DNA: Our Biological Divine Blueprint to Self-Care and Purpose
A Nurse’s Journey into Genetics and Cannabis Medicine A guest blog by Marianne Heeringa, BSN, RN, MLT, Cannabis Nurse Health Coach, Holistic Nurse Coach, Genetic Nurse Have you ever asked yourself: Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? The search for the answers to those questions has led me, […]
A Clinical Guide for Dementia, Behavioral Symptoms, and Palliative Support
Sherri Mack BSN, RN Elisabeth Mack MBA, BSN, RN Executive Summary Behavioral and psychological symptoms in older adults, particularly those living with dementia, neurodegenerative disease, chronic illness, or receiving palliative care, remain among the most difficult clinical challenges in long-term care and assisted living settings. Agitation, anxiety, sleep disturbance, chronic pain, appetite changes, social withdrawal, […]
A Scalable Cannabinoid Care Model for Telehealth: Real-World Evidence Supporting Multi-Cannabinoid Formulations for Cognitive and Functional Outcomes
Elisabeth Mack, MBA, BSN, BA, RN Sherri Mack, BSN, RN ABSTRACT Cannabinoid-based therapeutics are increasingly utilized in the management of cognitive fatigue, mood dysregulation, and functional impairment; however, integration into telehealth care models remains inconsistent and frequently lacks structured, longitudinal clinical oversight. This gap limits the ability to deliver standardized, outcomes-driven cannabinoid care. This white […]
Summer Heat, Chronic Inflammation, and the Fires Within
Summer invites us outside. We spend more time in the sun, gather with family and friends, travel, garden, move our bodies, and reconnect with nature. Yet for many people, summer can also magnify symptoms that have been simmering beneath the surface all year long. Fatigue. Brain fog. Joint pain. Anxiety. Poor sleep. Digestive issues. Headaches. […]
Training the Next Generation of Cannabis-Informed Healthcare Professionals
HOLISTIC CARING & THE GREEN NURSE® Training the Next Generation of Cannabis-Informed Healthcare Professionals Cannabis Nursing is an emerging specialty, and we have spent the last decade helping shape its future. Through direct patient care, healthcare professional training, curriculum development, and clinical mentorship, we have empowered both patients and providers to make informed decisions about […]
Three Chapters, One Vision: Helping Shape the Future of Cannabis Nursing
The publication of Comprehensive Approaches to Cannabis Nursing marks an important milestone for healthcare and for the emerging specialty of cannabis nursing. As cannabis use continues to expand across medical, wellness, and adult-use settings, healthcare professionals are increasingly being asked to answer questions about cannabinoid therapeutics, safety, dosing, delivery methods, drug interactions, and harm reduction. […]
Men’s Health, Mental Wellness, and the Endocannabinoid System
A Father’s Day Reflection on CBD, Stress, Sleep, and Whole-Person Wellness Welcome to June. This month, we observe Father’s Day, Men’s Health Month, and Mental Health Month. These occasions provide a valuable opportunity to engage in a deeper conversation about the cornerstones of men’s well-being, including emotional resilience, physical vitality, and the importance of preventive […]
May as Medicine: Nurses, Mothers, and the Roots of Healing
May always feels like a reset to us. Not in a dramatic way, just a quiet shift. Things soften. The pace changes a little. You start to remember that healing doesn’t always come from doing more, sometimes it comes from coming back to what’s natural. And every year, this month holds two things that matter […]
Cannabis Nursing 2026: From Passion Project to Professional Positioning
As Co-Founders of Holistic Caring & The Green Nurse and owners of Bloom Hemp CBD, Nurses Elisabeth and Sherri Mack recognize that cannabis nursing is entering a defining chapter. What began as advocacy is steadily becoming a domain of clinical practice, policy relevance, and professional identity. With 39 and 38 years of nursing experience, respectively, […]
Cannabis Rescheduled to Schedule III: What It Actually Means
