Cannabis nursing: American Nurses Association gives its support

The nursing profession offers a number of specialties, including cardiac care, pediatrics, oncology, and many more.

Now, cannabis nursing can be added to the list.

Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, said cannabis nurses make a special contribution to healthcare. (Photo: American Nurses Association)

The American Nurses Association said last week it is formally recognizing cannabis nursing as a nursing specialty.

Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, said cannabis nursing deserves to be viewed as a specialty.

“This recognition highlights the essential role and special contribution of cannabis nurses to the health care system and promotes enhanced integration of cannabis therapies for health care consumers across diverse health care settings,” Mensik Kennedy said in a statement.

The American Nurses Association says there’s a pressing need for more research on the efficacy of marijuana.

The American Cannabis Nurses Association, a group focused on expanding the knowledge of the therapeutic uses of cannabis, hailed the announcement.

Rachel Parmelee, the group’s president, said she is “deeply gratified by the groundbreaking announcement.”

“Nurses are the largest group of health professionals, providing an opportunity to change the health care paradigm and include diverse wellness modalities beyond traditional Western medicine,” Parmelee said in a statement. “Cannabis nursing requires specialized knowledge and competencies to navigate care and address the stigma associated with medical cannabis use to support a healthy society.”