Shawna Dunbar Takes Time 4 Hemp
Empowering the Future of Cannabis Through Education
Written by Casper Leitch
In the heart of Canada’s cannabis education movement is Shawna Dunbar, a trailblazing Certified Medical Cannabis Educator and Executive Director of EduCanNation. Dunbar’s journey from a concerned parent searching for alternatives to treat her son’s epilepsy, to a national leader in cannabis advocacy, is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
As a Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for EduCanNation, Shawna has dedicated her life to bridging the gap between science, policy, and public understanding of medical cannabis. Her work has helped demystify and destigmatize cannabis, especially for those who need it most, patients navigating cancer, epilepsy, chronic illness, and other life-altering diagnoses.
A Personal Journey Sparks a National Movement
Shawna’s introduction to cannabis was not through trend or hype, it was through desperation. Her son’s epilepsy led her down the rabbit hole of alternative treatments, where she encountered firsthand the harmful effects of misinformation, stigma, and a medical system unprepared to support families exploring cannabis-based options. Instead of giving in to frustration, she leaned into education.
Her personal mission evolved into a public calling in 2016 when she founded EduCanNation, a nonprofit organization committed to raising the bar for responsible cannabis education across Canada. In 2020, with like-minded visionaries Stacy Bobak and Stephanie Massey, Shawna officially launched Canada’s first and only Association of Certified Cannabis Educators.
Today, EduCanNation is recognized as a national leader in the cannabis education space. It champions evidence-based research, unbiased policies, and community empowerment—all grounded in respect for the cannabis plant as a holistic, medicinal ally.
Education as Harm Reduction
EduCanNation isn't just another advocacy group. It’s a movement designed to shift the narrative around medical marijuana and cannabis. The organization regularly hosts educational events, including Shawna’s impactful session “Cannabis for Cancer Harm Reduction,” where she breaks down safe, effective ways cannabis can support patients through treatment.
At its core, EduCanNation believes in responsible cannabis use. Their mission includes educating healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public on the science of medical cannabis, the importance of access to affordable, safe hemp products, and the need to end prohibitionist attitudes that prevent progress.
By engaging directly with Health Canada, EduCanNation has contributed to critical changes in national policy—particularly concerning the personal production of cannabis for medical purposes. Through public consultations and direct feedback, they’ve advocated for greater accessibility and equitable representation in cannabis regulations.
Championing Indigenous Sovereignty in Cannabis
One of EduCanNation’s most profound commitments is to the sovereign rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Shawna and her team believe these communities should have the autonomy to lead self-determining cannabis economies, something that is often overlooked in federal cannabis policy.
By including Indigenous voices in educational frameworks and policy discussions, EduCanNation is ensuring that Canada’s cannabis future is inclusive, just, and culturally respectful.
Hempcrete, Solar Power, and a Vision for Sustainable Living
Shawna’s activism doesn’t end with medical cannabis. In fact, her passion for sustainability led her and her husband to build a multi-generational, solar-powered, hempcrete dream home on 11 acres of forested land. Their goal? To live in harmony with nature, free from the grip of over-development and pollution.
This off-grid home is more than a sanctuary, it’s a living example of what’s possible when innovation meets intention. Her Eco-conscious build has inspired others across Canada and beyond to reimagine their living environments using natural materials like hempcrete, a carbon-negative building material made from hemp.
Through this experience, Shawna began consulting on sustainable building projects and collaborating with the Canadian Cannabis Tourism Alliance to promote green living and hemp-based solutions. She now has a key role in a Hemp Task Force working on a government-backed carbon reduction project focused on hemp sustainability.
Building a Future of Informed Freedom
Shawna Dunbar is not just an educator, she’s an ecosystem builder. From her work on cannabis harm reduction to her commitment to environmental stewardship, she is setting a gold standard for what it means to live in alignment with truth, health, and freedom.
Her mission is clear: to ensure everyone has access to credible cannabis education and the right to make informed decisions about their health and way of living. Whether you're a patient seeking relief, a policymaker looking to understand the cannabis landscape, or an activist working to end global hemp prohibition, Shawna’s work lights the path forward.
EduCanNation and its fearless Executive Director remind us all that the future of cannabis is not just about legalization, it’s about liberation through knowledge, sustainability, and unity.
