos Cannabis, joins The Dime to explain why his company built the first cannabis clinical research partnership with a major medical institution — Thomas Jefferson… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/the-michelin-star-experience-gibran-washington-on-what-customers-actually-want.md - [AI in Cannabis Commerce Is Here — But Jane’s Doing It Their Way with Socrates Rosenfeld](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/ai-in-cannabis-commerce-is-here-but-janes-doing-it-their-way-with-socrates-rosenfeld) — Socrates Rosenfeld: On this episode of The Dime, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney reconnect with Jane co-founder and CEO Socrates Rosenfeld, three years after his first appearance, to discuss how the cannabis retail-tech… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/ai-in-cannabis-commerce-is-here-but-janes-doing-it-their-way-with-socrates-rosenfeld.md - [Where’s the Cash? Visibility, Inventory & Profitable Growth with Tyler Nielsen](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/wheres-the-cash-visibility-inventory-profitable-growth-with-tyler-nielsen) — Tyler Nielsen: Tyler Nielsen, founder of Vast Insight Partners, joins Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney to break down why inventory — not sales or cultivation alone — is usually the root symptom behind cannabis… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/wheres-the-cash-visibility-inventory-profitable-growth-with-tyler-nielsen.md - [Why the Industry’s Premier Brands Choose The Flowery — and What’s Coming Next in New York & Florida ft. Ilya Shmidt](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/why-the-industrys-premier-brands-choose-the-flowery-and-whats-coming-next-in-new-york-florida-ft-ilya-shmidt) — Ilya Shmidt: In this episode of The Dime, Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney sit down with Ilya Shmidt of The Flowery, a vertically integrated Florida cannabis operator now expanding into New York, to unpack how the… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/why-the-industrys-premier-brands-choose-the-flowery-and-whats-coming-next-in-new-york-florida-ft-ilya-shmidt.md - [If You’re Chasing Invoices in Cannabis, Listen to This ft. Brett Gelfand](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/if-youre-chasing-invoices-in-cannabis-listen-to-this-ft-brett-gelfand) — Brett Gelfand: Brett Gelfand, founder of Cannabis Collects and the Cannabiz Credit Association, joins Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney to unpack why unpaid invoices have become an epidemic in the cannabis industry —… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/if-youre-chasing-invoices-in-cannabis-listen-to-this-ft-brett-gelfand.md - [How Ayr Wellness Is Resizing for Reality — What Operational Efficiency Really Means ft. George DeNardo](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/how-ayr-wellness-is-resizing-for-reality-what-operational-efficiency-really-means-ft-george-denardo) — George DeNardo: Ayr Wellness president George DeNardo joins The Dime to explain how one of cannabis's multi-state operators is shifting from the "plant as many flags as possible" growth era to a discipline of… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/how-ayr-wellness-is-resizing-for-reality-what-operational-efficiency-really-means-ft-george-denardo.md - [We Don’t Want Legalization—We Want Decriminalization ft. Luna Stower](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/we-dont-want-legalizationwe-want-decriminalization-ft-luna-stower) — Luna Stower: Cannabis activist and vape-industry veteran Luna Stower joins The Dime to argue that the industry's biggest failure has been chasing "legalization" and commercialization instead of decriminalization,… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/we-dont-want-legalizationwe-want-decriminalization-ft-luna-stower.md - [Why Cannabis Laws Are a Mess: The Politics and Bureaucracy with Jeff Guillot](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/why-cannabis-laws-are-a-mess-the-politics-and-bureaucracy-with-jeff-guillot) — Jeff Guillot: In this episode of The Dime, hosts Bryan Fields and Kellan sit down with Jeff Guillot, a longtime New York government affairs and lobbying veteran now with MAD Global Strategy, to unpack why cannabis… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/why-cannabis-laws-are-a-mess-the-politics-and-bureaucracy-with-jeff-guillot.md - [The COO’s Playbook: Balancing Automation, Quality, and Efficiency Across 14 States at Verano ft. Trip McDermott](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/the-coos-playbook-balancing-automation-quality-and-efficiency-across-14-states-at-verano-ft-trip-mcdermott) — Trip McDermott: In this episode of The Dime, Verano COO Trip McDermott breaks down how a multi-state cannabis operator manages standardized operations, quality control, and automation across 14 states, 15… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/the-coos-playbook-balancing-automation-quality-and-efficiency-across-14-states-at-verano-ft-trip-mcdermott.md - [She Hits Different: The Story Behind Cake's Explosive Growth ft. Chloe Kaleiokalani](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/she-hits-different-the-story-behind-cakes-explosive-growth-ft-chloe-kaleiokalani) — Chloe Kaleiokalani: This episode of The Dime features Chloe Kaleiokalani, co-founder of California cannabis brand Cake, discussing how her Native Hawaiian upbringing and years working alongside partner Jason as growers… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/she-hits-different-the-story-behind-cakes-explosive-growth-ft-chloe-kaleiokalani.md - [Chris Violas Breaks Down Blaze’s Software Infrastructure](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/chris-violas-breaks-down-blazes-software-infrastructure) — Chris Violas: In this episode of The Dime, Blaze CEO Chris Violas traces his path from college soccer player and cannabis delivery operator to building one of the cannabis industry's leading point-of-sale and… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/chris-violas-breaks-down-blazes-software-infrastructure.md - [How Leafly’s Feedback Loop Predicts the Next Big Thing in Cannabis ft. Yoko Miyashita](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/how-leaflys-feedback-loop-predicts-the-next-big-thing-in-cannabis-ft-yoko-miyashita) — Yoko Miyashita: In this episode of The Dime, Leafly CEO Yoko Miyashita joins hosts Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney to explain how Leafly uses a real-time feedback loop from retailers, brands, and consumer submissions… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/how-leaflys-feedback-loop-predicts-the-next-big-thing-in-cannabis-ft-yoko-miyashita.md - [Caleb Counts Details Connected's $3.5 Million R&D Breeding Program and Best-in-Class Genetics That Continues to Deliver Hitters](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/caleb-counts-details-connecteds-35-million-rd-breeding-program-and-best-in-class-genetics-that-continues-to-deliver-hitters) — Caleb Counts: This episode of The Dime features Caleb Counts, CEO of Connected Cannabis, tracing his path from a Sacramento dispensary owner to co-creator of Biscotti and leader of one of cannabis's most extensive… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/caleb-counts-details-connecteds-35-million-rd-breeding-program-and-best-in-class-genetics-that-continues-to-deliver-hitters.md - [If You Like Flavors, Come to Traders ft. Founders of Trade Roots](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/if-you-like-flavors-come-to-traders-ft-founders-of-trade-roots) — Carl Giannone & Jesse Pitts: This episode of The Dime features Carl Giannone and Jesse Pitts, founders of Massachusetts craft cannabis company Trade Roots, tracing their path from legacy-market cannabis sales and Wall Street… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/if-you-like-flavors-come-to-traders-ft-founders-of-trade-roots.md - [Under the Hood of Cresco Labs: AI, Tech Integration, and Custom Retail Solutions ft. Zach Marburger](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/under-the-hood-of-cresco-labs-ai-tech-integration-and-custom-retail-solutions-ft-zach-marburger) — Zach Marburger: This episode of The Dime features Zach Marburger, Chief Information Officer at Cresco Labs, discussing how the MSO built much of its own retail, e-commerce, and ERP technology stack in-house rather… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/under-the-hood-of-cresco-labs-ai-tech-integration-and-custom-retail-solutions-ft-zach-marburger.md - [The Hidden Benefits of Fractional Marketing for Cannabis Companies ft. Brandon Bobart](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/the-hidden-benefits-of-fractional-marketing-for-cannabis-companies-ft-brandon-bobart) — Brandon Bobart: In this episode of The