Laura Barrett

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, and was appointed by the Governor of Maryland to the Responsible Use of Psychedelics Task Force. 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 teaching faculty at the University of Maryland's School of Pharmacy in the Masters of Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program and New York University in the School of Business and Professional Studies. Nurse Laura has published research reviews in collaboration with and was recently appointed Chair of the Cannabis Nurse Task Force advancing education and research at the University of Miami.

She also conducts training sessions with healthcare provider groups and nursing organizations, such as Johns Hopkins Health System, delving into state-specific regulations, products, and access for providers. Collaborating closely with pharmacists, providers, researchers, and fellow nurses in the plant medicine field, Nurse Laura promotes valuable educational resources for healthcare professionals, patients, legislators, dispensary staff, and anyone who invokes curiosity. Her mission is to enhance the consistency and reliability of information to ensure public health and safety while improving health and wellness.

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. 

She collaborates with her peers and patients to assess the benefits and risks unique to each, crafting 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.