Medical Cannabis Through the Lens of Science and Faith

Medical Cannabis Through the Lens of
Science and Faith
Presented by David Mulkey, DNP, RN, CNE, CPHQ
Sponsored by the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association

DATE: September 17, 2026
TIME: 3-5 pm AKT, 4-6 pm PT, 5-7 pm MT, 6-8 pm CT, 7-9 pm ET                            
Registration fee: $30 for LFCNA members/$50 for non-members 

Nursing Contact hours provided: 2.0 (see below)

Course Description: This presentation explores medical cannabis from both evidence-based and biblical perspectives to equip Faith Community Nurses with the knowledge, wisdom, and discernment needed for practice. First, the critical role of the endocannabinoid system in maintaining homeostasis will be highlighted. The historical evolution and modern clinical use of medical cannabis will then be examined, with an emphasis on current evidence related to therapeutic indications, patient outcomes, adverse effects, safety concerns, and potential risks. Biblical principles, professional nursing ethics, and reflective clinical decision-making will be integrated to address how healthcare professionals can navigate bias, legal complexities, and moral tensions while providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Through the lens of both science and faith, participants will gain a balanced framework for approaching medical cannabis with competence and Christian discernment.

OBJECTIVES:  At the end of this session:

1. Examine the physiology of the endocannabinoid system and its relevance to symptom management and patient care.
2. Evaluate current evidence regarding medical cannabis indications, therapeutic outcomes, adverse effects, and safety concerns.
3. Integrate biblical principles and professional ethics when addressing medical cannabis use.

Our Presenter: David Mulkey is the Clinical Outcomes Manager at Geriatric and Family Medicine Associates in Arvada, Colorado, where the practice specializes in an integrated approach to physical and mental health. He is also an Associate Professor at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ, where he oversees the Institutional Review Board for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program for the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions. He is certified as a nursing educator and a healthcare quality professional. He promotes nursing as a calling and advocates for the next generation of nursing professionals by teaching nursing as a ministry.

This nursing activity has been submitted to the Montana Nurses Association for approval to award contact hours. Montana Nurses Association is accredited with distinction as an approver of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To receive contact hours for this event, attendees must attend the entire event and submit a completed evaluation form.