Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RDN, FAND
My recent intern from California State University, San Bernardino, Brad Watts really had not been exposed to dietetic careers outside clinical or public health. I suggested he speak with a trail blazer in our profession who is a media influencer, author and most recently Holistic Cannabis Practitioner….you know who I’m talking about….none other than the fabulous Janice Bissex, MS, RDN, FAND!
Brad Watts: I enjoyed looking at your original recipes on your website, especially the Grab & Go Granola Bars. With so many dietitians doing recipe development now, what are a couple of tips for someone wanting to create recipes (and food photography) that will capture public attention?
Janice Bissex: Making food taste and look good is important. But perfect-looking photos may be intimidating to the average consumer. There is a “happy medium” between too much effort and not enough. Natural lighting is almost always the best choice in food photography, and you can get good results with your smartphone. There is so much technology now that makes photography and editing much easier than it was 10-15 years ago. Try to add a bit of flair to your food photos but keep it simple. With practice anyone can learn to take decent food photos.
BW: You know the saying “hindsight is 2020”….what is one thing you would had done differently as an early career RD?
JB: I would have pursued a Master’s Degree in Integrative and Functional Medicine or Nutrition Communications instead of Clinical Dietetics. Back then, advisors emphasized clinical because it was one of the only education pathways. One thing that I have been successful in throughout my career is networking, volunteering, and being supportive of colleagues. I advise all my students and interns to get involved and network! These connections will be important as you proceed through your career.
BW: What has been the most challenging part about your current job as a Holistic Cannabis Practitioner? Did you receive any feedback (positive or negative) from going into this fairly new area of Integrative and Functional Medicine as related to dietetics?
Stigma around cannabis is huge. I get this since I didn’t believe that cannabis was medicine until my dad found relief from his severe pain using cannabis -- without the grogginess and constipation caused by his standard pain medications. When a dietitian moves “outside” of the traditional scope of practice and into something that’s relatively new, other RDNs may be skeptical because they don’t have the education or understanding of the science behind this plant medicine. When I “came out” with my Jannabis Wellness business I got some pushback from colleagues.
I believe that RDNs are well positioned to help clients navigate the often-confusing medical cannabis space. After all, we already recommend green leafy vegetables and plant-based diets to our clients! Teaching cannabis therapy online at John Patrick University as part of the Cannabinoid Medical Sciences concentration in the MS in Integrative & Functional Medicine program has allowed me to educate fellow healthcare professionals in this evolving field.
BW: What is the most promising use of CBD as shown by current research? Can you share any success stories from one of your clients that have used your products?
JB: Decreasing anxiety and pain are probably the most common/promising uses for CBD. It can also be useful for insomnia, IBD/IBS, autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, ADHD, and other conditions as well. In spite of what many people think there is quite a bit of research on CBD for a wide variety of conditions (resources on website). CBD does not work for everyone or for every condition but I have seen life-changing improvements in my clients. One case is a young man who suffered from over a decade of IBS and anxiety who was able to wean off his Klonopin and manage his symptoms with CBD. So many clients report that CBD “takes the edge off” their anxiety and pain and improves their quality of life. It’s the most rewarding work I have ever done.
BW: You have a gorgeous kitchen! What are a few staples you must always have on hand?
JB: I always have canned beans, tuna, and salmon, nuts, frozen vegetables, yogurt, eggs, cheese, pasta, and dried and frozen fruits. And always dark chocolate. I love convenience foods that are quick and easy to prepare and tell clients, “convenience food” doesn’t necessarily mean unhealthy.
Learn more about:
Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RDN, FAND
Holistic Cannabis Practitioner
Co-Program Director, Cannabinoid Medical Sciences
John Patrick University School of Integrative & Functional Medicine
Check out her new book:
Simple Guide to CBD
JannabisWellness.com
IG: @janicebissex
Brad Watts, Intern at California State University, San Bernardino