The world of cannabis nursing has witnessed a remarkable year, highlighted not only by the extraordinary achievements and contributions of dedicated professionals, but also by national recognition on a larger scale. On September 27th, the American Nurses Association (ANA) officially recognized Cannabis Nursing as a nurse specialty, a significant milestone that underscores the growing importance of cannabis medicine in healthcare.
Blazing New Trails
The 2023 Cannabis Nurses of the Year Awards have set a new benchmark, with a historic number of 64 nurses nominated – the highest ever, underscoring the vital role of nursing in the realm of cannabis medicine and a celebration of those leading the way in this newly recognized specialty.
Honoring the Best in Cannabis Nursing
Cannabis Nursing Team of the Year:
Cannabis Nurses Network Speakers Bureau
This prestigious award goes to the Cannabis Nurses Network Speakers Bureau, a team that has shown unparalleled dedication and expertise. The team includes Ariane Williams, Caitlin Bernhard, Gal Segev, Heather Manus, Heather Shelton, Lisa Capitani, Lisa Cheatham, Love Hawkins, Marcie Cooper, Marilyn Pierce, Meg Little, Nique Pichette, and Shakira Franklyn, whose collaborative efforts have significantly advanced the field of cannabis nursing.
Cannabis Nursing Research Excellence:
Nique Pichette
Runner-Up: Deanna Sommers
Recognized for her exceptional contributions to cannabis nursing research, Nique Pichette stands out for her dedication to advancing our understanding of cannabis use disorder (CUD) and scientific cannabis research in humans.
Advocacy and Policy Champion:
Lisa Cheatham
Runners-Up: Janna Champagne & Gail Pederson
Lisa Cheatham is honored for her tireless efforts in advocating for policy changes and playing a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and effective cannabis landscape at both local and national levels.
Cannabis Patient Care Excellence:
Caitlin Bernhard
Runner-Up: Ariane Williams
Caitlin Bernhard receives this award for her tireless efforts and exemplary patient care, demonstrating compassion and expertise in integrating cannabis into advanced nursing practices.
Cannabis Nursing Education Leader:
Shakira Franklyn
Runners-Up: Love Hawkins & Elisabeth Mack
Shakira Franklyn is celebrated for her leadership in cannabis nursing education, contributing significantly to the training and development of nursing professionals. Her unique teaching style sets her apart and draws students deep into the learning process.
Cannabis Nurse Author of the Year:
Janna Champagne
Runner-Up: Ariane Williams
Janna Champagne is recognized for her influential writings that have enriched the scientific knowledge and evidence base of cannabis nursing.
Innovative Practice Award:
Heather Shelton
Runners-Up: Shannon King & Nique Pichette
Heather Shelton is awarded for her innovative approaches in healing practices, significantly impacting the care of patients seeking assistance through herbal plant medicines including cannabis and psilocybin.
Community Engagement and Outreach:
Lisa Cheatham
Runner-Up: Megan Mbengue
Lisa Cheatham is again honored for her exceptional work in community engagement and outreach, playing a crucial role in raising awareness and understanding of cannabis nursing and plant medicine among inter-faith leaders.
Rising Star in Cannabis Nursing:
Lisa Cheatham
Runner-Up: Erica Cowan
As a Rising Star, Lisa Cheatham has shown remarkable promise and dedication in the early stages of her cannabis nursing career. Evidenced by community impact that led to her clean sweep of awards, winning all 5 awards that she was nominated for in 2023.
Collaborative Spirit Award:
Lisa Cheatham
Runner-Up: Marilyn Pierce
This award celebrates Lisa Cheatham’s collaborative spirit, highlighting her ability to work effectively with various stakeholders in the healthcare, regulatory, cannabis nursing, and faith-based communities.
Cannabis Nurse of the Year:
Heather Manus
Runner-Up: Megan Mbengue
Heather Manus is recognized as the Cannabis Nurse of the Year for her outstanding contributions and leadership among the cannabis nursing community.
Cannabis Nurse Mentor of the Year:
Heather Manus
Runners-Up: Shakira Franklyn & Marilyn Pierce
Additionally, Heather Manus receives the Cannabis Nurse Mentor of the Year award, acknowledging her role in guiding and inspiring the next generation of cannabis nurses.
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Jacy Linear
Runner-Up: Mary Lynn Mathre
In a moving tribute, Jacy Linear is awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Jacy’s contributions to cannabis nursing have left an indelible mark on the profession.
A Lasting Legacy: The Jacy Linear Lifetime Achievement Award
In a touching tribute and loving memory of Nurse Jacy Denise Linear (November 2, 1963 – July 19, 2023), the Lifetime Achievement Award will henceforth be known as the Jacy Linear Lifetime Achievement Award. This renaming honors her enduring legacy and the profound impact she had on the Cannabis Nurses Network community.
Congratulations to All
As we celebrate these outstanding professionals, we are reminded of the crucial role nurses play in advancing the understanding and integration of cannabis into healthcare. Their dedication, expertise, and compassion continue to pave the way for a future where cannabis is an integral part of patient care and wellness. Congratulations to all the nominees and award winners for their exceptional achievements and for setting new standards of excellence in cannabis nursing.
Full List of 2023 Nominees
- Ariane Williams
- Arianna Ayu
- Ashley Wynn-Grimes
- Brenda McNeely
- Caitlin Bernhard
- Carey Clark
- Cathleen Graham
- Cherissa Jackson
- Cheryl Kumberg
- Dawn-Marie Steenstra
- Deanna Sommers
- Deb Ranson
- Dominique Fontaine
- Elisabeth Mack
- Eloise Theisen
- Erica Cowan
- Gabriela Montes
- Gal Segev
- Gail Pederson
- Gloria Smith
- Grace Hammel
- Heather Manus
- Heather Shelton
- Holly Watson-Evans
- Inbal Sikorin
- Ivory Davis
- Jacy Linear
- Janna Champagne
- Jessica Lewis
- Jessilyn Dolan
- Jodi Chapin
- Julie Battel
- Katherine Golden
- Katie McCarthy
- Kristina Baumer
- Laura Barrett-Nutting
- Leslie Reyes Waddington
- Lisa Capitani
- Lisa Cheatham
- Llewellyn Smith
- Lora Wade
- Love Hawkins
- Marcie Cooper
- Marilyn Pierce
- Mark Worster
- Mary Lynn Mathre
- Matt Cascio
- Maureen Smyth
- Meg Little
- Megan Mbengue
- Michele Vallee
- Nique Pichette
- Rachel Parmalee
- Sandra Guynes
- Shakira Franklyn
- Shannon King
- Sarah Cohen
- Sherri Mack
- Sherry Schreiner-Beckwith
- Shonda Broom
- Sue Rosen
- Tamara Pryor
- Vanessa Cruz
- Wendy Gibson-Viviani
