Dana Lillestol, Holistic Doctor and Educator at TruBliss Organics

The landscape of medical cannabis is evolving rapidly, yet gaps in information and understanding persist, even within the healthcare community. Despite growing recognition of its therapeutic potential, many healthcare professionals remain inadequately informed about medical cannabis, hampering patient access and treatment efficacy. As a result, there is a pressing need for educators and advocates to bridge these knowledge gaps and empower both practitioners and patients with accurate information and evidence-based practices.

MyCannabis had a conversation with Dana Lillestol, a holistic doctor and educator at TruBliss Organics in Mesa, Arizona. With a background in clinical nursing and holistic health education, Dana brings a unique perspective to her role as the in-house doctor at TruBliss Organics. Her commitment to education and empowerment extends beyond the confines of traditional medical practice, as she endeavors to expand her outreach efforts through online platforms, advocating for informed decision-making and holistic approaches to wellness.

MyCannabis: Could you share with us your journey into the industry? Considering your background in clinical nursing and holistic health education, how did you come to work with True Bliss Organics?

Dana: So, I'm traditionally trained as a nurse practitioner with a PhD, but I did extensive overseas travel and came home with a lot of critters, which led me to explore alternative approaches beyond my traditional training. I spent time with naturopathic physicians and chiropractors, embracing functional medicine. The owners of True Bliss Organics were my patients from my medical practice. I decided to close my practice as I grew tired of merely treating symptoms without addressing root causes. I noticed a prevalent reliance on medication without emphasis on lifestyle factors like diet. My transition into cannabis was also influenced by my experience as an addictionologist, where I observed the inadequacies and biases within traditional medical approaches. Additionally, I began speaking at 55+ communities, where I interacted with individuals deeply ingrained with traditional medical beliefs. This journey led me to the realization that empowering individuals to take control of their health was my true calling.

MyCannabis: As a holistic doctor and health educator, can you describe your role at True Bliss Organics? Why is the work you do with the company important to you personally?

Dana: At True Bliss Organics, I serve as the in-house doctor, working alongside two naturopathic physicians who handle medical credentialing externally. My role involves conducting consultations, taking comprehensive medical histories, and then using this information to come up with personalized treatment plans utilizing cannabis or CBD tailored to individual needs and conditions. Over the six years I've been with the company, I've witnessed remarkable transformations in patients, including cases of brain cancer remission using RSO suppositories.

Personally, this work aligns with my passion for education and empowerment. I am transitioning towards an online platform to extend my reach and offer educational resources to empower individuals to take charge of their health.

MyCannabis: In your experience, what are some common misconceptions about cannabis, and how do you address them in your line of work?

Dana: One prevalent misconception is that cannabis is solely for recreational use, which undermines its medicinal value. I address this by educating individuals about the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its role in maintaining internal balance. By highlighting the therapeutic potential of cannabis for various conditions, such as chronic pain or inflammation, I aim to challenge stigma and promote understanding of its medicinal properties.

MyCannabis: Do you believe that healthcare professionals are adequately informed about medical cannabis? If not, what steps do you think should be taken to improve education and awareness within the medical community?

Dana: No, healthcare professionals, particularly medical doctors, often lack sufficient knowledge about medical cannabis due to limited inclusion in medical curricula and prevailing stigma. Efforts to integrate cannabis education into medical school curricula are essential but face challenges due to resistance from pharmaceutical companies that fund medical education. Lobbying for broader acceptance and inclusion of cannabis education in medical training is crucial to enhance awareness and understanding among healthcare professionals.

MyCannabis: What's next for Dana?

Dana: I am committed to expanding my outreach efforts, particularly within communities where stigma surrounding cannabis persists. I continue to write articles to inform and educate about the health benefits of CBD, particularly targeting older demographics where misconceptions are prevalent. Additionally, I am transitioning towards an online platform to offer comprehensive educational resources and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and wellness.

Thank you, Dana, for sharing your inspiring story with us. It's clear that your commitment to cannabis education sets you apart in the cannabis industry, and we look forward to seeing the continued success of your endeavors.