Residents in the Weaver Mountains are in for a treat on March 18. In just one short hour, Dr. Dana Lillestol will explain many benefits of CBD (cannobidiol, one of many ingredients found in cannabis). As a result of her wide research and experience (listed in detail below), Dr. Dana’s session will focus on three consistent problems for many in who were born in the baby-boomer generation. Her background should encourage those who may be skeptical or concerned about the rise in popularity of medical cannabis. Weaver Mountains Health Initiative is proud to host this session, held at the Yarnell Regional Community Center on WED. MARCH 18, 1 pm.
Dr. Dana Lillestol is a nationally respected educator and retired Family Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of clinical experience in Family and Internal Medicine. She holds a PhD in Clinical Nursing Research with a minor in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Throughout her career, she has combined academic leadership, patient care, and health education to improve lives through evidence-based, patient-centered approaches. Dr. Lillestol served as a Clinical Associate Professor at Arizona State University’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, where she led the Family Nurse Practitioner Program and mentored advanced practice nursing students. Her dedication to integrating teaching with clinical relevance made her a highly valued voice in nursing education.
RESEARCH & CLINICAL FOCUS Dr. Lillestol’s doctoral research explored the impact of perceived stress, time pressure, and belief systems on immune function in individuals living with chronic tension-type headaches. Her interdisciplinary focus on behavioral health and psychoneuroimmunology underscored the importance of treating the whole person—physically, emotionally, and cognitively—in the restoration of health. In her later clinical years, she founded and operated a private functional medicine practice, focusing on uncovering the root causes of illness. She used plant-based therapies, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions to help patients regain balance and reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals, particularly for chronic conditions commonly faced by older adults.
TRANSITION TO CANNABIS EDUCATION Frustrated by the limitations of conventional medicine and its focus on symptom management over wellness, Dr. Lillestol transitioned into the field of medical cannabis seven years ago. Since then, she has become a leading voice in cannabis education for older adults and caregivers, delivering presentations in communities for individuals aged 55 and above, senior living facilities, and professional organizations across Arizona. Though initially trained in addiction medicine and skeptical of cannabis use, her clinical experience and ongoing research led to a profound shift in perspective. Today, she is a strong advocate for the thoughtful, informed use of cannabis as a supportive tool in aging, chronic disease, and wellness care. As the Senior Education Advisor for Life Is Chill, Dr. Lillestol delivers engaging, science-driven presentations tailored to older adult populations. She focuses on demystifying cannabis, addressing stigma, and providing practical education around non-intoxicating cannabinoids, delivery methods, dosing considerations, and wellness integration. Lillestol believes in the power of education to transform how we approach health, particularly as we age. Her mission is to provide accessible, stigma-free information that empowers older adults to explore plant-based wellness with confidence and clarity.
WMHI encourages attendees to arrive early, as space is limited. Why not have lunch first at the Mid-Day Café first (chicken & dumplings with mashed potatoes) and then join many of your friends and neighbors in this engaging session on CBD.