Dime, hosts Bryan Fields and Kellan sit down with Brandon Bobart of Pisgah Peaks Ventures to unpack fractional marketing — an embedded, subject-matter-expert model that lets… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/the-hidden-benefits-of-fractional-marketing-for-cannabis-companies-ft-brandon-bobart.md - [Rama Mayo: Hall of Flowers, The Big Reveal - Disney World of Cannabis Experiences](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/rama-mayo-hall-of-flowers-the-big-reveal-disney-world-of-cannabis-experiences) — Rama Mayo: In this episode of The Dime, host Bryan Fields (with Kellan Finney) talks with Rama Mayo, co-founder of Hall of Flowers, about the origin and evolution of the premier West Coast cannabis trade show… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/rama-mayo-hall-of-flowers-the-big-reveal-disney-world-of-cannabis-experiences.md - [New York's Broken Cannabis Program: What Happened and How to Fix It ft. Neil Kaufman](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/new-yorks-broken-cannabis-program-what-happened-and-how-to-fix-it-ft-neil-kaufman) — Neil Kaufman: This episode of The Dime features cannabis attorney Neil Kaufman breaking down why New York's adult-use cannabis rollout has struggled so badly, from Governor Hochul's overhaul of the program to the… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/new-yorks-broken-cannabis-program-what-happened-and-how-to-fix-it-ft-neil-kaufman.md - [Krista Raymer: Pricing, Promotion & Strategy Tips for Profitable Cannabis Retail](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/krista-raymer-pricing-promotion-strategy-tips-for-profitable-cannabis-retail) — Krista Raymer: Krista Raymer, founder of Vetrina Group, joins hosts Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney to break down how cannabis retailers can use transaction-level data to improve pricing, promotions, and… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/krista-raymer-pricing-promotion-strategy-tips-for-profitable-cannabis-retail.md - [Rick Bashkoff: Why Cannabis Needs Unique Software Solutions](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/rick-bashkoff-why-cannabis-needs-unique-software-solutions) — Rick Bashkoff: In this episode of The Dime, hosts Bryan Fields and Kellan Finney talk with Rick Bashkoff, a former music-industry and tech-startup operator turned cannabis investor and software executive, about why… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/rick-bashkoff-why-cannabis-needs-unique-software-solutions.md - [House of Puff Evolves: Introducing The Spritz](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/house-of-puff-evolves-introducing-the-spritz) — Guest: This episode of The Dime features Kristina Adduci and Holly Hager, co-founders of House of Puff, discussing how their friendship and shared (initially hidden) cannabis use led them to build a brand… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/house-of-puff-evolves-introducing-the-spritz.md - [Gabe Mendoza: Driving 4Front Ventures Revenue Growth through Innovation from Ideas to Opportunities](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/gabe-mendoza-driving-4front-ventures-revenue-growth-through-innovation-from-ideas-to-opportunities) — Gabe Mendoza: In this episode of The Dime, Gabe Mendoza, EVP of Revenue at 4Front Ventures, walks through his path from winning one of Illinois's first medical cannabis licenses in 2013 to opening 14 dispensaries… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/gabe-mendoza-driving-4front-ventures-revenue-growth-through-innovation-from-ideas-to-opportunities.md - [Cookies: The Only Global Cannabis Brand Ft. Crystal Millican](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/cookies-the-only-global-cannabis-brand-ft-crystal-millican) — Crystal Millican: This episode of The Dime features Crystal Millican, Head of Marketing and Retail for Cookies, discussing how the brand grew from a Bay Area bud tender's clothing line into what's arguably the only… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/cookies-the-only-global-cannabis-brand-ft-crystal-millican.md - [First-time Dispensary owner details his experience with the NY CAURD Program ft. Markel Bababekov](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/first-time-dispensary-owner-details-his-experience-with-the-ny-caurd-program-ft-markel-bababekov) — Markel Bababekov: This episode of The Dime features Markel Bababekov, owner