Inspiring Conversations with Dr. Demetria Bates of Bates Virtual Health & Consultants

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Demetria Bates.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My interest in healthcare started when I graduated high school and started my first job working in a medical clinic as a front desk receptionist in Virginia. From there, I joined the United States Army Reserves as a Combat Medic equivalent to an EMT and served 8 years, ending my career as a Sergeant. I continued to pursue my career in healthcare by becoming a Registered Nurse, but the education did not stop there. I decided to go back to nursing school and received a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Family Nurse Practitioner degree in 2018. By this point, I gained experience in chronic care management, nephrology, and weight management. I enjoyed providing care to adults and geriatric patients; however, like many, the tumultuous events of the 2020 pandemic brought unexpected challenges. The closure of the medical practice where I worked was an emotional moment of reflection and transition. In the face of uncertainty, I found the courage to turn adversity into opportunity. I was devastated. It was this pause in life that allowed me to realize if I worked for myself, then no one could ever take my job away from me again, and Bates Virtual Health & Consultants, LLC was established in January 2021. It was the best decision of my life. Bates Virtual Health & Consultants, LLC is a telehealth practice that provides cannabis consultations and Medical Card services for Virginia residents. But why cannabis medicine, you might ask? Through years of clinical practice, I witnessed the limitations and adverse effects of traditional treatments for common ailments such as sleeping difficulties, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Determined to offer a safer and more holistic alternative, I pursued further education and became a Certified Cannabis Educator and Health Coach through the Cannabis Coaching Institute, all while relocating to Greensboro, NC. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road, and there continue to be bumps, potholes, and other obstacles that are trying their best to hinder my success, but that will not stop me. 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. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
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. 

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. 

Whether you are seeking guidance on integrating cannabis into your wellness routine, navigating the complexities of medical cannabis laws, or simply seeking evidence-based educational resources, Bates Virtual Health & Consultants, LLC is here to support you every step of the way. Our services transcend traditional Western medicine; we offer a holistic approach to cannabis medicine that prioritizes your well-being above all else. 

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support of my wife, family, friends, and colleagues, who have been my pillars of strength and encouragement throughout my journey and the driving force behind my perseverance through the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. The Cannabis Coaching Institute has played a vital role in shaping my expertise in cannabis medicine, and I am grateful for the invaluable foundation they have provided me. I cannot overlook my clients, whose trust and faith in my expertise have been the cornerstone of our success. The feedback, testimonials, and continued patronage serve as a constant reminder of the impact our services have on their lives and well-being. I must also recognize the support offered by the Effective Cannabis Newsletter. Through their platform, I have had the opportunity to contribute articles and share insights on cannabis medicine. The organization has played a crucial part in amplifying my voice and expanding my reach by connecting with a broader audience of like-minded individuals and professionals enthusiastic about cannabis education and advocacy. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.batesvirtualhealth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/batesvirtualhealth.cannacoach/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/batesvirtualhealth
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demetria-bates-dnp-fnp-bc-aab93298/
• Other: https://www.effectivenewsletter.com/demetria-bates-landing-page

Image Credits
Carl Ward Photography
Anthony Henderson