The Kush Nurse

On The Kush Nurse Season 2, we had a chance to speak to cannabis nurses working in the industry. Covid-19 and the pandemic made it clear; cannabis is essential medicine. We have even prioritized cannabis workers to access vaccinations before teachers.  From talking to kids about cannabis to navigating your own child as a cannabis patient this season helps us see how cannabis has become an integral part of healthcare. No matter the need or condition, cannabis remains a privileged medicine accessible by few and highly ignored by many healthcare providers.  Patients still struggle with employment protections as medical cannabis patients. Many may lose employment for choosing cannabis as medicine. We need significant education in our government and healthcare systems to continue to see forward momentum.  We learned of the challenges many healthcare providers, nurses especially, face when choosing a career in cannabis. From advocacy to transforming patient's health; nurses are changing and paving the way for cannabis care. The challenges and federal laws continue to create barriers for cannabis to be accessible, affordable and even an option discussed by providers but we've seen great strides with the state by state legalization. Will federal legislation be in our near future? We'll be back next season and hopeful for policy changes to benefit all.  Next season we'll talk with cannabis patients and hear their stories of how cannabis has helped changed their health and the challenges of choosing plant medicine.  Visit www.thekushnurse.com for more education and to learn how cannabis can help your health and wellness. 

Listen in as we talk to Monique Vargas: She shares about her journey to cannabis how it's helped her to find balance and relief from the challenges of depression and chronic pain. How cannabis helps her manage motherhood and normalizing cannabis use at home   Monique is a mom, hiker and passionate about sharing her love for nature and life with others. She is best known for her love of hiking @adventures.with.august and her support of mothers and children who want to explore the outdoors together. This episode we chat mom to mom and you don't want to miss her insights on how her cannabis journey has impacted her life positively. Like many new cannabis consumers she didn't just come to cannabis as medicine. Her evolution in what she felt about cannabis before, during and now are just what many mothers feel when exploring this option for health and wellness. Social Media IG:  @thehappyhighker @adventures.with.august   Join The Conversation The Kush Nurse Facebook Page  The Kush Nurse Instagram Page Listen to the show on all platforms Apple Podcasts Google Play Spotify

Listen in as we talk to Nurse Vanessa Peck:  She shares her experience as an ER nurse and her first experience witnessing a cannabis transformation in a patient. The challenges of cannabis in a pediatric population Conditions and considerations for cannabis in children. After seeing the transformative power cannabis had on one of Vanessa's pediatric patients in the ER, she turned her astonishment into a relentless passion for unlocking the power of this therapy for others.  With 12 years of professional nursing practice in emergency care, trauma, and pediatrics, Vanessa saw conventional medicine work at its best and where it failed many patients.  As a Certified Cannabis Nurse and the CEO of Elevated Healing, Vanessa now dedicates her work to guiding families and their children through the world of cannabis, transforming, restoring, and finding a quality of life they didn't know was possible.   Website: www.elevated-healing.com   Social Media FB:  Elevated-Healing IG:  @elevated___healing (that is 3 underscores; had to get creative) YouTube channel:  "Kannakids"   Connect with Vanessa Peck www.elevated-healing.com   Social Media FB:  Elevated-Healing IG:  @elevated___healing (that is 3 underscores) YouTube channel:  "Kannakids"   Join The Conversation The Kush Nurse Facebook Page  The Kush Nurse Instagram Page Listen to the show on all platforms Apple Podcasts Google Play Spotify

