The EVOLUTION Magazine January 2026 | Page 27

Research suggests that pairing mindfulness with cannabis may enhance emotional awareness and self-regulation. 2 Again— not treatment, just education.

4. Exploring Microdosing. Instead of taking large, reactive doses, she learned to start low, stay steady, and pay attention to her body’ s feedback. Microdosing wasn’ t my instruction— it was her choice after learning how smaller doses affect some people.

The Results: A Human Transformation, Not a Medical One. Six weeks later, Heather came back with a completely different energy. Not because cannabis“ cured” her, but because she was finally in a relationship with her medicine instead of relying on it blindly. She told me,“ I feel like I’ m involved in my healing again. I’ m not just trying to escape discomfort— I’ m actually learning from it.” YAY!

And that’ s when it hit me— cannabis may support the body, but intention supports the person. This wasn’ t about symptoms, charts, or protocols. It was about a woman reclaiming her own energy and space. And for me, as an educator, it was a reminder that cannabis medicine is not just pharmacology— it’ s a partnership.

Why Intention Works: The Educational Science Behind It. Four factors explain why intentional cannabis use often feels different than autopilot use.

● Attention Changes Perception. When patients slow down and pay attention, they often become more aware of early cues— reducing the need for higher doses.

● Expectation Shapes Experience. Studies on expectation show the brain responds differently when a person has a clear purpose for what they are taking. 3

● Mindfulness Supports the Endocannabinoid System. Chronic stress dysregulates the ECS. Mindfulness practices can support balance by reducing the stress response. 4

● Education Creates Empowerment. When patients understand what they’ re using and why, they often feel more confident— confidence changes everything.

How Nurses, Budtenders, and Educators Can Use This Approach. This part is crucial— and 100 % scope-safe.

● Start With the Patient’ s“ Why.” Instead of focusing on symptoms, focus on goals.

● Provide Options, Not Orders. Teach categories( such as flower, tincture, edibles, etc.), not dosing, because dosing is different for each person.

● Encourage Awareness Before Consumption. Even 10 seconds of checking in matters.

● Normalize Experimentation and Reflection. People learn through trial and reflection. Encourage that safely.

● Empower, Don’ t Direct. Let the patient lead their own experience. This is nursing at its core— education, empowerment, and advocacy.

A New Year’ s Invitation: Use Cannabis with Intention. As we step into 2026, I want to offer readers a simple thought:“ What if cannabis medicine worked best not just when we took it, but when we approach it with purpose?”

Intention doesn’ t cost anything. It doesn’ t require special equipment. It doesn’ t come with side effects. But it might just be the missing link that helps people reconnect with their own healing journey. Cannabis supports the body.“ Intention” supports the story.

When those two come together, patients don’ t just feel better, they feel empowered. That is the evolution of cannabis medicine, which is why I continue to educate— one patient, one budtender, and one healthcare provider at a time.

Sammie Pyle has been a nurse for over 20 years, spending much of her career as a travel nurse across the U. S., including time spent in the U. S. Virgin Islands. She currently serves as the Vice President for Missouri’ s We Are JAINE, where she also leads the Health & Wellness Committee. Sammie now resides on Table Rock Lake in southwest Missouri with her husband and their four sassy wiener dogs, where she continues her mission to educate, empower, and elevate cannabis conversations in healthcare.

Notice: The information contained herein is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, but rather a sharing of knowledge and information based on research and experience. The content is for general informational purposes only. As always, check with your doctor first.

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