CannyNurse® Certificate Program

• Now understood to be the master regulatory system charged with maintaining homeostasis (aka balance) in the human body, the Endocannabinoid (pronounced: en-do-can-NAB-in-oid) System (ECS) is not only present in humans, but in nearly all animal species except insects and protozoa.
• In this module, nurses will learn the 5 main functions of the ECS as well as the component parts of this master system.
• Nurses are encouraged to start thinking of themselves as endocannabinologists, rather than “just” nurses who understand the cannabis plant and its interactions with the human body.

• Cannabidiol, or CBD, has quickly become viewed by some as a “miracle drug.” Learn to separate the “hype” from the evidence with regard to CBD as well as its intoxicating counterpart, THC (delta-9-tetrohydrocannabinol).
• Differing from pharmaceutical medicine, herbal medicine relies of the synergistic (entourage) effects of the many compounds present in plants for their combined healing potential.
• In this module, nurses will learn about the many compounds found in the cannabis plant that contribute to its healing properties. Learn when isolates are useful (i.e. CBD or THC alone) as well as the benefits of using the whole plant.
• Additionally, nurses will learn about terpenes — the scent / flavor molecules that make certain varieties of cannabis more or less desirable for a variety of health conditions and temperaments.

• Cannabis prohibition in the 1900s led to a dearth of research for most of the 20th century, but cannabis research has exploded internationally since the discovery of the ECS in the 1980s.
• In this module, nurses will learn where to find the most up-to-date research, which countries are widely considered to produce the best cannabis research (and why), and the state of cannabis research today.
• Issues regarding cannabis research quality will be discussed, as well as what to look for when reading research articles. This module prepares nurses to be discerning clinicians and differentiate between marketing “hype” and evidence-based practice.

• Cannabis preparations can be consumed in a variety of ways such as: inhalation, ingestion, topical, and suppositories.
• In this module, nurses will explore the pros and cons of each route of administration and the most appropriate routes for different conditions. Additionally, nurses will learn about cannabis’ notorious biphasic effects — for example, why some preparations/ doses can cause anxiety while other preparations/ doses help reduce it.
• Evidence-based dosing strategies will be presented along with best practices for tracking ones cannabis use and its effects. Nurses will also understand how to mitigate the euphoric effects of THC for patients who want relief without “the high.”

• Like all herbs and medications, cannabis is not for everyone.
• In this module, nurses will learn what contraindications exist for cannabis and how to approach its use in vulnerable populations, such as: children, the elderly, pregnancy/ breastfeeding, and people with mental health challenges.
• Nurses will also learn about the legal, social, and racial implications of cannabis prohibition, decriminalization, and legalization. Despite most cannabis-related arrests being for simple possession, there are dire consequences for those who’ve been charged with these nonviolent offenses.
• According to research published by the ACLU, Black Americans are almost 4 times as likely to be arrested than white Americans, despite similar rates of cannabis usage. Additionally, these offenses carry steep penalties and can even be used to deny one’s right to vote. Understanding of this complex social and legal issue is critical for nurses to provide culturally competent care.

• Despite the many marketing claims that cannabis is safe and effective for everyone, there are many conditions for which we do not yet have enough evidence to know whether or not cannabis is useful.
• In this module, nurses will learn which medical conditions have sufficient evidence to recommend cannabis, which conditions have moderate evidence, and where there is insufficient evidence of cannabis’ efficacy.
• Nurses will understand where/ how to find the most recent evidence for specific conditions as well, so they are prepared and informed as and when new research is published.

• Wax, shatter, dabs, vapes, tinctures—today’s cannabis market is complex and can be incredibly disorienting for new patients—even for those who have “smoked pot” since the 1960s and 70s.
• In this module, nurses will learn about the types of products that are available, how they are used, and if/ when they’re appropriate.
• While product availability varies dramatically between jurisdictions, there are also widespread variations on how these products are tested and deemed “safe” for consumption.
• Nurses will explore how products are tested in their own jurisdiction, learn of the bioremediation properties of hemp, and why illicit or “street cannabis” can be a safety hazard for vulnerable patients.

• Cannabis and cannabis derivatives (such as CBD) have an excellent safety profile, but that does not mean they come without unintended effects or medication interactions.
• In this module, nurses will learn about normal effects of cannabis as well as possible unintended or adverse effects.
• Additionally, nurses will understand the DSM criteria for the mental health diagnosis of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) as well as the disqualifiers that relate to patients with valid medical use.
• Clinicians who view cannabis as a “bad and addictive drug” may not understand its therapeutic nature and wrongly give a diagnosis of CUD (which can impact a patient’s life and livelihood in multiple ways). Alternatively, patients who use cannabis can suffer negative effects (such as withdrawal symptoms) even when using it in an evidence-based way. Learn how to identify cannabis-related problems and advocate for your patients as needed.

• The ECS is all about maintaining balance, and as such requires more than just one plant to keep it functioning optimally.
• This module will look at the evidence for holistic modalities that support and balance the ECS.
• Nurses will discover practical ways to help patients find and maintain balance in their bodies and lives beyond the cannabis plant. Just as a pharmaceutical will not resolve all of a patients’ complaints, cannabis is not a cure-all, and should not be treated as such.

• Lifestyle medicine refers to evidence-based therapeutic behaviors that support a healthy body and mind. As the system in charge of all other body systems, the ECS is strongly impacted by ones daily choices.
• In this module, nurses will learn specific health promoting (and often free) interventions that can help patients balance their ECS at home and in their day-to-day lives.