Listen in as we talk to Nurse and Author Ashley Winn-Grimes:  She shares the story of Asa's Medicine a children's book aimed at breaking the stigma of cannabis The impact and challenges of being a nurse in the cannabis industry Why it's a vital time for nurses to claim their stake in the cannabis nursing specialty Ashley Wynn-Grimes, MS, RN-BC LSSBB, is a Registered Nurse of over 12 years and newly published author of Asa's Medicine. She has worked in various healthcare settings including telemetry nursing, quality improvement and professional development. Ashley is a change agent in the nursing industry through her non-traditional approach to her healthcare career most notably through the creation of Cannabis Nursing Solutions (CNS).   CNS provides patients and nursing professionals with the information they need to understand how cannabis interacts with the human body so as to provide optimum medical benefit. Ashley has taken her expertise in healthcare, professional development and process improvement to develop a standardized approach for nursing professionals. Ashley holds a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and a Masters in Nursing Education. She has a certification in Professional Development and is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Ashley is also on the advisory board member for the Cannabis Nurses of Color (CNOC).    Connect WIth Ashley Winn-Grimes www.cannabisnursingsolutionsllc.com   Join The Conversation The Kush Nurse Facebook Page  The Kush Nurse Instagram Page Listen to the show on all platforms Apple Podcasts Google Play Spotify

Listen in as we talk to Cannabis Nurse Heather about:  The Role of the Cannabis Nurse How to care for the Endocannabinoid System (ECS): the largest receptor signaling system in the body. The impact of the cannabis nurses in the healthcare system Free education for nurses interested in the cannabis nursing  Heather Manus, RN is a native New Mexican and Registered Nurse specializing in all aspects of  medical cannabis care. “Nurse Heather” began her career as a Registered Nurse providing psychiatric home health care to patients in New Mexico. She has extensive background and experience in natural healing modalities and herbal remedies, some of which she obtained from her close association with Hispanic and Native American healers in New Mexico.   Her vast knowledge and holistic approach to individualized patient care have been the cornerstone of her success as a nurse, educator, entrepreneur, and promoter of health.   Connect WIth Cannabis Nurse Heather www.instagram.com/cannabisnurseheather www.cannabisnursesnetwork.com Join The Conversation The Kush Nurse Facebook Page  The Kush Nurse Instagram Page Listen to the show on all platforms Apple Podcasts Google Play Spotify  

On today's episode Jessie speaks about:   How to talk to your kids about your cannabis use The issues with cannabis being compared with opiates and heroin Cannabis safety and children Parents who consume and considerations   Jessie Gill, RN is a cannabis nurse with a background in holistic health and hospice. After suffering a spinal injury, she reluctantly became a medical marijuana patient then quickly transitioned into an advocate. She's the founder of MarijuanaMommy.com, a resource that educates about cannabis while challenging the stigma against marijuana use. She's been featured on Viceland and her work has appeared on VICE, GoodHousekeeping, Cosmopolitan, MSN, and more. Connect WIth Jessie Gill www.instagram.com/jessiegill.marijuanamommy www.marijuanamommy.com   Join The Conversation The Kush Nurse Facebook Page  The Kush Nurse Instagram Page Listen to the show on all platforms Apple Podcasts Google Play Spotify

Ivory Rosenthal Davis is the co-founder of Cannabis Nurses of color she joins this episode to speak about her journey into the cannabis industry. She talks on how she hopes to challenge corporate America's policies and practices when it comes to how they handle cannabis patients, employees and education as whole. Follow Ivory for all things policy and politics of cannabis.  On today's episode Ivory speaks about: The need for the community and every day person to have more cannabis education Cannabis Nurses of Color: Advocacy, Training and Education for black and brown nurses in the cannabis industry. Understanding the politics and policies of cannabis and nurses  The M.O.R.E. Act - Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2019 The Marijuana Justice Act    Ivory is the Co-Founder of Cannabis Nurses of Color (CNOC).  She is also the CEO & Owner of Rosenthal Consulting Solutions, LLC (RCS); a minority, nurse-owned case management consulting firm specializing in Workers Compensation,  case management, cannabis medication insurance appeals, and medical record reviews.     Connect WIth Ivory Rosenthal Davis www.instagram.com/Lacannanursenavigator www.youtube.com/nurseivory www.twitter.com/nurseivory www.facebook.com/cannanursesCNOC   Join The Conversation The Kush Nurse Facebook Page  The Kush Nurse Instagram Page Listen to the show on all platforms Apple Podcasts Google Play Spotify