Cannabis Rescheduling Announcement: What It Means for America Today marks an important moment in federal cannabis policy. The U.S. Department of Justice has moved certain FDA approved cannabis derived medications into Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This reflects growing federal recognition that cannabinoids have legitimate medical use and will become a part of […]
Holistic Caring & The Green Nurse: Celebrating 10 Years
Holistic Caring & The Green Nurse celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, marking a decade of leadership in cannabis medicine education, patient advocacy, and healthcare professional training. What began as a grassroots nursing initiative has grown into a national educational platform dedicated to empowering patients, nurses, and healthcare providers through evidence-informed cannabinoid therapeutics. A decade […]
The Best Way to Store Cannabis Flower: How a Humidor Protects Terpenes, Potency, and the Plant
Caring for Cannabis After Harvest: Why Proper Storage Matters Many people carefully select premium cannabis flower, yet give little thought to how they store these small nugs of love, health, and healing. As a nurse working in plant medicine, I see this all the time. Beautiful, terpene-rich cannabis slowly turns dry, brittle, and flat simply […]
Diet and the Endocannabinoid System: A Spring Guide
Diet and the Endocannabinoid System are closely connected, especially during seasonal transitions. As winter softens into spring, digestion shifts, energy fluctuates, inflammation changes, and sleep patterns adjust as daylight stretches longer. These seasonal transitions are not just psychological—they are physiological. Light exposure alters cortisol rhythms. Activity levels change. Our microbiome shifts. Metabolism recalibrates. And quietly […]
Love, the Endocannabinoid System, and the Biology of Connection
February invites us into deep conversations about the nature of love—but love is far more than just a fleeting emotion or a poetic sentiment. It is a complex biological state, intricately shaped by our needs for connection, physical safety, pleasure, and existential meaning. Beneath our everyday experiences of affection, social bonding, romantic intimacy, and even […]
Safe Cannabis & CBD Consumption
As more people turn to CBD and cannabis to support sleep, mood, digestion, and pain, understanding safety and smart shopping has never been more important. Nurses Elisabeth and Sherri Mack have over 70 years of combined nursing experience (38 and 37 years respectively), and for the past decade they have specialized in cannabis and integrative […]
Happy Hemp-Filled Thanksgiving Flash Sale!
This Thanksgiving season, we gather with cheer, Giving thanks for the blessings that carried us here. For loved ones and laughter and food piled high, For the lessons, the healing, the lows and the highs. But this year, I’m adding a twist to my list— A gratitude shout-out I simply can’t resist: To the hemp […]
Cannabis Nursing: The Heart of Holistic Care
For over 5,000 years, humans around the world have turned to cannabis to support whole-body health, with no recorded fatalities. Renowned for its safety and effectiveness, cannabis has long been a trusted remedy for people of all ages. Today, it is reclaiming its place as a powerful healing tool with an unmatched safety record, and […]
The Seven-Year Story Behind NECTARBALL: The Story of Cannabis
How Patty Mooney and Mark Schulze Earned the Trust of a Global Cannabis Movement and Filmed the World While It Changed The true origin of the film NECTARBALL: The Story of Cannabis reaches back decades before a single frame was shot. It begins with the reputations Patty Mooney and Mark Schulze built through a lifetime […]
The Cannigma
Ask The Green Nurse @ The Cannigma In the spirit of collaboration and community, I’m honored to share the story of The Cannigma, one of the most trusted voices in cannabis education. As nurses, advocates, and educators, we know how vital it is to have resources that bridge science and soul — places where […]
Give Hope. Fund Healing. Empower Nurses.
