Here’s What You Need To Know To Become A Cannabis Nurse | NurseJournal.org (2024)

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Have you ever considered a career in cannabis nursing? The therapeutic cannabis industry is rapidly evolving, and patients need proper treatment and guidance from trained professionals. A cannabis nurse has specialized knowledge of the endocannabinoid system and the skills to manage the care of healthcare consumers with medical cannabis.

“One of the major benefits of being a cannabis nurse is witnessing patients, safely and medically supervised, reducing their prescribed medications and improving their quality of life,” says Texas-based cannabis nurse Eve Kandiyoti, RN.

This guide covers steps to becoming a cannabis nurse, work settings, credentialing, and the cannabis nursing community.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

A cannabis nurse’s scope of practice is defined by the American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA) categorized by 17 standards of care.

Cannabis nursing requires a specialized knowledge of the beneficial components of the Cannabis sativa plant. A cannabis nurse has a comprehensive understanding of how to manage and educate patients on medical cannabis to treat various health conditions, including but not limited to:

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network in the body composed of three core components: endocannabinoids, enzymes, and cannabinoid receptors. This biological system helps regulate critical bodily functions such as pain, immune and inflammatory responses, temperature control, learning, and memory.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) identifies six principles of essential knowledge for cannabis nurses:

Several entities around the country offer specialized training for cannabis nursing, including associations like the ACNA and large public universities.

A cannabis nurse can work in direct patient care, research, or offer clinical expertise in collaboration with product manufacturing companies.

There are a variety of healthcare settings for cannabis nurses, including:

Dispensaries

• Helping patients with unwanted or unintended consequences of cannabis products, including side effects or concerns about habit formation
• Helping patients find the right cannabis strain
• Providing education on how to take the medication and dosing

Consulting Practices

• Educating patients on cannabis products
• Promoting safe cannabis use
• Advising on the therapeutic effects of cannabis
• Collaborating with product manufacturers in product development

Hospitals or Clinics

• Informing patients on cannabis and its medical use
• Providing support
• Advocating for patients taking medical cannabis
• Recruiting patients for clinical trials and measuring outcomes

Although the American Nurses Association (ANA) announced cannabis nursing as a specialty, there is not an official cannabis nurse specialty or national certification yet.

To date, the process for cannabis nurse certification includes licensure and a certificate.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing issues an exam to evaluate nursing competency for state licensure. Cannabis nurses then earn a certificate from a cannabis nurse training program.

“Courses that offer continuing education credit, like the Cannabis Nurses Network, are excellent ways to receive a ‘certificate’ in cannabis nursing,” says Kandiyoti.

Two cannabis nursing communities are particularly well-known as hubs of the cannabis nursing community.

“The Cannabis Nurses Network and ACNA are great ways to connect with local and national cannabis nurses,” says Kandiyoti.

The benefits of joining these associations include free CEUs and webinars, networking, and a monthly newsletter. Other benefits include discounts on conferences, educational programs, and the most up-to-date literature on ECS.

Becoming a member of a professional nursing association promotes community and offers networking opportunities. You can also stay up to date on the rapidly changing laws and evidence-based practices with medical cannabis.

As of April 2023, 38 states, three U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C., legalized medical cannabis. This surging industry offers various health benefits, including alleviating chronic pain, reducing anxiety, and improving multiple sclerosis symptoms. Cannabis nurses are in demand to educate and care for the estimated 5.4 million Americans enrolled in medical cannabis programs.

As long as you follow the scope of practice and state guidelines for cannabis nursing, you should feel comfortable providing safe and holistic nursing care to patients using medical cannabis.