Creative Entrepreneur and mom, Voneva Denham, talks chronic pain, the effects of overconsuming edibles, teens and cannabis.   As an active mom and creative entrepreneur, Voneva Denham couldn't let the pain she was experiencing keep her from living a full and present life. She shares her cannabis journey and how ultimately her views on cannabis use have changed. A mom to a toddler and a young adult, Voneva shares the trial and errors of her cannabis journey and how cannabis has been a tool in her health and wellness regime. Her candid chat about some common issues people face when having high doses of edibles is so relatable. Overindulging on edibles is the number one “negative” effect that people report to The Kush Nurse as a fear associated with cannabis use, paranoia being the second.    Voneva shares about her teenage daughter using cannabis, her reactions and her policy about cannabis use in her home. As a cannabis patient now, she has had to navigate those past experiences with her family and like so many other parents who use cannabis as medicine she has had to find her own policy of adopting normalization of cannabis use in her home.    As a patient who prefers not to smoke or vape, Voneva shares some of the unpleasant side effects of consuming cannabis without knowledge of dosage as she shares a lighthearted recollection of her first cannabis experiences. Listen in and as always if I can help guide you on your cannabis journey visit the booking page to schedule a nurse consultation.    Insert audio Connect WIth Voneva Denham www.instagram.com/iamvoneva www.instagram.com/sugarboxdetox   Join The Conversation The Kush Nurse Facebook Page  The Kush Nurse Instagram Page Listen to the show on all platforms Apple Podcasts Google Play Spotify

The biggest concern patients have when they are exploring cannabis is not wanting to smoke it. While smoking cannabis is the mainstream method that is depicted in most social media, movies, videos or magazines there ways to consume cannabis. Most would be surprised to know that smoking while it allows for quick onset of relief is not the most effective or efficient way to consume cannabis.  Listen in as we discuss the different methods.  We discuss the risks of smoking and inhaling carcinogens. Alternatives to smoking including dry or oil vaping as a better alternative. Why do routes matter? Each route has it's own duration. Did you know edibles, tinctures, and patches all have a longer duration than smoking? I talk about the benefits of using sublingual tinctures, edibles, topical preparations, and cannabis transdermal skin patches. Join The Conversation The Kush Nurse Facebook Page  The Kush Nurse Instagram Page Listen to the show on all platforms Apple Podcasts Google Play Spotify

In this episode, we continue looking at the complicated history of cannabis.  We pick up in the 1980s and the Reagan era with the war on drugs. We learn of the discovery of the endocannabinoid system almost 30 years later by Israeli scientist, Dr. Rafael Mechoulam, and how these findings help push our cause forward.  Lastly but most importantly both episodes share the impact that cannabis criminalization has had on already marginalized communities and the incarceration rates of African Americans, Hispanics, and other POC communities. We look at the divisive and racist propaganda, incarcerations and financial impact that cannabis and the legal systems have used to keep these communities in the margins. Cannabis at the time of this recording a Schedule 1 drug at the federal level and not considered for medical use. This level of restriction has made it difficult to continue the research necessary to create greater gains in cannabis medicine. However, we continue to champion on and the government begins to take note of the ever-changing green rush. In this episode, we talk about cannabis as medicine and take a look at the history of cannabis from the 1980's to the current day.  Cannabis as medicine Dr. Mechoulam discovery of the Endocannabinoid System Reagan Era - War on Drugs Medical Marijuana Law Farm Bill or Agricultural Act of 2014 Connect WIth Sandra Guynes www.facebook.com/thekushnurse www.instagram.com/thekushnurse Join The Conversation The Kush Nurse Facebook Page The Kush Nurse Listen to the show on all platforms Apple Podcasts Google Play Spotify