Dear Friend of Holistic Caring, As the season of giving begins, we invite you to join us in healing with purpose. At Holistic Caring, Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we’re raising funds to sustain two life-changing missions: Free Nurse Line Services – our compassionate nurses guide patients seeking relief through safe, evidence-based cannabis education, empowering them […]
Honoring the Aging Endocannabinoid System – Cannabis Nursing for Senior Care
Cannabis nursing offers a growing role in senior health. As our population ages, more older adults are discovering that cannabis can safely ease pain, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, stimulate appetite, and lift mood—without harmful side effects. If you or a loved one is tired of pharmaceuticals, keep reading and reach out for personalized assistance. Cannabis […]
Termination: My Story — Why We Need Pediatric Medical Cannabis Policy
Balanced Kids – Concierge Pediatric Healthcare Services Guest Blog By Dr. Sarah Slater, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CPHON Of my 15+ years working in pediatric healthcare, nearly the last three were spent serving as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. In that time, I cared for children and families facing the unimaginable challenges of childhood cancer. Every […]
Mindful Cannabis Use: Pairing Intention with Healing
As our bodies adapt to changing routines and environments, it’s especially important to support the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the healthiest way possible. This makes it especially important for us to be mindful of all that we are doing in our lives to support the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the healthiest way possible. A well-functioning […]
Easing Aging with Nature: Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers Through Cannabis and Wellness
Guest blog by Rhiannon Stare, RN, CMC Riverside Care Advisors – Elder Bloom Wellness Aging Life Care™ Advanced Professional As an Aging Life Care Manager and registered nurse, my work has always been about helping older adults and their families navigate the challenges of aging with dignity, safety, and quality of life. Over the years, […]
Cannabinoids as Compassionate Companions During The Sacred Season of Letting Go
As summer’s warmth fades into the golden hues of autumn, we are reminded of life’s natural rhythms—of harvest, release, and transition. For some, this season marks a journey of healing and renewal; for others, it signifies the final chapter of life, approaching the threshold of what lies beyond. In these deeply tender moments, cannabinoids can […]
When Adult-Use Eclipses Medical Cannabis: Challenges and Solutions for Patients
The medical cannabis movement began with a compassionate mission—providing relief for patients with severe conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Over the years, advocates successfully implemented regulated systems that prioritized patient needs. However, the rise of recreational cannabis markets has sidelined these patients, creating significant challenges in access, affordability, and care quality. This […]
Love the Skin You’re In: Summer Skin Health & Cannabinoid Topicals
As we dive into summer, basking in the warmth of sunshine and long days outdoors, it’s easy to forget the powerful impact the sun can have on our skin. While August is officially designated as Summer Sun Safety Month, there’s no better time than now to start embracing skin care that protects, nourishes, and celebrates […]
Father’s Day and Mary Jane (with a Blooming Twist)
DAD30 for 30% off at www.BloomHemp.com through Father’s Day Bloom Hemp is a women-led, nurse-owned CBD company founded on clinical integrity and a commitment to community care. Dedicated to empowering patients and healthcare providers, Bloom Hemp offers safe, clean, and consistent USDA organic hemp-derived medicines, complemented by educational resources and clinical guidance. Our product line […]
Pride, Protest, and Plant Medicine: How the LGBTQ+ Movement Shaped the Cannabis Industry
Each June, Pride Month offers a vital opportunity to reflect on legacies of resistance, resilience, and revolutionary change. Among these stories lies a deeply intertwined history: the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and the parallel push for medical cannabis legalization. These movements are not separate; they are bound by shared values of bodily autonomy, social justice, […]
Men’s Health, Mental Wellness, and the Endocannabinoid System – A Father’s Day Reflection
Happy June! And Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads and Father figures. This month honors Father’s Day, Men’s Health Month, and a broader movement toward integrating emotional and physical well-being for men. Amid growing awareness, cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN are gaining recognition for supporting mental health, helping reduce reliance on alcohol (especially […]
Cannabis & Hemp CBD in Cancer Care
A cancer diagnosis is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face, and the path through treatment is often just as grueling as the disease itself. While chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and targeted therapies can extend or even save lives, they frequently come with significant physical and emotional tolls. Amid these challenges, an ancient natural […]
Elisabeth Mack: Becoming a Nurse
Nurses Week – My Journey In Nursing By Elisabeth Mack, MBA, BSN, BA, RN Finding My Calling in Nursing From the time I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to help people—I just didn’t know how. During high school, I served as a Candy Striper at Hinsdale Hospital outside of Chicago, where I […]
Happy Nurses Week!
