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Kala Knudslien

Kala Knudslien (2)

Kala graduated from Grant MacEwan University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2012. Since then, she has worked in homecare as a case manager, as a university clinical instructor and as a triage nurse in the emergency room. After obtaining her medical cannabis documents and effectively treating her insomnia and anxiety (with no side effects), she knew she wanted to become an advocate for this plant as medicine and absolutely fell in love with the research. Cannabis gave Kala her life back and she wants to help others experience what she has. As debilitating as her experiences with insomnia were, Kala is forever grateful for them. She was introduced to the incredible healing powers of cannabis, which not only gave her freedom from sleeplessness, but helped launch The Cannabis Nurses + Co.

What happens when the medical cannabis system veterans depend on becomes more expensive, less accessible, and increasingly disconnected from their needs? In Part 2 of this candid conversation, veterans Rob Sipes and Natalie Forcier—joined by cannabis nurse Kala Knudslien—explore how education, professional guidance, and intentional cannabis use can help veterans manage PTSD-related sleep disturbances, chronic pain, and inflammation. Rob shares how he incorporates CBD, THC edibles, and topical cannabis into a carefully structured routine while living with serious medical challenges, including hemodialysis, neuropathy, two lung conditions, oxygen therapy, and a complex medication regimen. His experience reinforces one of the episode’s most important messages: veterans using medical cannabis, especially alongside multiple prescription medications, benefit from individualized assessment, ongoing follow-up, and knowledgeable healthcare support. The conversation also examines Veterans Affairs Canada cannabis reimbursement limits, the potential relationship between medical cannabis, and polypharmacy, and the widening gap between Canada’s medical and recreational cannabis markets. As recreational producers increasingly prioritize high-THC products, Kirk and Trevor ask whether veterans and other medical patients are losing access to consistent CBD-rich formulations, balanced cannabinoid products, and the clinical guidance needed to use them safely and effectively. This episode is a thoughtful, human look at medical cannabis for veterans—and a warning about what could be lost if Canada’s medical cannabis system continues to shrink. Listen now to hear Rob and Natalie’s stories and learn why cannabis education, professional support and reliable access remain essential parts of veteran care.

 What happens when veterans turn to medical cannabis after conventional treatments leave them exhausted, foggy or still unable to sleep? Former Canadian Armed Forces medics Natalie Forcier and Rob Sipes share how PTSD, chronic pain, anxiety, nightmares, and service-related injuries shaped their journeys with medicinal cannabis. Together with cannabis nurse Kala Knudslien, Natalie and Rob discuss administration routes like cannabis gummies, oils, creams, and other non-inhaled products. Then they get into how various cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, CBG, and lower-dose THC, cannabis tolerance effect their individualized care. Natalie also explains how non-intoxicating cannabis topicals can help cautious veterans and first responders reconsider medical cannabis as a pain-management option. The conversation also examines Veterans Affairs Canada cannabis coverage, including the three-gram daily limit, reimbursement reductions and the widening gap between recreational and medical cannabis prices. It raises important questions about access, veteran advocacy and whether commercial interests are influencing Canada’s medical cannabis system. Listen now to hear two veterans speak candidly about PTSD, sleep, pain, cannabis education and the struggle to access the care and benefits they earned through service.