Liz Hughston, MEd., RVT, CVT, LVT, VTS (SAIM)(ECC)
Co-Founder, Veterinary Cannabinoid Academy
Liz has been lecturing and writing about veterinary cannabis use since 2016 and served as co-editor of Cannabis Therapy in Veterinary Medicine (published by Springer Nature in 2021). Liz also works as a cannabis consultant, helping pet parents use cannabis safely and effectively. You can book a consultation with Liz HERE.
Liz is dedicated to advancing veterinary technology through training, mentorship and support and wears many hats in the veterinary profession. She is the current President of the National Veterinary Professionals Union, an Administrator of the Not One More Vet Support Staff group, Credentialing Committee Chair of the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians, and an Editorial Advisory Board member of dvm360.
Stephen Niño Cital RVT, SRA, RLAT, CVPP, VTS-LAM (Res. Anesthesia)
Co-Founder, Veterinary Cannabinoid Academy
Stephen is a multi-credentialed Veterinary Technician Specialist with multiple credentials in the areas of anesthesia and pain management. He is employed as a Lab Manager by Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine in the Department of Neurobiology. In addition to conducting research and clinical work, Stephen is an award-winning international lecturer on anesthesia, pain management, cannabis, and best research practices. He is on the DVM360 Editorial Advisory Board, International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management Board, Executive Director of the Academy of Lab Animal Veterinary Technicians and Nurses and is a member of the Committee of Veterinary Technicians Specialties. Stephen has contributed to numerous textbooks, articles, and was a column coordinator for one of Nature's journals in addition to being the primary editor for a new veterinary cannabis textbook also published by Springer Nature.
Liz and Stephen were at the forefront of cannabis education at mainstream veterinary conferences. Prior to their efforts only one other individual had been speaking regularly on the topic, Dr. Robert Silver, who both Liz and Stephen consider a dear friend and colleague.
Previously Liz and Stephen served on the PhytoAnimal Health Scientific Advisory Committee together. Stephen was also the Director of Education and Development for ElleVet Sciences, as well as on their Scientific Advisory Committee.
While they both enjoyed their partnerships, they realized they are happier providing untethered information and product recommendations to veterinary professionals and pet parents. They are both private consultants with no brand affiliations.
In addition to cannabis education and clinical research, the two are involved in advocacy projects such as legislation in California, reviewers for veterinary association policy on cannabis use, and have even edited the Armed Forces policies on cannabinoid use in the military.
In 2017 the two created a Facebook group called "The Veterinary Cannabis Academy", which was then changed to "The Veterinary Cannabinoid Academy" for better representation of our discussions and evolving scientific evidence. The active Facebook group is for veterinary professionals only and boasts over 10k members.