• This final module helps nurses look at the entire picture of a client’s health and put together a plan of action based in nursing theory and practice.
• In this module, nurses will bring together all they have learned about cannabis and the ECS with the business of coaching and working with clients.
• Upon completion of this module (including the final open-book exam), nurses will be ready to educate, advocate for, and work with cannabis patients in their chosen setting with confidence.

This course is open to nurses with a valid license (LPN/ LVN, RN, APRN) from your state/ country of practice. It is important knowledge for all nurses since the endocannabinoid system is the master regulator of all other body systems. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) established the scope and standards of practice in 2018, which states, “Nurses need practical information to care for the increasing number of patients who utilize cannabis via an MMP as well as the larger population who self-administer cannabis as a treatment for various symptomatology or for recreational purposes.” In their 2018 National Nursing Guidelines for Medical Marijuana, the NCSBN listed the following Six Principles of Essential Knowledge for All Nurses:

1. The nurse shall have a working knowledge of the current state of legalization of medical and recreational cannabis use. 
2. The nurse shall have a working knowledge of the jurisdiction’s MMP. 
3. The nurse shall have an understanding of the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid receptors, cannabinoids, and the interactions between them. 
4. The nurse shall have an understanding of cannabis pharmacology and the research associated with the medical use of cannabis. 
5. The nurse shall be able to identify the safety considerations for patient use of cannabis. 
6. The nurse shall approach the patient without judgment regarding the patient’s choice of treatment or preferences in managing pain and other distressing symptoms.

This program will give you a working understanding of the endocannabinoid system — the master regulating system of all the other systems in the body.¹ It is built upon the scope and standards of practice for all nurses, set out by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing² in 2018. Cannabis nurses are needed in all specialities since patients of all types are currently using cannabis (medicinally or otherwise). It has been estimated that 52% of American adults have tried cannabis at least once in their lives and 8,300 new people try cannabis daily. Those number is growing as more states move toward decriminalization/ legalization.  The main goal of this course is to prepare you for clinical practice (in any setting) with medical cannabis patients. You will gain a working understanding of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), evidence-based practice with medical cannabis (including terpenes, cannabinoids including CBD/ THC and more, the evidence for specific conditions, current cannabis research, adverse reactions and contraindications, etc.), social issues relating to cannabis, and holistic and lifestyle medicine interventions to balance the ECS with or without cannabis.

Upon successful completion, you may choose to call yourself a cannabis nurse and work in the practice setting of your choice. For some, this will be as a nurse coach/ consultant/ entrepreneur, for others this may be part of their bedside nursing or other clinical practice. Others may go forward in the fields of advocacy, education, or legislation. Cannabis nursing is not an either/or with regards to other specialty areas; all nurses should have a working knowledge of the ECS and cannabis.

For nurses with a coaching, consulting, or other entrepreneurial practice, upon successful completion of the program, you may choose to join the CannyNurse® Tribe for an annual licensing fee.

1. VanDolah, H. J., Bauer, B. A., & Mauck, K. F. (2019). Clinicians’ Guide to Cannabidiol and Hemp Oils. Mayo Clinic proceedings, 94(9), 1840–1851.
2. The NCSBN National Nursing Guidelines for Medical Marijuana. (2018). Journal of Nursing Regulation, 9(2), S1–S60.

• A valid nursing license (LPN/ LVN, RN, APRN) or graduation from an accredited nursing program. 

• Classes will be conducted via pre-recorded training modules, reading assignments, reflective journaling, case studies, quizzes, and a final exam (timed, open book). This allows you the greatest flexibility in learning the materials on your own schedule. Your instructor will be available via email and office hours (video conferencing) to answer questions and otherwise assist you in mastering the evidence-based materials presented.

• Not yet. The American Cannabis Nurses Association is working towards this. Once a cannabis nursing specialty certification is established, we will ensure our program fits the criteria to take the specialty certification exam.

• This program is 72 CEUs divided over the course of 12 weeks (plus one week to complete the final exam). This course was designed with working nurses in mind, so you should expect to spend 5-6 hours per week on your coursework. Due dates for assignments will be clearly explained in each module, but you will not be required to attend any class at a specific time.
• Beyond assignment due dates, your timed open book final exam will be open over a specific period of time, during which you may retake the test if you do not pass it the first time.

• Yes, both!
• Scholarships: As a recognition of the cultural implications and social justice issues surrounding medical cannabis, we are offering 3 partial scholarships to BIPOC Nurses each cohort. Please click here to learn more and apply.
• Payment Plans: Split tuition in 4 payments.  Learn more by selecting this option when registering.

Yes, this program awards 72 contact hours and is approved by the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy, an accredited approver of continuing education hours by the American Nurses Credentialing Corporation.

*The Integrative Nurse Coach Academy is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission of Accreditation. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 17700 for 72 contact hours.

• Yes. There is one required textbook which can be purchased as an ebook or paperback for $50-60.
• Additionally, if, at the end of the program, you choose to become a registered CannyNurse^®, there will be an annual fee to license the CannyNurse^® brand and use the done-for-you educational, marketing, and client materials. This is optional; more information on this will be shared during the course. If you choose not be become a registered practitioner, you will receive the same education, but you will not be able to call yourself a CannyNurse^®, use the CannyNurse^® brand, be listed in the CannyNurse^® practitioner directory, or use our proprietary forms and materials.