Originally published at Dope Magazine
SHWA LAYTART - APRIL 16, 2019
Julie Monteiro, aka Ask Nurse Juhlzie, wasn’t always a cannabis advocate and activist. Raised in sunny Southern California, she grew up believing everything Nancy Reagan said when it came to “just say no” to drugs campaign.
But Nurse Juhlzie is a born healer; someone who absorbs information and, in turn, spreads knowledge.
She became a registered nurse in the state of Nevada, and now, with over 22 years in medicine, she specializes in internal medicine, orthopedics, pediatric ER/trauma and adult ER, outpatient surgery and pain management. She has trained nurses in many of these fields, as well. So, it should come as no surprise that a woman with these skills, knowledge and a devotion to the healing arts would eventually find her way to cannabis. After leaving a previous position at a hospital, realizing she wouldn’t be able to recommend cannabis to patients openly, she launched Cannabis Nurses Magazine and Media with a nationwide group of nurses. She also gives lectures on the importance of nurses in the cannabis industry.
DOPE sat down with their favorite nurse to get the scoop on her journey to becoming a cannabis nurse.
DOPE Magazine: How and why did you start Cannabis Nurses Magazine?
Nurse Juhlzie: I started the magazine October 2015, coining [the term] “cannabis nurses” to bring awareness to the cannabis industry and to the healthcare system that nurses are an integral part in the patient/consumer relationship for safety and awareness of cannabis as a medicine. Call it what you want. I consider all cannabis users to be patients.
Patients have rights and need to be protected, and as nurses we are the ones in the healthcare industry that bridge the gap between information and care.
I saw a need for awareness and education when I discovered cannabis in 2010. Since I wasn’t able to discuss this in hospitals, I knew I needed to do something …
Where have you given lectures?
Nationally, I’ve spoken at many places: California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Ohio, Utah and Florida. I’ve even reached out to Israel and Australia, working with nurse Inbal Sikorin and nurse Leah Bisiani, [who] both have contributed to Cannabis Nurses Magazine and Media.
What information can nurses share with patients?
Safety of cannabis consumption is vital. Especially with the consumption of pharmaceuticals. We provide any and all information and education on the twelfth body system, the endocannabinoid system, and bringing balance to our bodies. Every patient deserves a nurse, and there needs to be a cannabis nurse in every future dispensary to promote awareness, safety, counseling and education.
“EVERY PATIENT DESERVES A NURSE, AND THERE NEEDS TO BE A CANNABIS NURSE IN EVERY FUTURE DISPENSARY TO PROMOTE AWARENESS, SAFETY, COUNSELING AND EDUCATION.”
Does educating nurses about cannabis help with educating doctors?
Yes! Nurses are the go-to for information and resources. As cannabis nurses, we’re taking the lead in educating nurses across the nation and globe. Nurses work together with all modalities of the healthcare system and are the link between doctors, social workers, physical therapists, caseworkers, providers and patients.
How can patients find a cannabis nurse?
I am always available, AskNurseJuhlzie@gmail.com, and I consult in-person and over the phone. You can [also] go to cannabisnursesnetwork.com.
NURSE JUHLZIE HIGHLIGHTS
Advocate Julie Monteiro doesn’t mess around! Here’s a snapshot of some of her achievements to date:
Member of the American Cannabis Nurses Association
Founder of the Nevada Cannabis Nurses Association
Founder/creative director of Cannabis Nurses Magazine & Media
CERTIFIED IN: Basic core curriculum for cannabis nursing Advanced curriculum for cannabis nursing
Founding member of Coalition for Patients’ Rights
A co-founder of the Cannabis Nurses Network
A voice for patients and an activist who lectures on panels across the United States
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