Today we’d like to introduce you to Bri Durkin.
Bri, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ever since I became a Registered Nurse in 2014, I was interested in holistic and alternative care. I started by getting Reiki certified, which is also sometimes referred to by energy healing. I grew up outside of Boston MA and moved to San Diego in August 2016. I always used cannabis for my gastrointestinal issues and for stress. For fun, my boyfriend and I started an Instagram called It’s The CannaCouple but I never thought I could incorporate it into my career.
In 2018, I met Heather Sobel, the CEO of Cannabis Nurses Network and the guru of cannabis nursing. She was the first person who explained to me what “Cannabis Nursing” was. Heather gave me so many great, insightful tips and resources. At that point, I became a member of the Cannabis Nurses Network and American Cannabis Nursing Association. I reached out to other cannabis nurses across the nation and took a class called The Medical Cannabis Institute. However, I felt that I needed more education and certifications so I explored deeper.
In January 2019, I was introduced to Lolita Korneagay and her company, Cansoom. Cansoom is a comprehensive, in-person Medical Cannabis Consultant training program for licensed medical professionals. I was one of her first students. This what opened the door for me. She helped me become extremely knowledgable as a cannabis nurse consultant. Currently, I work with my individual brand to help share products that are made correctly with quality ingredients. I also speak at public events and to different communities about my journey. One of my main values with my brand is encouraging other nurses to pursue cannabis nursing and become more educated on the plant, especially those who are involved in a hospital setting.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never a smooth road in the cannabis industry. One of the biggest struggles is being a Registered Nurse and an advocate for cannabis. Many nurses and doctors are not provided the baseline system of training. The Endocannabinoid System is not incorporated into medical schooling. There’s also very little research on cannabis so this discourages medical professionals to want to learn the effects of plant medicine.
Many medical professionals still have a huge stigma against cannabis. They think it’s just another Schedule I drug because that’s the way it’s perceived in this country. I am a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at a local hospital, but I keep my cannabis knowledge to a minimum. If you share too much, nurses begin to speculate. Hospitals still drug test for cannabis. Nevada is the first state that bands most employers for testing for cannabis. I hope California follows suit.
My advice is to strongly advocate for federal legalization and stand up for what you believe in. Colleagues may have a misconception of cannabis but knowledge is power and information is liberating! Don’t stop learning!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m a Registered Nurse in the State of California. My full-time job is working in the Emergency Department at a local hospital. I worked inpatient for three years. Working at a hospital, I saw the increased need for plant medicine, which is one of the reasons why I started working as a Cannabis Nurse.
My whole brand revolves around being a “Cannabis Nurse.” I speak at public events and I educate mainly on Instagram. I recently started using my own stamp of approval for premium products. I research the product’s regulatory compliance testing that their ingredients are high quality, and it’s user-friendly. It’s no longer about just getting high. This plant has amazing properties and everyone needs to know.
However, I’m really starting to push for work as a Medical Cannabis Consultant. I personalize cannabis treatment plans for people who are interested in using cannabis as medicine. I work with beginners and long term users. I help educate on different cannabis strains and methods!
I’m most proud of how I’ve raised above the stigma. I found my voice. I was so scared it would detriment my current job situation and future. However, it’s done just the opposite. I attend the Cannabis Nurses Network conference every year. What I noticed what set me apart from everyone was my age. I am one of the youngest nurses in the cannabis industry right now. It’s very humbling. I have so many opportunities ahead of me and I’m very excited. The older cannabis nurses are paving the road but it’s up to me to continue that.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership in your industry or generally?
The biggest barrier to female leadership is being treated equally. That’s why it’s important for us as women to aggressively go after what we want. Never lose your voice. Speak up in what you believe in. Another barrier is creating a sisterhood. Supporting and empowering one another is going to create a foundation! I’m part of a community called The Pink Sesh Society. Every month they bring together groups of women with different backgrounds to enjoy a monthly lunch sesh filled with laughter, support, sisterhood, and cannabis.
Pricing:
- $150 (initial evaluation)
- $75 (follow ups)
- $300 (public speaking)
Contact Info:
- Phone: 9787717337
- Email: Cannanursebri@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cannanursebri/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cannanursebri/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/itsthecannacouple/
Image Credit:
@kirbybk
@lexihaslem
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