Empowering Patients: Sherri Mack's Journey in Cannabis Nursing

The Transformative Power of Cannabis Nursing

In the evolving world of plant medicine, few voices carry the clinical insight and lived experience of cannabis nurse Sherri Mack. In this episode of The Canna Boss Babes Podcast, host Ishqa Hillman sits down with Mack to explore how cannabis nursing is reshaping patient care—and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools in dismantling stigma.

The conversation arrives at a perfect moment as Coachella Valley prepares for Canna Week, a multi-day series of events highlighting cannabis culture, education, and wellness. For Mack, education and accessibility are at the center of everything she does. Her journey from ICU nurse to cannabis educator reveals how one personal health crisis sparked a mission to transform healthcare conversations around cannabis.

From ICU Nurse to Cannabis Advocate

Sherri Mack’s path into cannabis medicine began with a life-altering experience. In 2012, while working in the hospital, she contracted a severe infectious disease that left her hospitalized in the intensive care unit for six weeks.

When she finally returned home, Mack found herself facing a medical system she once trusted implicitly. Despite her training as a nurse, the treatments offered left her on 18 different pharmaceutical medications, each one adding new side effects and complications.

What ultimately changed her trajectory wasn’t a doctor—it was another nurse. A 70-year-old colleague arrived at Mack’s home carrying a basket filled with cannabis products grown in her own garden. Flowers, edibles, and topical formulations sat in front of Mack as she questioned how a plant could help when the strongest pharmaceuticals had failed.

The moment that followed would change her life. Within minutes of inhaling cannabis for the first time as medicine, Mack felt her body relax and her pain begin to melt away.

"She looked at me and said, ‘Sherri, get with the program. Cannabis has been used as medicine for thousands of years.’"

That moment launched what Mack calls the rabbit hole of cannabis knowledge. She began researching the endocannabinoid system, studying cannabinoid science, and experimenting with different formulations until she understood how cannabis could work therapeutically.

Eventually, she trademarked the name The Green Nurse and began educating other patients and healthcare professionals about cannabis medicine.

Cannabis Nursing and the Future of Healthcare

Today, Mack and her colleague Elizabeth Mack operate an educational platform dedicated to training both patients and medical professionals. Their work focuses heavily on cannabis nursing, an emerging specialty that integrates cannabinoid science into patient care. In fact, the American Nurses Association formally recognized cannabis nursing as a specialty in 2023—a major milestone for the field.

For Mack, the role of cannabis nurses is simple: empower patients with knowledge. Many people arrive with fears shaped by decades of stigma. One of the most common concerns, she says, is the fear of intoxication.

Patients often assume cannabis automatically means being high. But therapeutic cannabis use is about precision, balance, and intention. Instead of recommending a single product, Mack helps patients build what she calls a “toolkit”—a range of cannabinoid products used at different times of day depending on symptoms and goals.

Morning might include a CBD-forward formula for clarity and inflammation support. Evening products might emphasize rest and relaxation. Emergency doses can be used when symptoms spike. This personalized approach highlights the adaptability of cannabis medicine and its ability to support multiple systems within the body.

Why Cannabis Education Matters More Than Ever

One of the most powerful moments in the conversation comes when Mack describes how stigma still shapes public understanding of cannabis today. Despite increasing legalization and research, many healthcare professionals still receive little to no education on the endocannabinoid system during their training.

For Mack, that gap represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Education—whether through podcasts, patient consultations, or public events like Canna Week—plays a critical role in shifting the narrative.

Her podcast, The Green Nurse Podcast, now approaching 750 episodes, shares stories from patients, medical professionals, and cannabis advocates. Each episode serves as a reminder that cannabis medicine is deeply personal and often life-changing.

But Mack also believes cannabis education must extend beyond patients. Healthcare providers themselves need access to credible information and continuing education to understand how cannabinoids interact with the body and how cannabis can complement conventional medicine.

Who Is Sherri Mack?

Sherri Mack is a registered nurse, cannabis educator, and co-founder of Holistic Caring & The Green Nurse platform. Through her work, she has helped educate thousands of healthcare professionals and supported more than 6,000 patients in navigating cannabis medicine.

Mack is also the host of The Green Nurse Podcast, where she shares clinical insights, patient stories, and emerging research on plant medicine. Her mission is simple: empower patients and providers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about cannabis.

A New Vision of “High”

Toward the end of the conversation, Mack shares a perspective that captures the spirit of her work. For her, the word high has nothing to do with intoxication. Instead, it represents something much deeper.

"High stands for hope, inspiration, growth, and healing."

It’s a philosophy that perfectly reflects the broader mission of The Canna Boss Babes Podcast—highlighting the voices shaping the future of cannabis while creating space for honest conversations about health, healing, and empowerment.

The Importance of Community in Cannabis Education

As we navigate the complexities of cannabis medicine, community plays a vital role. Women and minority entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry are leading the charge in creating inclusive spaces for education and support. By sharing experiences and knowledge, we can foster a culture of understanding and acceptance.

Building connections within our community empowers us all. It allows us to amplify diverse voices and share resources that can help others on their journey.

The Future of Cannabis Nursing

Looking ahead, the future of cannabis nursing is bright. As more healthcare professionals recognize the benefits of cannabinoid therapy, we can expect to see an increase in education and training programs. This shift will not only enhance patient care but also contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of plant medicine in the medical community.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

If you’re curious about the science of cannabis medicine, the future of cannabis nursing, or how plant medicine is transforming patient care, this episode offers an inspiring place to start. Watch the full interview and explore the growing world of cannabis education with Sherri Mack.

Together, we can continue to break down barriers, educate ourselves and others, and embrace the healing potential of cannabis. Let’s keep the conversation going and support one another on this journey toward empowerment and wellness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv_sYXZmolg