Poster with a plant on the left side and a cannabis leaf on the right side

About ACNA

The American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA) is the national professional nursing specialty organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of cannabis nursing through evidence-based education, research, professional collaboration, advocacy, and policy development. Through ACNA’s formal application and collaboration with the American Nurses Association (ANA), cannabis nursing was officially recognized as a nursing specialty in 2023. This significant milestone affirmed the specialty’s role within the broader nursing profession and established standards and competencies for cannabis nursing practice.

ACNA brings together licensed practical/vocational nurses, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, nurse educators, researchers, and other healthcare professionals committed to excellence in cannabis nursing and patient care. Through education, clinical guidance, advocacy, and professional collaboration, ACNA provides nurses with essential knowledge and resources. This support supports informed, safe, and patient-centered care consistent with Cannabis Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice.

Founded in 2010, ACNA is a trusted national resource for nurses seeking credible education, professional development, and leadership opportunities in medical cannabis and cannabinoid therapeutics.

An Organizational Affiliate of the American Nurses Association

ACNA is proud to be an Organizational Affiliate of the American Nurses Association. ANA Organizational Affiliates are specialty nursing organizations that share expertise and collaborate on issues affecting the nursing profession. Through this affiliation, ACNA contributes to ANA publications, meetings, events, and professional initiatives and holds a vote in the ANA’s Membership Assembly.

Learn more about ANA Organizational Affiliates(opens in new tab)

American Nurse Association

Mission

To advance excellence in cannabis nursing practice through advocacy, collaboration, education, research, and policy development.  

ACNA empowers nurses to lead the safe, ethical, and evidence-informed integration of medical cannabis and cannabinoid therapeutics into healthcare, strengthen nursing leadership, influence health policy, and improve patient outcomes.

Vision

A future where nurses have the knowledge, competency, professional support, and interdisciplinary collaboration needed to provide safe, evidence-informed cannabis care.

This care improves health outcomes for patients and communities and is guided by compassion, integrity, and social justice.

History

Since its founding in 2010, the American Cannabis Nurses Association has played an important role in shaping the development and recognition of cannabis nursing as a nursing specialty. For more than a decade, ACNA has served as a trusted national resource for evidence-based education, clinical resources, research, professional collaboration, advocacy, and policy development. The Association connects nurses, educators, researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders committed to expanding clinical knowledge and supporting excellence in patient care.

Today, ACNA continues to strengthen the nursing profession and advance the safe, ethical, and evidence-informed integration of medical cannabis and cannabinoid therapeutics into healthcare through education, leadership, research, advocacy, policy development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.