Celebrating Nurses’ Week, Florence Nightingale’s Birthday, and Cannabis Nursing May marks a season of renewal—a time when flowers bloom, hope flourishes, and we celebrate those who nurture healing within our communities. At Holistic Caring & The Green Nurse and Bloom Hemp CBD, we dedicate this month to recognizing the invaluable contributions of ALL nurses everywhere. We […]
Why I Became a Nurse: From Compassionate Child to Cannabis Nursing Pioneer
Why I Became a Nurse: From Compassionate Child to Cannabis Nursing Pioneer Sherri Mack BSN, RN Nursing is not just what I do—it is a big part of who I am. My journey to becoming a nurse didn’t begin in college or during my first clinical rotation; it started long before, shaped by childhood experiences […]
I Never Dreamed of Being a Nurse—But I Was Always Meant to Be One
I Never Dreamed of Being a Nurse- But I Was Always Meant to Be One Laura Barrett, MBA, BSN, RN A Different Calling Unlike some of my peers, I didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a nurse. In fact, I dreamed of something very different—I wanted to be a nun. From a young age, I […]
May Flowers of Hope and Healing with Hemp
Celebrating Women, Mothers, Nurses, and The Endocannabinoid System May ushers in a season of renewal—a time when flowers bloom, hope grows, and we honor those who nurture healing in our communities. At Holistic Caring & The Green Nurse and Bloom Hemp CBD, May is a perfect month to spotlight the vital role of women and […]
Happy April & Happy Spring
In this season of renewal, Holistic Caring & The Green Nurse and Bloom Hemp CBD are proud to embrace positive changes that allow us to be more effective and efficient in reaching more people. Our mission is simple — help others heal by focusing on our People, Partnerships, and Products. We believe that healing the […]
The Endocannabinoid System, Essiac Tea, and Full-Spectrum CBD: A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Understanding the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) The Endocannabinoid System is a complex regulatory network that maintains the body’s internal balance, or homeostasis. It influences various physiological processes, including sensory perception, pain modulation, appetite, digestion, mood, memory, motor control, inflammation, immune response, reproductive health, temperature regulation, hormonal balance, bone density, ocular pressure, stress adaptation, sleep cycles, endocrine […]
Love and the Endocannabinoid System
Love and wellness are deeply intertwined through the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which plays a key role in relationships. When we experience love, it enhances the ECS, supporting our ability to express and feel connection. Let’s explore how love and the ECS influence each other, backed by science. How Love Impacts the ECS Acts of love—emotional […]
Ask The Green Nurse Column: Your Questions, Answered
Are you curious about cannabis, plant medicine, or psychedelics but unsure how to begin your journey? The Ask The Green Nurse Column is here to guide you with trusted, evidence-based insights into plant medicines. As part of our commitment to promoting health and wellness, this free resource is designed to be a safe space for […]
Happy New Year 2025 & Happy New You with Health, Hope and Harmony!
The arrival of a new year is a time for reflection, renewal, and hope. It’s an opportunity to set intentions, redefine goals, and commit to becoming the healthiest version of yourself. This year, as we step into 2025, you can take a holistic approach to your health and wellness with Bloom Hemp CBD. By focusing […]
Is Your Hemp CBD Safe? Lessons from a Secret Shopper Investigation
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970. However, the lawmakers did not intend for manufacturers to create or extract intoxicating compounds for use in consumer products. For consumers though, it has been an interesting experiment. Our guest author, Laura Barrett, MBA, BSN, RN, also known […]
5 Tips for an Ayurvedic Thanksgiving
This month many of us are celebrating one of our most revered days of feast, gratitude and community, Thanksgiving. Many of us gather with friends and family, set our tables with our finest, and prepare the season’s bounty with thanks. Often the anticipation of this event can bring on feelings of anxiety and stress, and […]
National Gratitude Month
November marks National Gratitude Month, an ideal opportunity to express our appreciation! It’s astonishing how something as simple as gratitude can profoundly impact our lives. Studies indicate that individuals who practice daily gratitude enjoy heightened happiness and enhanced well-being. If you’re looking for reasons to be thankful, these benefits offer all the motivation you need. […]
Ayurveda and Cannabis: An Ancient Approach to Modern Wellness
In recent years, the wellness community has seen a growing interest in the ancient practice of Ayurveda and its holistic approach to health. Interestingly, cannabis is re-emerging as an integral component of this traditional Indian medicine. Ayurveda, often referred to as the “science of life,” originated in India thousands of years ago. It focuses on […]
Introduction to Psychedelics
Autumn is the perfect season to adopt a more leisurely pace, allowing for healing of the mind, body, and spirit. It’s an opportunity to explore the various tools at your disposal as you embark on a transformative healing journey using plant medicines and entheogens. New Programs & Services for Psychedelics to Guide Your Journey Have […]
