Nurse Owns Cannabis Consulting Firm For Chronic Pain Sufferers
Pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. Cited as the most common reason Americans access the health care system, it’s a leading cause of disability. Pain is also a major contributor to health care costs. With the “opioid epidemic,"many are searching for alternatives. One nurse has found a solution. After suffering from pain, secondary to a chronic illness, Lolita Korneagay MBA, BSN, RN decided to change her life and advocate for herself and others with her cannabis consulting company, Cansoom. Korneagay also offers licensed nurses the opportunity to learn more about this industry while becoming business owners.
PW: Tell us about Cansoom. How did you come up with this concept?
LK: One moment I was on my feet at work, and the next I was bedridden due to symptoms of a chronic illness. I tried everything to minimize the pain, including high dosage pain pills and surgery; however, nothing alleviated it. I wanted my life back! I decided to take matters into my own hands. I researched and discovered the one thing that completely erased my pain--medical marijuana.
As a registered nurse, Korneagay was hesitant to try a drug with such a negative stigma attached. However, after researching the benefits, she began to test different dosages to find what would work best for her. Immediately, her pain disappeared! This was her “ah ha” moment. Lolita understood that her nursing background gave her the tools, knowledge, resources, and expertise to comprehend her research. Contrarily, she realized the average person would have a difficult time processing this same information. She spent months familiarizing herself with the endocannabinoid system and then created Cansoom.
PW: What type of patients will Cansoom help?
LK: Cansoom was created to help anyone who is interested in learning about the safe consumption of cannabis. We offer guidance by licensed medical professionals--ensuring patients receive reliable information about cannabis. The nurses we train will have the necessary knowledge to assist patients in consuming cannabis effectively and safely. Our patients are those who suffer with chronic pain, chronic illnesses, pain secondary to diseases, or any other ailments which affect their quality of life.
Cansoom not only improves the lives of those it serves but offers nurses and other medical professionals the opportunity to expand their skill set and to even become a business owner. Nearly 1.9 million North Americans are legally using cannabis to manage medical conditions. The cannabis industry is growing rapidly and will lead to a $22.6+ billion market by 2021. Nurses need to be at the forefront of this. According to Korneagay, “this is the Cansoom Difference!”
PW: How do nurses factor into this business model?
LK: Cansoom was founded on the idea that medical professionals, such as nurses, would go through training to become Medical Cannabis Consultants. After completing an intensive training, they then would pass along their medical marijuana expertise to their communities. Nurses who successfully complete Cansoom’s training will have earned the title of Medical Cannabis Consultant; differentiating them as cannabis advocates and leaders within their local communities. The Cansoom platform houses an online directory of these professionals. This enables consumers to find and connect with the right consultant.
PW: Tell us about your course.
LK: This course is the most comprehensive, in-person Medical Cannabis Consultant training program for licensed medical professionals. Upon completion of the course, the nurse will possess the expertise to educate patients and provide medical cannabis consultations to develop care plans. The nurse will have knowledge of:
- the various cannabinoids
- the endocannabinoid system (ECS)
- therapeutic indications for cannabis use
- cannabis dosages and routes of administration
- cannabis care plans
- the healthcare professional’s role in patient care and education regarding the safe use of cannabis
- state and federal laws regarding cannabis as medicine
PW: What is your mission/goal/hope for Cansoom?
LK: Learning about cannabis can be life-changing for so many people, whether they need to use it for medical reasons or if they want to use it recreationally. Cannabis has a multitude of health benefits when used properly, but many people have been programmed to believe that it’s bad. When those in need integrate this one plant into their diet, it will change their lives as they become less reliant on artificially manufactured pharmaceutical drugs that come with an array of potentially dangerous side effects. Cansoom's mission is to connect consumers with Medical Cannabis Consultants to make cannabis consumption easy and acceptable for everyone.
Lolita is the first person to write a cannabis educational book for nurses-The Medical Cannabis Consultant's Handbook- and has published a cannabis consumption journal for consumers. Cansoom’s Medical Cannabis Consultant Certificate Program will be offered on October 19, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
Portia Wofford is a nurse, millennial strategist, writer, and rising social media influencer. Chosen as a brand ambassador or collaborative partner for various organizations, Wofford strives to empower nurses by offering nurses resources for career development--while providing organizations with tools to close generational gaps within their nursing staff. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter for her latest.
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