Renee Reisinger NP, a Nurse Practitioner & Cannabis Clinician – Interview Series

Nurses play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between traditional healthcare and alternative therapies. With their comprehensive understanding of patient care and medical expertise, nurses bring a unique perspective to the burgeoning field of cannabis medicine. Renee Reisinger  is a Nurse Practitioner, cannabis clinician, advocate, and certified medical cannabis provider since 2017. She holds a MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland.

In this exclusive interview, Renee offers invaluable insights into her journey as a nurse practitioner in the cannabis industry. With a focus on patient advocacy and education, Renee sheds light on the transformative power of medical cannabis and its profound impact on modern healthcare. Through her experiences and expertise, she provides a compelling narrative that underscores the importance of nurses in advancing cannabis therapy and enhancing patient care.

MyCannabis: Renee, your journey into the cannabis industry is quite unique, especially considering your extensive background in healthcare. Can you tell us how your career path led you to explore the potential of cannabis as medicine?

Renee: Absolutely. Well, last year marked my 40th year as a nurse, and healthcare has been my world for as long as I can remember. But it was as I grew older and witnessed firsthand the limitations of traditional healthcare, particularly in addressing certain conditions, that I began to seek alternative paths. Working at a local health department exposed me to the incredible work being done by nurse practitioners, which ultimately sparked my interest in pursuing that avenue. With my sons grown and a supportive family behind me, I decided to return to school at the University of Maryland School of Nursing to become a nurse practitioner.

MyCannabis: That's quite a journey. So, how did you transition from traditional healthcare to the cannabis industry?

Renee: It was actually quite unexpected. I stumbled into the cannabis industry almost by accident. After completing my University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy, medical cannabis science and therapeutics master’s program, in 2021, I was looking for secondary employment. That's when I came across an ad for a certifying cannabis provider. At the time, I knew very little about cannabis as medicine, as it wasn't part of the curriculum in medical or nursing programs. But as I began working with cannabis patients, I was struck by their stories of healing and the profound impact cannabis had on their lives.

MyCannabis: When did you start practicing medical cannabis?

Renee: My journey into medical cannabis began in 2017, coinciding with the rollout of Maryland's medical cannabis program. Initially, I primarily focused on certifying patients for chronic pain, one of the approved conditions under Maryland's program. However, as I gained more experience and insight, I realized that medical cannabis had far-reaching benefits beyond pain management. Over time, I began certifying patients for various conditions, including insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Each patient's journey with medical cannabis is unique, and it's been incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact it can have on their lives.

MyCannabis: What has been the biggest win in your journey as a medical cannabis nurse practitioner so far?

Renee: For me, the most significant victories lie in the transformative impact medical cannabis has on patients' lives. It's incredibly gratifying to witness patients find relief from their symptoms, regain control over their health, and improve their overall quality of life through cannabis treatment. Every success story, every patient who experiences relief, reaffirms my belief in the power of medical cannabis as a legitimate therapeutic option. Moreover, being able to empower patients with knowledge about cannabis and its potential benefits is immensely fulfilling. Ultimately, my goal is to continue advocating for cannabis as a valuable tool in enhancing patient well-being and driving positive change in healthcare.

MyCannabis: Can you share a specific moment that stood out to you during your early days in the cannabis industry?

Renee: One patient's story particularly resonated with me. She had moved from New Jersey to Maryland and found herself back on opioids due to the lack of access to medical cannabis. When I certified her for cannabis treatment, she was overcome with gratitude, expressing how cannabis had previously helped her manage post-chemo symptoms. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of access to alternative treatments for patients in need.

MyCannabis: Your dedication to learning about cannabis is evident. What challenges have you faced in your role as a medical cannabis nurse practitioner?

Renee: Undoubtedly, one of the biggest challenges is dispelling the lingering stigma surrounding cannabis. Despite the growing acceptance of cannabis within the medical community, misconceptions still abound, both among patients and healthcare professionals. Many people still associate cannabis solely with recreational use or getting “high,” overlooking its potential as a legitimate form of medicine. Educating patients and colleagues about the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and navigating regulatory complexities remain ongoing challenges. Additionally, ensuring equitable access to medical cannabis, particularly for marginalized communities, is another significant hurdle that we must address collectively.

MyCannabis: Despite these challenges, what keeps you motivated in your work?

Renee: The feedback from patients is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I've played a part in improving someone's quality of life through cannabis therapy is immensely fulfilling. I'm also passionate about advocating for greater access to medical cannabis, particularly for underserved communities. Through education and advocacy, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate approach to healthcare.

Thank you, Renee, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Your dedication to promoting the therapeutic benefits of cannabis is truly inspiring.