International Podcast Day
The Green Nurse Podcast: Living Your Best Life Nurse Sherri Mack launched “The Green Nurse Podcast: Living Your Best Life” in 2018 to showcase intriguing narratives of healing through the use of plant medicines, encompassing cannabis and psychedelics. With a mission to dispel stigma surrounding the concepts of well-being and altered states, The Green Nurse […]
Boost Your Immunity and Keep Blooming in Health
Introducing Bloom Hemp Advanced Immunity Softgels, featuring non-impairing phytocannabinoids such as CBD, CBDA, CBG, and CBGA. These softgels are designed to enhance your immune system this fall and winter and can be taken year-round keeping your immune system strong. Better yet, these offer relief from inflammation and anxiety without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. In […]
Back to School, Back to Routines, Back to Learning, Back to Blooming in Health
As the summer slowly winds down, the back-to-school season arrives, ushering in a sense of renewal and fresh beginnings. Whether you’re a parent preparing your child for the new term, a student eagerly anticipating the adventures ahead, a teacher gearing up for another year of inspiring your students, or a member of a family navigating […]
Summer Sun Safety Month CBD
August is officially recognized as Summer Sun Safety Month in the United States. During this month, the emphasis is on promoting awareness about the significance of safeguarding oneself from the sun’s harmful rays while enjoying the seasonal outdoor activities that abound. Whether it’s unwinding by the pool, basking at the beach, or taking leisurely walks […]
National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month
Understanding Craniofacial Conditions and the Endocannabinoid System July marks National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month. Children with cleft lip, palate, or other craniofacial anomalies may also have genetic disorders. Health professionals well-versed in the endocannabinoid system can aid patients and families in navigating mainstream medicine for optimal outcomes. This awareness month aims to […]
Happy July & Our Freedom to Focus Month!
Bloom Hemp Advanced Focus Tincture: A 30-Day Real-World Evidence Study Many individuals have expressed the opinion that there is a notable lack of research in the field of cannabis therapeutics, and we are inclined to concur with this sentiment. Hence, this Spring, we took the initiative to collaborate with the MoreBetter Releaf App to embark […]
The historical intersection of LGBTQIA+ activism and Medical Cannabis
Let’s honor the past and continue advocating for a better future. The movement for medical cannabis, an instrumental part of modern healthcare, has a lineage deeply rooted in the struggle of the LGBTQIA+ community. During Pride Month, we pay tribute to the queer activists whose efforts not only secured rights for their community but also […]
Happy June, Father’s Day, and Men’s Health Month!
How CBD Helps with Men’s Health & Psychological Wellness An increasing number of men are proactively addressing their overall well-being, acknowledging the importance of emotional health in conjunction with physical wellness. Lifestyle medicine via Dean Ornish MD has been taught for decades, but emerging evidence highlights the growing interest in using CBD as a new […]
Rescheduling Cannabis in America
This post was written in April 2024, shortly after the DEA’s initial recommendation to reschedule cannabis. It reflects our predictions and hopes for the rescheduling process at that moment in time. Since then, medical marijuana was officially moved to Schedule III in April 2026, with a further hearing on broader rescheduling underway. We’re keeping this […]
Revolutionize Your Healthcare Practice with Cannabis Nursing
Happy Nurses Week! We hope this email finds you exploring unique ways to impact lives and expand your professional horizons. We, at Holistic Caring and The Green Nurse, are elated to share our exciting developments with you. A Historic Shift for Cannabis Nursing As you may already know, medicinal cannabis has been carving its niche […]
MEANT FOR C.H.A.O.S.
MEANT FOR C.H.A.O.S. A multi faceted approach to self care. Today’s world has endless amounts of instant gratification. Instant fixes for everything. Have this? Take that! Want this? Buy that! It is important to remember that the best things in life don’t always happen quickly. Every choice we make to better ourselves takes time. It […]
The True History of 420: From Police Code to Cannabis Holiday
In the modern lexicon, ‘420’ evokes images of hazy pot culture and is celebrated as a countercultural holiday. This blog post aims to clear the air and provide a deep look into the true story of 420 and its understated beginnings. For many, it originated from the police code for marijuana violations. Today, we elaborate […]
The Elevated Way: Unlocking the Secret to Youthful Energy and Weight Loss
From the Desk of Denise Costello, RN, MS Holistic Caring Cannabis Nurse Health Coach The Elevated Way: THCV, CBD, CBG & Blood Flow Resistance Training Hello everyone, have you ever felt the frustration of struggling with weight management, low energy levels, or hormonal changes, especially as you age? If so, you’re not alone. As a […]
