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CannyNurse® Certificate Program

Two part comprehensive Cannabis Nursing Course

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Cannabis Nurse

Cannabis Nursing – CannyNurse® Certificate Program

Become a Cannabis Nurse

The CannyNurse® Certificate Program is a two-part cannabis nursing program built on the scope and standards of practice for nurses. It gives you a working knowledge of the endocannabinoid system and therapeutic cannabis, so you can care for the many patients already using it.

Start with CannyNurse® Foundations (Part 1) any time. When you complete it, CannyNurse® Professional (Part 2) opens for you. 

Register for Part 1 on its own, or for both parts together.

Price range: $399.00 through $2,199.00

Register Today
Payment Plans Available
100+ contact hours

across two parts

Online and self-paced
ANCC-accredited provider

of nursing continuing professional development

Everyone is talking about cannabis…

but few clinicians know enough to safely advise their patients. Whether you’re in a legal state or not, at least some of your patients are using cannabis. If they don’t feel comfortable talking to you, their healthcare is in the hands of budtenders.

Cannabis nursing is not about one plant…

it’s about the body’s “universal regulator.” the system charged with maintaining homeostasis in the body: the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). All animals (except insects and protozoa) have an ECS. The ANA has listed cannabis competencies, yet few nurses feel comfortable with it. As a CannyNurse® you will be on the cutting edge of clinical cannabis care.

Choose Your Path

Start with Part 1 on its own, or register for both parts together and save $199.

Part 1 only

CannyNurse® Foundations

$399

  • 25 contact hours
  • Self-paced, start any time
  • 12 months to finish
  • A foundation in the endocannabinoid system and therapeutic cannabis
Register for Part 1

Both parts · Save $199

Full CannyNurse® Certificate Program

$2,199

  • Foundations (Part 1) and Professional (Part 2)
  • 100+ contact hours in all
  • Start Part 1 now; Part 2 opens when you finish it
  • Payment plans and scholarships available
Register for Both Parts

Part 2 only

CannyNurse® Professional

$1,999

  • For students who have completed Part 1
  • 75+ contact hours
  • 12 modules and a final exam
  • Part 1 graduates receive a registration link by email

Finished Part 1 and need your link? Email support@inursecoach.com.

Part 1: CannyNurse® Foundations

Curious about medical cannabis? This course gives you a foundational understanding of the Endocannabinoid System (the body’s master regulatory system) and medical cannabis. If your patients are using cannabis, this course will give you the knowledge to understand how your patients’ cannabis use impacts their care.

Topics include: The Herbal Medicine Paradigm (how cannabis is used differently than pharmaceutical medications), The Endocannabinoid System (the ECS), Plant-based Medicine (How cannabis interacts with the ECS), Cannabis-based medicines (How patients take cannabis), Cannabis Safety and Contraindications, and A Look at the Evidence (Real-world evidence, Case Studies, and Scientific Studies)

This short, self-paced course is essential for any nurse whose patients use cannabis.

25 contact hours

$399

Register today and start right away.

Register Now

Part 2: CannyNurse® Professional

12 Modules + Final Exam
75+ Contact Hours*

CannyNurse® Professional is an evidence-based, esoteric, and experiential journey into the realm of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It builds on Foundations with a focus on self-reliance, so you finish confident finding the information you need as cannabis research keeps growing.

There are 12 modules, each of which should take 5-7 hours of study, followed by a 2-hour open-book final exam, for a program total of 75+ contact hours*.

Part 2 is open to students who have completed CannyNurse® Foundations (Part 1). 

Module 1 - Scope And Standards Of Practice

Cannabis nursing may seem like a new specialty, but the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) wrote national nursing guidelines for care of patients using medical cannabis in 2018.

In the first module, we will look at the competencies cannabis nurses are expected to have as well as opportunities for nurses at the bedside, in private practice, and in the greater cannabis industry.

Nurses will explore options for their own practice and begin to learn about the historic and current issues surrounding cannabis, cannabis prohibition, and its impact on social and racial justice.

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.

Approved for 75 contact hours (Part 2). CannyNurse® Foundations (Part 1) is approved for 25 contact hours.

