[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]“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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide covers steps to becoming a cannabis nurse, work settings, credentialing, and the cannabis nursing community.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Cannabis Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A cannabis nurse’s scope of practice is defined by the[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cannabisnurses.org/assets/docs/2019_RN_APRN%20Cannabis%20Scope%20and%20Standards%20WEBSITE.pdf” target=”_blank”] American Cannabis Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link] (ACNA) categorized by 17 standards of care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Chronic pain[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Crohn’s disease[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Epilepsy and seizures[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Glaucoma[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]HIV/AIDS[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Multiple sclerosis and muscle spasms[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Severe nausea or vomiting resulting from cancer treatment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) identifies [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/The_NCSBN_National_Nursing_Guidelines_for_Medical_Marijuana_JNR_July_2018.pdf” target=”_blank”]six principles of essential knowledge[/hen-ui-link] for cannabis nurses:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A working knowledge of current legislation relating to cannabis[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A working knowledge of the jurisdiction’s Medical Marijuana Program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An understanding of the ECS, cannabinoid receptors, cannabinoids, and their interactions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An understanding of cannabis pharmacology and research[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Identifying the safety considerations for patient use of cannabis[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Approaching the patient without judgment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Several entities around the country offer [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/best-cannabis-nurse-programs/”]specialized training for cannabis nursing[/hen-ui-link], including associations like the ACNA and large public universities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as a Cannabis Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A cannabis nurse can work in direct patient care, research, or offer clinical expertise in collaboration with product manufacturing companies.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are a variety of healthcare settings for cannabis nurses, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Dispensaries[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Helping patients with unwanted or unintended consequences of cannabis products, including side effects or concerns about habit formation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Helping patients find the right cannabis strain[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Providing education on how to take the medication and dosing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Consulting Practices[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educating patients on cannabis products[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Promoting safe cannabis use[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advising on the therapeutic effects of cannabis[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Collaborating with product manufacturers in product development[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Hospitals or Clinics[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Informing patients on cannabis and its medical use[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Providing support[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advocating for patients taking medical cannabis[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Recruiting patients for clinical trials and measuring outcomes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Cannabis Nurse Credentials[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although the American Nurses Association (ANA) announced cannabis nursing as a specialty, there is not an official cannabis nurse specialty or national certification yet.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To date, the process for cannabis nurse certification includes licensure and a certificate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/” target=”_blank”]National Council of State Boards of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] issues an exam to evaluate nursing competency for state licensure. Cannabis nurses then earn a certificate from a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/best-cannabis-nurse-programs/”]cannabis nurse training program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]“Courses that offer continuing education credit, like the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cannabisnursesnetwork.com/” target=”_blank”]Cannabis Nurses Network[/hen-ui-link], are excellent ways to receive a ‘certificate’ in cannabis nursing,” says Kandiyoti.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Licensure[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All would-be nurses must pass the NCLEX to practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses need only to pass the NCLEX once[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other than passing the NCLEX, there is no other licensure requirement to become a cannabis nurse.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certificate[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses can get a certificate that shows completion of cannabis education courses.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a certificate demonstrates professionalism, continued education, and industry standards.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The ACNA is working towards certification for cannabis nursing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Cannabis Nursing Community[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Two cannabis nursing communities are particularly well-known as hubs of the cannabis nursing community.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]“The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cannabisnursesnetwork.com/” target=”_blank”]Cannabis Nurses Network [/hen-ui-link]and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cannabisnurses.org/” target=”_blank”]ACNA[/hen-ui-link] are great ways to connect with local and national cannabis nurses,” says Kandiyoti.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a member of a[hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/professional-nursing-associations/”] professional nursing association[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of April 2023,[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsl.org/health/state-medical-cannabis-laws#:~:text=As%20of%20Apr.,medical%20use%20of%20cannabis%20products.” target=”_blank”] 38 states, three U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C.[/hen-ui-link], 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[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9804768/” target=”_blank”] 5.4 million Americans[/hen-ui-link] enrolled in medical cannabis programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As long as you follow the scope of practice and state guidelines for cannabis nursing, you should feel comfortable providing safe and[hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/holistic-nursing/”] holistic nursing[/hen-ui-link] care to patients using medical cannabis.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions for Cannabis Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is cannabis nursing?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cannabis nursing is a nursing practice dedicated to caring for and educating patients on the therapeutic use of cannabis. A cannabis nurse incorporates nursing skills and cannabinoid science into patient care.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a cannabis nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The length of time depends on your nursing education pathway, professional experience, and knowledge competencies. Enrolling in an online course, like Advanced Cannabis Science and Therapeutics, provided by Radicle Health, can help streamline the process. Program and certificate requirements vary by state and educational institution.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Where do cannabis nurses work?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cannabis nurses can function as consultants or work directly in dispensaries, clinics, or hospitals. Other options include working for a product manufacturing company or in a research setting.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is cannabis a formally recognized specialty practice area?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The ANA announced they formally recognize cannabis nursing as a specialty nursing practice. However, to date, there is not an official cannabis nurse specialty or national certification yet. The ACNA is working to change that in the future.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Meet Our Contributor[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Eve Kandiyoti, RN, MSN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300/v1635864534/experts/Eve_Kandiyoti.png” img-alt=”Eve Kandiyoti, RN, MSN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Eve Kandiyoti is a registered nurse with over 16 years of experience and is the founder of [hen-ui-link href=”https://web.archive.org/web/20231226204338/http://www.mcwellnessgroup.com/” target=”_blank”]MC Wellness Group[/hen-ui-link]. She is a doctoral candidate and holds a master of nursing education. Kandiyoti began her cannabis nursing journey in 2014. She has completed several medical cannabis certificates, including the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy’s Medical Cannabis Education for Health Care Providers program. Her philosophy in her nursing practice is to empower others to be their best health advocates.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-section-header title=”Related Pages” /][hen-ui-article-row variant=”3-col” ids=”56738,56398,67266″][/hen-ui-article-row]