Meet Dr. Demetria Bates | Doctoral-Prepared Nurse Practitioner & Certified Cannabis Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Demetria Bates and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Demetria, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
At Bates Virtual Health & Consultants, LLC, we enhance community health and well-being by offering comprehensive cannabis education and accessible medical cannabis evaluations. As a nurse practitioner and certified cannabis educator, I empower Virginia residents with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health. Our educational consultations demystify the therapeutic potential of cannabis, addressing its benefits, appropriate usage, and safety considerations. Additionally, by providing medical cannabis card evaluations, we facilitate legal and safe access to cannabis for those who can benefit from its medicinal properties. This dual approach not only helps individuals manage their health conditions more effectively but also promotes a broader understanding and acceptance of medical cannabis within the community, contributing to a healthier and more informed society.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Bates Virtual Health & Consultants, LLC is a cannabis medicine practice dedicated to empowering individuals seeking holistic approaches to achieve optimal well-being through a safe environment built on compassion, empathy, and respect. The organization’s mission is to provide evidence-based cannabis education and fostering awareness and safety through advocacy. Our services include a transformative 8-week Reframing Cannabis Program, comprehensive cannabis education, medical cannabis evaluations, health coaching, speaking engagements, and specialized educational workshops. My expertise lies in helping individuals understand the therapeutic benefits, risks, consumption methods, dosing, and how cannabis can be integrated into daily routines for wellness.

As a trailblazer in the cannabis industry, particularly within healthcare, I acknowledge the unique challenges that accompany this pioneering path. Knowing that cannabis is illegal at the federal level leaves cause for concern about jeopardizing my federal DEA license as a practitioner even though medical cannabis is legal in Virginia. Unlike businesses in low to moderate-risk sectors, obtaining funding for growth is challenging in the cannabis industry. Attempting to secure small business loans or credit card processing proves to be an uphill battle, with rejections often stemming from the mere mention of cannabis on my website. Social media further compounds these challenges. Social media platforms have strict policies against cannabis-related content, leading to shadow banning or removal of my posts and videos, which makes educating and marketing challenging. I am walking in my purpose as Dr. Demetria Bates, DNP, FNP-BC, a cannabis nurse practitioner, and consultant no matter what!!! Cannabis is medicine that provides therapeutic benefits for those seeking natural holistic approaches to health and wellness.

What sets us apart is our unique offering of the 8-Week Reframing Cannabis Program, meticulously designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to harness cannabis as a therapeutic tool for enhancing overall well-being. Drawing upon my expertise as a Registered Nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner, I offer a holistic perspective on health and wellness, integrating cannabis into a broader framework of comprehensive care.

I take pride in our brand’s unwavering commitment to empowering individuals to take control of their health journey through education and advocacy. By destigmatizing cannabis and promoting its medicinal benefits in a responsible and informed manner, we aim to be more than just service providers—we aspire to be trusted partners in our client’s health and wellness journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Greensboro for a week, I’d ensure they have an unforgettable experience by planning an exciting and diverse itinerary. We’d start with brunch at Dame’s Chicken & Waffles, indulging in a Southern classic. Afterward, we’d visit the International Civil Rights Center & Museum to learn about Greensboro’s significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. A stroll through LeBauer Park would provide a relaxing afternoon with its vibrant outdoor space. Throughout the week, we’d explore the Bog Garden and Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden for some serene nature walks. Dining options would include the eclectic Crafted – The Art of the Taco, the farm-to-table experience at Print Works Bistro, and the upscale ambiance of Green Valley Grill. Evenings would be spent enjoying craft cocktails at 1618 Midtown. Shopping at Friendly Center and exploring the historic architecture of the Greensboro Arboretum would round out our activities. This blend of dining, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities would make for an exciting and memorable week in Greensboro.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to thank Cannabis Coaching Institute for helping me understand cannabis science and therapeutic benefits. The Effective Cannabis Newsletter for giving me a platform to share cannabis education. Most of all, I have to shoutout my biggest supporter, my wife. Thank you.

Instagram: @cannaqueeriousnp

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CannaQueeriousPodcast

Other: https://redcircle.com/shows/99c7489b-9be9-4be8-9e5e-e0b72f4147ab

Image Credits
Carl Ward Photography