Cannabis Nursing Conference on Maui, Aug. 3

The “For Nurses, By Nurses” Medical Cannabis Conference will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3 at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College in Kahului.

Organizers say the conference was put together in response to demand from nurses to better understand the science behind cannabis therapies.

The full-day conference will open at 8:30 a.m. with a blessing and will conclude at 5 p.m. with networking.  The conference is accredited by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and participating nurses will receive six Continuing Education Credits.

The cost of early registration is $135; the fee increases to $150 after July 1, 2019.  Registration includes a buffet lunch, class materials, and a copy of Cannabis Pharmacy by Michael Backes.  To register, visit https://www.fornursesbynurses.com. Space is limited and registration is first come, first-served. Nurses will receive first preference, but community members may be admitted later pending availability.

“As a nurse on Maui, I’ve heard from several other nurses about their need for professional guidance about medical cannabis as part of their patients’ integrative care program,” said conference director Shirley Ramey, LPN. “We are so fortunate that the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Cannabis Nurses Association helped us to organize this important conference on Maui.”

Conference speakers include Eloise Theisen, RN, a board-certified Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience including 14 years in oncology at John Muir Health.  She started her own cannabis nursing practice in 2014. She brings clinical expertise to cannabis dosing for a broad range of conditions and symptoms, especially those commonly experienced by seniors—pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Theisen is the President-Elect of the American Cannabis Nurses Association who will serve as President through 2022. She will travel to Maui from Walnut Creek, CA to speak about cannabis nursing for the geriatric patient.

 Hawai’i-based conference faculty include:

Jaclyn Moore, Pharm D, a community pharmacist licensed in Hawai‘i, who is expert in interactions between cannabinoids and medications, compliance systems and procedures, and patient safety.  Her presentation will cover the pharmacologic benefits of cannabis.

Kristin Wohlschlagel, RN, an experienced nurse specializing in Oncology and Hospice/Palliative care. She is well-versed in both conventional and integrative therapies and has advanced knowledge in the use of medicinal cannabis for both symptom management as well as integrative care protocols for serious chronic diseases. Based on Hawaiʻi Island, she practices in many regions of the USA and consults with doctors and nurses from around the world. She will present on dosing and potential drug interactions.

Me Fuimaono- Poe, FNP- BC, a Honolulu Family Nurse Practitioner, board-certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.Me (May) began her healthcare career in 2000 as a Certified Nursing Assistant  received her nursing degree, and in 2013 she earned her Masters in Science & Nursing from Hawaiʻi Pacific University. In 2016, she founded Malie Cannabis Clinic, is the first Nurse Practitioner-led cannabis clinic in Hawaiʻi devoted to providing safe, respectful, care for patients seeking to use cannabis medicinally. She will speak about advocacy and education for cannabis nursing.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Schusser, MD,  is an independent physician specializing in family medicine in Lahaina, Maui. She received her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School and has been in practice for more than 20 years. She regularly advises patients on the best cannabis products and methods of administration for their symptoms and conditions.  Her presentation will cover medical cannabis assessments for an integrative care program.

The “For Nurses, By Nurses” conference is sponsored by Maui Grown Therapies, Hawaiʻi’s first state-licensed medical cannabis dispensary, located in the Maui Lani Village Center in Kahului.

For more information, please contact conference director Shirley Ramey, LPN at (619) 417-0321 or email [email protected].