Embracing Cannabis Treatment for Hospice Patients with Megan Mbengue BSN, RN, CHPN

Sep 24, 2023

Ep.66

Embracing Cannabis Treatment for Hospice Patients with Megan Mbengue BSN, RN, CHPN

Have you ever considered cannabis as part of your loved one’s treatment for their end of life? If not, this episode with Megan Mbengue has all the necessary information. Cannabis may have a role in hospice care for symptom management and improving the quality of life for some patients near the end of life. Products containing both THC and CBD have been used by some hospice patients to help manage pain, especially when other pain medications are not effective or cause undesirable side effects. However, Megan advises that this kind of treatment should be approached with caution, fully considering legal, medical, and ethical factors, and always under healthcare professionals' guidance.

Megan Mbengue, BSN, RN, CHPN, is the Founder & CEO of Trusted Canna Nurse. She started Trusted Canna Nurse when she realized there were very few medical professionals well-versed in cannabis and CBD, much less someone who knew how to navigate a dispensary. She has been a nurse for over ten years, specializing in oncology, Labor & delivery, and, most recently, hospice & palliative care. Megan has received national certifications in all three specialties and is currently working towards a Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics. Megan has done various speaking engagements and received various awards (read about them here). Additionally, Megan is an active member of the following professional organizations: Society of Cannabis Clinicians, Cannabis Nurses Network, and American Cannabis Nurses Association.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Megan Mbengue

[01:51] Meet and greet Megan Mbengue and know what she does in her space

[02:47] Great resources to research cannabis treatment

[03:42] Megan’s history from hospital nursing to the cannabis space

[06:40] How Megan helps patients

[07:59] Her partners in running the program

[09:14] Megan’s top three health conditions she helps with

[09:44] Cannabis benefits for hospice patients

[11:55] How cannabis treatments help in combating end-of-life anxiety

[15:23] Using cannabis and psychedelics for treatments

[18:56] How micro-dosing could help hospice patients get a greater sense of peace

[20:26] Is cannabis treatment good for trauma-based patients?

[24:22] Cannabis pet-related products

[25:40] What patients should try first in cannabis treatment

[27:47] Best ways to reach out and connect with Megan

[28:22] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes

There’s great information about cannabis. As of 2022, it was the most researched drug worldwide. [02:48]
Generally, hospice patients can benefit greatly from cannabis treatments in managing the end of life symptoms. This may include managing pain, inflammation leading to the pain, pain perception, and bringing the pain down without sedating the patient as opioids do. [11:44]
Terminal agitation is one of the hardest to manage; of all the end-of-life symptoms. [11:56]
As somebody approaches their end of life, gaining peace with themselves, their belief system, and others is always golden. [14:10]