Integrative Nurse Coach Academy is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 17700

Register Now

CannyNurse® Certificate Program Tuition and Registration

Start Part 1 any time.

CannyNurse® Foundations (Part 1) follows our on-demand learning model. Register at any time, receive course access within 24 hours, and complete the course at your own pace within 12 months of registration.

CannyNurse® Professional (Part 2) opens for you when you complete Part 1. You’ll have one year from your Part 2 start date to finish.

Register for Part 1 on its own ($399), or for both parts together ($2,199, a $199 savings over registering for each part separately).

Register Now

Scholarship Opportunity

In recognition of the additional challenges Black, Indigenous, and People of Color face in society, and particularly with regard to cannabis, we are offering four $500 scholarships per year for nurses of color, applied to CannyNurse® Professional (Part 2) tuition.

While we recognize this does not come close to fixing the overall problems of systemic racism and need for equity within all industries, we hope this will decrease the barriers for nurses of color who desire to enter the field of cannabis nursing.

  • Scholarships are open to nurses registering for both parts together, or for Part 2 after completing Part 1.
  • To apply, fill out the application, which includes a 300-word essay on why you want to join the program and receive this scholarship.
  • Apply before you register. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and recipients are notified by email at the end of each quarter (March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31).
  • Recipients receive a code for checkout that takes $500 off tuition. The code must be used within 5 days of notification.

Apply now

Partner Discounts

We are pleased to offer a $50 discount* to members of the following organizations:

*Only one discount may be applied for a maximum of $50.

To claim your discount, contact your membership organization for your coupon code.

Cannabis Nursing Faculty

Ariana Ayu

Ariana Ayu

RN, MSc

CannyNurse® Certificate Program Course Creator and Lead Faculty

Link

Author, activist, international speaker, multi-preneur, mentor, wife, and mom, Ariana Ayu is a Transformational Mystic and a Catalyst for Constructive Change. An ordained priestess, holistic healer, and lifelong student of ancient/ modern wisdom, Ariana’s nursing background includes pediatrics, labor & delivery, nurse education, and Holistic Health/ Integrative Nurse Coaching. She earned her MSc in Advancing Nursing Practice from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland (UK), and her Cannabis Nursing training from Pacific College of Health and Science.

She is passionate about racial justice, social equity, environmental preservation and conservation, and empowered health, wellness, and joy for all. Her practice is governed by the ethical principles of integrity, nonjudgment, empowerment, and respect for her clients’ autonomy.

Read more about Ariana

Cannabis Nurse (CannyNurse®) Certificate Program Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to prescribe medical cannabis as a nurse?

Medical Cannabis is not an FDA-approved drug, so it does not get prescribed. If you are an Advance Practice Nurse with current prescriptive authority, you may be able to recommend medical cannabis (or certify patients to use medical cannabis) depending on your practice jurisdiction.

Please verify this with your state board of nursing or other certifying body before registering for this course.

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 become a CannyNurse® registered practitioner for an annual licensing fee.

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).

  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.

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.

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.

Yes. CannyNurse® Professional (Part 2) has two required textbooks: The Cannabis Health Index (3rd ed.) by Uwe Blesching, and Cannabis: A Handbook for Nurses (Clark).

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.

Yes. CannyNurse® Foundations (Part 1) awards 25 contact hours, and CannyNurse® Professional (Part 2) awards 75, for 100 contact hours in total.

Integrative Nurse Coach Academy is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 17700

This course was designed with working nurses in mind, so you should expect to spend around 5-7 hours per module on your coursework. 

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 offer four $500 scholarships per year to nurses of color, applied to Part 2 tuition. Please click here to learn more and apply.
  • Payment Plans: Split tuition in 4 payments.  Learn more by scrolling to the payment plan section on this page below.

Classes will be conducted via pre-recorded lessons, 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. Questions go to our support team at support@inursecoach.com, who work with your instructor, Ariana Ayu, RN, MSc, to help you master the evidence-based material.

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

CannyNurse® Professional (Part 2) is open to students who have completed CannyNurse® Foundations (Part 1).

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