Cannabis & the Endocannabinoid System: What Every Nurse Needs to Know Now with Dr. Carey Cadieux
Let’s face it—healthcare is changing fast. Patients are showing up with questions about CBD, THC, edibles, and tinctures... and too often, we don’t have the answers.
In this game-changing episode of the RNegade Podcast, Dr. Carey Cadieux—a nurse, cannabis educator, and author—joins us to demystify the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and explain why cannabis knowledge isn't just helpful for nurses... it's essential.
Why Nurses Must Understand the Endocannabinoid System
You learned about the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and maybe even the lymphatic system in nursing school. But chances are, no one taught you about the ECS—despite the fact that it’s one of the largest receptor systems in the human body and plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis.
“The ECS regulates pain, mood, appetite, and immune function,” explains Dr. Cadieux. “That makes it incredibly relevant to nursing care—especially in hospice, psych, chronic pain, and oncology.”
If your patients are using cannabis and you don’t understand how it works, you’re flying blind. That’s not just frustrating—it’s dangerous.
Beyond the Buzzwords: What Nurses Need to Know
Dr. Cadieux breaks it down into six essential areas:
How the ECS Works
Understand the role of CB1 and CB2 receptors and how the body produces its own cannabinoids.Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics
Know how cannabis interacts with the body, including risks, metabolism, and drug interactions.Legal Considerations
Cannabis laws vary by state—what’s legal for one nurse could cost another their license.Adverse Effects
Nurses must know the side effects, especially for patients on blood thinners, cardiac meds, or those who are pregnant.Nonjudgmental, Patient-Centered Care
Patients deserve to be met with curiosity, not shame. Nurses must ask thoughtful questions—not give side-eye.The History of Cannabis in Medicine
Understanding how stigma and policy shaped public perception helps us reclaim cannabis as a therapeutic tool.
Cannabis Isn’t a Cure-All—But It Is a Legitimate Option
Cannabinoids aren’t for everyone. Dr. Cadieux is clear: they’re not miracle drugs. But they are legitimate tools for symptom management, especially when traditional treatments fail or cause harm.
As nurses, we can’t dismiss what we don’t understand.
“This is about options, not absolutes,” says Dr. Cadieux. “When nurses understand the ECS, they can provide safer, more informed, more compassionate care.”
Tips for Nurses on the Front Lines
Use a Cannabis Diary: Encourage patients to track dosage, symptoms, and side effects.
Advocate for Certification: Organizations like the American Cannabis Nurses Association are working to professionalize this specialty.
Create Space for Dialogue: Normalize questions about cannabis use in your health history intake. (If patients feel judged, they won’t tell you the truth.)
Educate Yourself: Dr. Cuttino’s textbook, Cannabis: A Handbook for Nurses, is a brilliant place to start.
Be a Bridge, Not a Barrier: When a patient walks into a dispensary, they’re often overwhelmed. Nurses trained in cannabis care can provide guidance and safety.
Let’s Break the Stigma
In this episode, we’re reminded that stigma isn’t clinical. It’s cultural. And it has no place in evidence-based care.
We’re not here to “endorse weed.” We’re here to educate.
Because when you understand the ECS, you’re not just a better nurse—you’re a safer one.
🎧 Listen to the episode HERE
📘 Grab the textbook: Cannabis: A Handbook for Nurses by Dr. Carey Cadieux
🌱 Explore more: Visit the American Cannabis Nurses Association for certifications, courses, and community.