Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RDN
HOLISTIC CANNABIS PRACTITIONER AT JANNABIS WELLNESS
for something nutrishus
Update: When Janice first appeared in the series on October 31, 2017 she was just beginning her journey in the holistic cannabis field, now she’s continuing to educate, sell products, as well as speak and write about cannabis and CBD, read on to find out what she’s been up to the last 2.5 years.
I briefly met Janice in my home city of Saskatoon for Farm to Fork tours in 2015 (if I remember correctly). Like many of us, a college/university course ignited her passion for nutrition and dietetics and her career continues to evolve. I knew of Janice initially as part of the Meal Makeover Moms duo. She recently ventured into a new and somewhat controversial area of practice showing us once again the unique and non-traditional roles dietitians are qualified for.
Why did you become a RD?
I was a microbiology major in college, but after my freshman year of micro classes and labs I decided that this might not be the major for me! When I was a sophomore I took Intro to Food and Nutrition and was hooked! My professor, Katherine Musgrave, was a passionate advocate for healthy eating and lifestyle. She took me under her wing and it is because of her that I entered this field. She was my beloved mentor, and we remained friends until her death at age 92.
What area of dietetics do you work in?
I am a holistic cannabis consultant, recipe developer, and cookbook author at Jannabis Wellness.
How would you explain what you do? (*updated February 27, 2020)
I help people navigate the evolving and confusing world of medical cannabis and CBD (Cannabidiol) to help manage debilitating conditions including chronic pain, insomnia, epilepsy, MS, Parkinsons, anxiety, nausea, depression, PTSD, and more.
What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks? (*updated February 27, 2020)
There is no typical week. I spend a lot of time answering questions from people, via phone, email, and my website about CBD and how it might help them. I sell medical grade hemp CBD products under my Jannabis Wellness label so that I am sure that what my clients are using is top quality. I’ve hired an assistant to do my shipping of products so I can spend more time educating people. Public speaking at state association meetings and community groups and writing about CBD and cannabis for publications like Today’s Dietitian and CRx Magazine also keep me busy.
What has been your career path? (*updated February 27, 2020)
I have done a variety of things in my career, including cardiac rehab, nutrition software sales, consulting to the US Senate, and consulting to Boston Harbor Hotel. About 15 years ago I co-founded Meal Makeover Moms with a fellow RDN. Together, we co-wrote five books, started Meal Makeover Moms’ Kitchen blog, and Cooking with the Moms radio podcast. In 2016 my dad was dealing with variety of health issues and had, in desperation, turned to medical marijuana to help deal with his severe pain. I was astounded at how it helped him without the unpleasant side effects that he dealt with while using pharmaceutical pain medications. I decided to switch my career focus and train to be a holistic cannabis consultant so I could help others who suffer.
What advanced education or special training do you have? (*updated February 27, 2020)
I completed my Holistic Cannabis Consultant certification at Holistic Cannabis Academy, and also trained at UVM to be certified as an end of life doula.
In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now? (*updated February 27, 2020)
In the ideal world, everyone would have legal access to high-quality, affordable cannabis and CBD to manage their health, and dietitians would be the go-to professionals to help people figure out the best way to utilize it.
What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?
Haha, I guess the misinformation about cannabis I’d like to clear up is that you don't need to get “stoned” when using cannabis. In the past decade plant breeders have developed strains of cannabis that are very low in the psychoactive THC component and high in the non psychoactive CBD cannabinoid. CBD has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-emetic, anti-convulsant, and analgesic properties that people can access without getting “high.”
What would you like people to know about RDs? (*updated February 27, 2020)
That RDNs practice in a wide variety of settings and have many different skill sets! Our science training makes us credible sources of health and nutrition information.
What are you passionate about in dietetics? (*updated February 27, 2020)
I’m passionate about cooking, eating, and helping people attain the best health possible, through food, lifestyle, and now CBD or cannabis!
More about Janice:
Facebook: JannabisWellness
Website: JannabisWellness.com
Twitter: @JaniceBissex
Instagram: @janicebissex
Thanks Janice!