The Power of Words: Navigating the Complex World of Cannabis

Presenter: Alexandria Hill, DNP, GERO RN-BC, RAC-CT, QCP

Session: The Power of Words: Navigating the Complex World of Cannabis

Description: Cannabis, also known as hemp or marijuana, is a powerful plant that has been used for various purposes throughout history. It has medicinal and recreational properties, which have been recognized by many cultures worldwide. Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids that interact with our body's endocannabinoid system to produce various effects (such as pain relief, mood enhancement, and relaxation) that promote balance and wellness. 

Cannabis has been a controversial topic for many years, with varying opinions on its use. The words used to describe it have been diverse, ranging from negative terms like "devil's lettuce" to positive ones like "medicine." The language used to talk about cannabis has played a significant role in shaping public opinion and policy. 

By understanding terminology related to cannabis, we can better navigate the complex world of cannabis. This presentation will cover the plant's basics, the endocannabinoid system's intricacies, and the current state of regulations. Additionally, we will discuss the latest scientific research on the therapeutic potential of cannabis and the challenges and opportunities presented by the legal landscape. 

Bio: Dr. Alex Hill, a board-certified gerontology nurse, is the Chief Nursing Officer of Cannability Consulting. She blends her experience in aging services and expertise in cannabis, quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and gerontology to empower medical cannabis patients and healthcare providers to navigate through the weeds of hemp and medical cannabis. Alex disseminates cannabis education through individual consultations, in-person and virtual education, speaking engagements, publications, and podcasts. She is an Item Writer for the American Nurse Credentialing Center and is an active member of the American Cannabis Nurses Association, serving on their Credentialing and Research/Education Committees. Alex is also Westminster Canterbury's Director of Quality Improvement and a Healthcare Quality consultant for Chiles Healthcare Consulting. She is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, holds a Master of Nursing Administration and Leadership, and is board-certified in Gerontology. Alex has over a decade of experience in long-term care, from the bedside to corporate leadership roles in operations, staff development, informatics, quality improvement, risk management, and regulatory compliance.