Why it matters: The American Nurses Association (ANA) has officially recognized cannabis nursing as a specialty practice. This formal recognition highlights the role of cannabis nurses in the healthcare system and promotes the integration of cannabis therapies for patients across various healthcare settings.
What they are saying: ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy and ACNA President Rachel Parmelee both expressed their satisfaction with the recognition of cannabis nursing as a specialty. They emphasize the need for specialized knowledge and competencies in caring for patients using medical cannabis and seek to bring transformative change to nursing practices.
The big picture: The ANA has long supported safe access to therapeutic marijuana and cannabinoids and has issued an official policy statement affirming their use in alleviating disease symptoms and side effects. They advocate for a scientific review of marijuana’s status as a Schedule I drug and the development of standards for its medical use. The ANA’s recognition of cannabis nursing as a specialty reflects the increasing acceptance and understanding of the benefits of cannabis among patients and healthcare professionals.
What to watch: With the formal recognition of cannabis nursing, it will be important to monitor the impact on patient care and outcomes. As more professionals gain knowledge about cannabis, there may be an increase in the availability and quality of educational programs and resources in this field. Additionally, the recognition could lead to the development of standardized protocols and guidelines for the use of cannabis in healthcare settings.
My take: The recognition of cannabis nursing as a specialty practice by the ANA is a significant step towards integrating the use of medical cannabis into mainstream healthcare. It acknowledges the unique knowledge and skills required to provide safe and effective care to patients using cannabis therapies. As more research is conducted and the understanding of cannabis expands, the role of cannabis nurses will become even more crucial in delivering comprehensive patient care.