In this episode, we begin to discuss the complicated history of cannabis.  I will share the findings of cannabis from 10,000 years ago through the era of cannabis as medicine and then to the criminalization and demonization of the drug. We begin by looking at the ancient history of cannabis, the era of cannabis as medicine (1800s-1930s) when the U.S. Pharmacopeia had over 2000 cannabis preparations they could prescribe or patients could access. We look at hemp as an important player in our economy and how financial controls play a role in ultimately the criminalization of cannabis. Lastly but most importantly both episodes share the impact that cannabis criminalization has had on already marginalized communities and the incarceration rates of African Americans, Hispanics, and other POC communities. We look at the divisive and racist propaganda, incarcerations and financial impact that cannabis and the legal systems have used to keep these communities in the margins. Cannabis at the time of this recording a Schedule 1 drug at the federal level and not considered for medical use. This level of restriction has made it difficult to continue the research necessary to create greater gains in cannabis medicine. However, we continue to champion on and the government begins to take note of the ever-changing green rush. In this episode, we talk about the first ancient findings of cannabis as medicine and take a look at the history of cannabis from 10,200 years ago up to 1980. (Episode 4 will take a look at the years 1980-2019) Cannabis as medicine Reefer Madness Campaign Marijuana Tax Act Criminalization of cannabis for non-violent offenses Historical data, research and findings showing cannabis as safe all ignored Connect WIth Sandra Guynes www.facebook.com www.instagram.com/thekushnurse Join The Conversation The Kush Nurse Facebook Page The Kush Nurse Listen to the show on all platforms Apple Podcasts Google Play Spotify  

On this episode we will be discussing a personal cannabis story. As the resident nurse here at the Kush Nurse, Sandra Guynes shares her personal journey of anxiety, depression, pain and ultimately her journey to cannabis medicine. A mother, retired navy wife and entrepreneur, Sandra Guynes MSN, RN has been a nurse for 15 years. A long time advocate, educator and provider of holistic health to mothers and babies. Her range of practical-clinical experience ranges from public health nursing, maternity and neonatal populations and as case manager of the chronically ill and high risk mothers and infants.    Sandra has taught across all levels of nursing in the traditional, online, and hybrid classroom settings at Hampton University, Fortis College and Carolinas College of Health Sciences. Sandra is an active member of the American Cannabis Nurses Association. Through the Kush Nurse and Soul Canna Life brands; Sandra provides classes on the Endocannabinoid System, Patient Navigation and advocates for patients in her community through 1:1 consultations or lifestyle centered workshops. Her focus is family-centered care and helping parents navigate medical cannabis; specifically women in the postpartum period and beyond.  In this episode, we talk about postpartum depression and cannabis.   Connect With Sandra Guynes www.facebook.com www.instagram.com/thekushnurse Join The Conversation The Kush Nurse Facebook Page Listen to the show on all platforms Apple Podcasts Google Play Spotify

22 veterans commit suicide daily. The number is overwhelming and the resources lacking for many military servicemen and women after they leave active duty service. I sat down with Odell Guynes, retired Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy, who after 22 years in the military discusses his struggles as he transitioned from military to civilian life. His role in the military was unique working with several branches in his role as Hospital Corpsman. He was responsible for helping injured and ill sailors and marines. Many returning from war physically intact and mentally wounded.  Like many veterans, Odell was also experiencing PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Odell shares how cannabis helped to treat the symptoms of his anxiety and the role cannabis has played in his everyday life. We take a look at how the stigma of marijuana use plays a part in the opioid crisis, overdoses and ultimately suicide for many former militaries. In this episode, we talk about the transition from military to civilian life and the challenges veterans face. Symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression Veteran suicides Starting a cannabis journey The stigma of cannabis   Connect WIth Odell Guynes www.facebook.com/ogheadshots www.instagram.com/ogheadshots Join The Conversation The Kush Nurse Facebook Page Listen to the show on all platforms Apple Podcasts Google Play Spotify  

Welcome To The Kush Nurse Have questions about Cannabis? Hosted by Cannabis Nurse, Sandra Guynes RN, MSN, "The Kush Nurse" helps educate, advocate and breakdown the science of marijuana for everyday people. Get high on the facts!