Laura Barrett, MBA, BSN, RN, known as “Nurse Laura,” is the Founder and Executive Director of the National Clinical Director Consortium and the Owner and Operator of Ask Nurse Laura. She serves on the boards of several non-profits, including the Connor Sheffield Foundation. Nurse Laura is dedicated to educating individuals and groups about cannabis and psychedelic medicine options, whether in small settings or large conference auditoriums. 

Additionally, she is part of the teaching faculty at the University of Maryland’s School of Pharmacy and New York University’s Business School where she teaches multiple courses – including the collaborative development of a psychedelic elective course for the Masters of Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program. She also conducts training sessions with healthcare provider groups and nursing organizations, delving into state-specific regulations, products, and access for providers. Collaborating closely with pharmacists, providers, and fellow nurses in the cannabis industry, Nurse Laura promotes valuable educational resources for healthcare professionals, patients, and dispensary staff. Her mission is to enhance consistency and reliability in the educational opportunities available, specifically in healthcare.

Nurse Laura has hands-on experience in various aspects of the cannabis industry, including cultivation, processing, dispensary operations, sales, marketing, and compliance. She emphasizes the importance of understanding laws and regulations, reviewing scientific research, and gathering patient data to create accessible presentations that support public health. Her balanced approach to cannabis and hemp integrates them into a holistic view of wellness. 

Nurse Laura stays informed about current research on the medicinal use of cannabis and psychedelics to help patients and her peers assess the benefits and risks unique to everyone. She crafts tailored care plans incorporating well-established practices that she and her industry peers aim to standardize. Beloved by her patients for their improved health and respected by fellow practitioners for her perseverance and dedication, Nurse Laura is committed to advancing the evolving field of plant medicine therapeutics.

Laura is currently working with the Connor Sheffield Foundation on an observational research study about the use of cannabis to treat symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

During our conversation we discuss: 

• How cannabinoids affect trauma responses and support cognitive therapy 


• Details about the research study, including who should participate and how data will be collected 


• How patients use different routes of administration, cannabinoid ratios, and dosages to manage certain symptoms 


• The challenges of doing cannabinoid research and the need for standartization across the US 


• and more 

Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: McKinney RSA

McKinney is made up of regulatory science veterans who apply lessons learned in the nicotine space to help cannabis manufacturers better understand the toxicological and societal implications of their product.  They do that by Identifying base compounds, extracts, flavors and terpenes, understanding how they interact, and ensuring effectiveness for the intended use. They also provide dosing recommendations and establish guidelines for product consistency. 

Learn more at mckinneyrsa.com 

Additional Resources

• Connor Sheffield Foundation PTSD Research Study Link


• AskNurseLuara.com


• National Clinical Director Consortium


• Cannabinoid modulation of brain activation during volitional regulation of negative affect in trauma-exposed adults


• Register for CannMed 25


• Meet the CannMed 25 Advisory Board


• Submit Your Abstract for CannMed 25


• Review the Podcast


• CannMed Archive