Daily Inspiration: Meet Kristine Walton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Walton.

Kristine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I obtained my Bachelor’s in Nursing from Wayne State University in 2002. I worked in various fields to find my passion in nursing and I’ve discovered multiple passions–Women’s Health, Education, Health Equity, and Community and Public Health. I obtained my Master’s in Advanced Public Health in Nursing from WSU in 2020.

Then fate stepped in and I attended an online class about Cannabis Nursing. I was curious because I never heard of this and something pulled at me to sign up. It was truly an eye-opener for me because I found out there were things a didn’t know because we were never taught in nursing school! And that is that we have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that contributes to our balance and well-being and overall health. What is fascinating, and not to get too much in the whole cellular biology of how this functions, is if we do not produce enough of our own endocannabinoids that interact with our ECS, there are plants that have their own cannabinoids that fit perfectly into our ECS receptors and creating our well being. And that natural plant is cannabis. I started learning more about it, finding other like-minded nurses, and trying to discover where I wanted to fit into this landscape of cannabis nursing.

I realized I can continue this new venture and combine all my passions perfectly–women’s health, education, equity, and public health! I wanted to guide women in their health and wellness journey; where their symptoms were either overlooked and ignored, where they were told it was a natural process of being a woman, or where they were overmedicated or subject to multiple surgical procedures with no results. I have seen too many pregnant or postpartum women suffering from depression and/or anxiety and I know personally cannabis could help. I also know that pregnancy and breastfeeding is an area that has been debated when it comes to cannabis use. I often wonder how my last postpartum period could have been totally different if I knew about cannabis. I wouldn’t have felt so alone, guilty, and sad. I want to help break that stigma and educate and guide women on the safe and informed consumption of cannabis when it comes to obtaining their ideal health and wellness.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The main struggles have been the stigma of cannabis within the healthcare field, self-discovery, and stepping outside my comfort zone. I realized how can I educate women when I was brought up during the “War on Drugs” era. I never even tried cannabis for my own well-being. So I tried it. And I felt “normal,” no more everyday anxiety and irritability. I haven’t felt this way in a while and it was so refreshing, so energizing.

Then I realized I need to own this and not be so hesitant when speaking about cannabis to other healthcare providers, I personally know what this plant medicine can accomplish. Also outside my comfort zone was bringing awareness to people not within my personal circle through social media, actively seeking other nurses and groups, and attending events. I have never been one to talk about myself however I am learning that this is actually the best way for people to find you and seek you out for your advice.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been a Registered Nurse for 20 years and worked in a variety of roles including, hospital bedside, home care, adjunct faculty in nursing programs, and home visitation programs for pregnant moms and infants. My most recent job was in a management role for an ambulatory OB/GYN clinic for a health system in Detroit. When I started in the cannabis field and tried to get my business off the ground, I didn’t have the time I wanted to put into my business. I also knew I couldn’t work financially, so I found another job as a school nurse for an elementary school in Detroit. I love this job as well, working with kids is probably one of the most rewarding things someone can do. I’m also working to make the school prepared when it comes to any medical emergency we may encounter. From a broader perspective, I’m hoping I can be at the table when it comes to Michigan creating policies about students and CBD in schools.

I am most proud of my family. My husband has been with me on this journey and has supported me 100%. We have 5 children and we have educated them on medicinal cannabis and that it can help achieve wellness. I am proud that we started to break the stigma for them. I am proud of the women I have helped, the goals I have accomplished in this field and the goals I have set to still accomplish.

What sets me apart is my specialization in Women’s Health, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding mothers, and safe cannabis use. Few healthcare providers have been educated or maybe even what to rock the boat when it comes to this topic. I want women to know there are options for them, safer options than pharmaceuticals, holistic and natural options.

What do you think about luck?
The role of luck has been a major role in creating my business because if I never would have opened up that email about cannabis nursing, I never would have learned about this amazing plant and how nurses can help. From that initial luck, I became more intentional in my journey and where I wanted to be, and where I should be.

As for luck in my personal life, I would have to say I was lucky to meet my husband who’s been by my side for the past 28 years.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cannahealthandgrub.com/
• Instagram: @cannahealthandgrub
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077677992230

Image Credits
Midwest CannaNurses and Cierra Keaton