The American Nurses Association (ANA) recently announced the formal recognition of cannabis nursing as a nursing specialty. This decision acknowledges the role cannabis nurses play in providing specialized care and education to patients exploring cannabis-based treatment options.
Providing Expert Guidance with Compassion
As a nurse with over 20 years of experience, and now as a cannabis nurse, this news is heartening. In my practice, I've encountered many patients with questions about medical cannabis. My goal is to create a welcoming space for open conversations, so patients feel empowered to make informed decisions about their health.
However, due to old stigmas, some patients are hesitant to discuss cannabis use with healthcare providers. Cannabis nurses can help by educating patients on potential cannabis therapies and products in a compassionate way. I aim to guide patients through available options without judgment. Cannabis may not be suitable for everyone, but for some it can have immense potential benefits.
The Emerging Field of Cannabis Nursing
Cannabis nursing involves helping patients who use cannabis for therapeutic purposes navigate care options, dosing considerations, side effects management, and more. As medical and recreational cannabis access spreads nationwide, the need for expert cannabis nursing guidance rises.
ANA's recognition of cannabis nursing as a specialty validates the importance of nurses with the knowledge and skills to address patients' cannabis-related information needs. The American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA) has been instrumental in defining the standards and scope of cannabis nursing practice.
Looking Ahead to the Future
ANA's support empowers cannabis nurses to better serve patients nationwide. As ACNA President Rachel Parmelee stated, this recognition can lead to "lasting, transformative change that enriches both specialized and general nursing practices, ultimately serving the well-being of patients."
I look forward to seeing cannabis nursing continue to evolve as we advocate for patients, promote research, and integrate cannabis into healthcare. This involves breaking down outdated biases so patients feel comfortable consulting cannabis nurses. It's an exciting time to be part of this growing field focused on compassionate, personalized patient care.