Cannabis nursing is now officially recognized by the American Nurses Association as a specialty nursing practice, the group announced Sept. 27.
"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 healthcare settings," ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, RN, stated in the news release.
As the lone reviewer of nurse specialty practices, the ANA's recognition of this new scope will allow the American Cannabis Nurses Association to continue leading work and research in this area.
The ANA noted that as an organization it "supports the urgency of clinical research to inform patients and providers on the efficacy of marijuana and related cannabinoids."
"Cannabis nursing requires specialized knowledge and competencies to navigate care and address the stigma associated with medical cannabis use to support a healthy society," ACNA President Rachel Parmelee, MSN, RN, stated in the release. "We seek to create lasting, transformative change that enriches both specialized and general nursing practices, ultimately serving the well-being of patients nationwide."