of The Herbal Care, a CAURD-licensed dispensary on Manhattan's Upper East Side, discussing his journey from cannabis processing in Los… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/first-time-dispensary-owner-details-his-experience-with-the-ny-caurd-program-ft-markel-bababekov.md - [Paul Weaver of Boston Beer Company on Big Alcohol's Cannabis Strategy](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/paul-weaver-of-boston-beer-company-on-big-alcohols-cannabis-strategy) — Paul Weaver: This episode of The Dime features Paul Weaver, head of cannabis at the Boston Beer Company, discussing how the maker of Sam Adams, Twisted Tea, Angry Orchard, and Truly built an asset-light cannabis… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/paul-weaver-of-boston-beer-company-on-big-alcohols-cannabis-strategy.md - [Charlie Bachtell: The Inside Story of Cresco Labs & Impact of Rescheduling](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/charlie-bachtell-the-inside-story-of-cresco-labs-impact-of-rescheduling) — Charlie Bachtell: In this episode of The Dime, Cresco Labs founder and CEO Charlie Bachtell joins hosts Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney to discuss how the company built its brand-first, data-driven strategy across… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/charlie-bachtell-the-inside-story-of-cresco-labs-impact-of-rescheduling.md - [Tony Verzura Innovating with Authentic Cannabis-derived Terpenes & Deconstructing Extracts](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/tony-verzura-innovating-with-authentic-cannabis-derived-terpenes-deconstructing-extracts) — Tony Verzura: This episode of The Dime features Tony Verzura, CEO of Blue River Turps, discussing his journey from Colorado medical caregiver to pioneering cannabis-derived terpene extraction and 'designer dab'… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/tony-verzura-innovating-with-authentic-cannabis-derived-terpenes-deconstructing-extracts.md - [Lulu Tsui: Applying West Coast Lessons on the East Coast & Hard Truths in the Cannabis Industry](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/lulu-tsui-applying-west-coast-lessons-on-the-east-coast-hard-truths-in-the-cannabis-industry) — Lulu Tsui: In this episode of The Dime, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney sit down with Lulu Tsui, co-founder of On The Revel, to trace her journey from a Chinese immigrant family with Legacy cannabis roots in… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/lulu-tsui-applying-west-coast-lessons-on-the-east-coast-hard-truths-in-the-cannabis-industry.md - [All-in-One Dispensary Solution ft. Anne Forkutza](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/all-in-one-dispensary-solution-ft-anne-forkutza) — Anne Forkutza: This episode of The Dime features Anne Forkutza, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Industry Relations at Dutchie, discussing how the all-in-one cannabis dispensary platform helps operators navigate… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/all-in-one-dispensary-solution-ft-anne-forkutza.md - [Cannabis Ecommerce will be ~$9 Billion Dollars in 2023 ft. Jeremy Johnson](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/cannabis-ecommerce-will-be-9-billion-dollars-in-2023-ft-jeremy-johnson) — Jeremy Johnson: This episode of Dime features Jeremy Johnson, business development lead at Dispense, breaking down the surprisingly massive scale of cannabis e-commerce — estimated at up to nine billion dollars a… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/cannabis-ecommerce-will-be-9-billion-dollars-in-2023-ft-jeremy-johnson.md - [Switching Spirits for Strains: Cannabis a Substitute for Alcohol ft Dr. Amanda Reiman](https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/switching-spirits-for-strains-cannabis-a-substitute-for-alcohol-ft-dr-amanda-reiman) — Dr. Amanda Reiman: This episode of The Dime features Dr. Amanda Reiman, Chief Knowledge Officer at New Frontier Data and founder of My Personal Plants, discussing how cannabis functions as a substitute for alcohol,… Markdown: https://www.dimepodcast.com/episodes/switching-spirits-for-strains-cannabis-a-substitute-for-alcohol-ft-dr-amanda-reiman.md --- Markdown variant of any episode, guest, newsletter, answer or topic page on this site: add .md to its URL. Site index: https://www.dimepodcast.com/llms.txt. Complete catalogue: https://www.dimepodcast.com/llms-full.txt