My UMSOP Story: Kadi Nail, MS ’22

Kadi Nail is a 2022 graduate of the MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics (MCST) program. She has been working in the nursing profession since 2009, and is currently a full-time nurse practitioner specializing in family practice. She also consults patients on medical cannabis and serves as a member of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority Advisory Board.

What interested you in pursuing graduate education about medical cannabis and therapeutics?

I worked as a nurse in Arizona, where many of my patients used medical marijuana. I became curious about how it helped improve their health conditions. This sparked my interest in studying cannabis and its therapeutic benefits.

What was your prior exposure to these topics? 

In 2018, I began self-studying and completed several cannabis certification programs before enrolling in the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy’s MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics (MCST) program in 2020.

What drew you to attend the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP)? 

Working in health care, I sought a comprehensive, science-based education program. The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy offers the first graduate program dedicated to medical cannabis. Their online platform enabled me to maintain my full-time job, care for my family, and finish my studies.

What was your experience like in the MS in MCST program?

I appreciated the program’s diversity, learning from my peers and their backgrounds. The community felt intimate, and the faculty support was unparalleled.

What were some of the highlights of the program for you? 

I appreciated the quality of education, the relationships and connections established, and the continuous support after graduation.

This continuous support includes the opportunity to attend monthly meetings with other alumni, staff and faculty, and current students. We receive updates about current job postings, opportunities to attend events at the University and the opportunity for connections within the cannabis community. The opportunity for continued education has been ongoing since graduation, with up-to-date research and current events frequently shared with alumni. The support has contributed to my personal and professional growth within the cannabis community.

How do you plan to apply your knowledge and skills from this program into practice? 

I am a full-time nurse practitioner at a bustling family practice office, and I also run my own medical consulting practice that helps patients navigate medical cannabis. Moreover, I am a member of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority Advisory Board. Elected by Governor Stitt, I am serving a four-year term as the patient representative for all Oklahomans.

How has the MCST program contributed to your career growth?

It has furthered my goals within the cannabis community, including my appointment to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority Advisory Board. I also practice medicine in the area of cannabis consulting and coaching, focusing on patient guidance education.

What is your advice to prospective students who might be considering whether to apply to this program? 

You’ll be pleased you chose this path! The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy has been instrumental in enhancing my medical practice as a health care provider, expanding my opportunities within the cannabis community, and providing ongoing support even after graduation.