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Our mission is to help patients achieve wellness and improved quality of life through the use of cannabinoids.
Here at Kaya Life, our patients come first. We offer one-of-a-kind patient education and application assistance to help you every step of the way. In addition to entry into the State Registry, we provide a full physician consultation plus personalized treatment recommendations so that all your questions are answered and all your needs met.
While many offices send patients out the door without much understanding of what to expect, we take the time to walk you through the process so that you are confident and ready.
When you leave our office, you can expect to have the application for your medical marijuana card complete, and be well on your way towards an improved quality of life through the use of medical cannabis.
“At Kaya Life, we take care of real patients with real problems with real medicine.” -- Dr. Stephanie Johnson
Times are changing. What was once regarded as the most scrutinized and taboo subjects has rightfully earned its spotlight as one of the most dynamic and exciting fields in modern medicine.
As more and more people are turning to medical marijuana and finding natural relief from symptoms of chronic and serious illness, we are finally breaking down the barriers and stigmas surrounding the plant.
Here at Kaya Life, we are honored and proud to help lead the charge. Our team of experienced clinicians and knowledgeable staff are committed to providing Pensacola, Miramar Beach, Marianna, Panama City, and Gulfport residents with a medical marijuana resource for information and treatment on a wide variety of ailments, as well as compassion, dignity, and a commitment to patient satisfaction.
Kaya Life is the first Cannabis Physician Office to open in the Panhandle of Florida. Our first consultation was just 27 days after voters approved The Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative, also known as Amendment 2, on November 8, 2016. Our mission is to help you and your loved ones find your wellness and improve your quality of life through the use of Medical Marijuana.
If you’re living with a long-term disease or coping with serious side effects from treatment, don’t hesitate to call and find out what medical marijuana can do to improve your quality of life. The friendly staff at Kaya Life is ready to take your call, or you can make an appointment online with the scheduling tool.
There are many qualifying conditions and related conditions that qualify a patient for a physician’s recommendation. The conditions vary state by state. Every day, people who are suffering look for relief from their pain and distress by searching online for “medical marijuana near me” and “medical card doctor near me,” and they find our website.
Our compassionate doctors and supportive staff members at Kaya Life are here to ensure that you not only get the recommendation you need, but we also walk you through the entire process of applying for your Florida or Mississippi medical marijuana card and provide follow-up care.
A patient must have a qualifying condition or one that is similar to be certified. For example, PTSD is a qualifying condition In Florida, but anxiety, depression, insomnia, and bipolar disorder are similar conditions that may also qualify.
The population of self-medicating users, or so-called “recreational users” should not be neglected, because they are self-medicating from conditions that may not yet be diagnosed, or they wouldn’t be using CBD and THC products. More and more, ordinary folks who are suffering from qualifying conditions want to know how to have legal access and how to get their medical ID card.
Every day, tens of thousands of people across the United States are googling search terms such “cancer CBD, epilepsy CBD, medical marijuana for PTSD, medical marijuana for glaucoma, medical marijuana for MS, and pain management marijuana” to find relief from their debilitating symptoms. The links below will inform you about how our Kaya Life physicians recommend cannabinoids in treating some of these chronic illnesses.
"We provide consultations to patients and teach them how medical marijuana will help with their condition, what to expect, where to go, what to buy, how to take it. We also help them with the state application process for registration and obtaining their medical marijuana card. And we provide reminders for their renewals and follow-up appointments. We care about our patients. Our patients come first."
-- Dr. Stephanie Johnson, Founder and practicing physician at Kaya Life
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Kaya Life’s founding physician and owner, Dr. Stephanie Johnson, practiced medicine for 15 years as an ER doctor. An activist saving lives from the opioid epidemic in the U.S., she opened the very first Florida Panhandle medicinal cannabis clinic in 2016.
Beloved by her patients at Kaya Life, Dr. Robin Zarate, is a specialist in internal and geriatric medicine, going above and beyond with house calls and genuine compassionate care.
A selfless 16-year primary care physician in rural communities and urgent care, Dr. Steele, is an enthusiastic and valuable member of the Kaya Life team of medical professionals treating chronic diseases.
Dr. Alan Woolery, joined the Kaya Life clinics with over 40 years of experience in internal and geriatric medicine, President of the Georgia Medical Board of Medicine, and a 1996 Olympic Games physician.
Read more about our physicians’ biographies and qualifications:
Dr. Stephanie Johnson: “The processes at Kaya Life are patient-centric. Imagine your grandmother with arthritis or cancer or MS who thinks MMJ is taboo or illegal, and would never use it. We understand her concerns, teach her all about the benefits of medical marijuana in her treatment protocol and about the changing laws. After finding relief from her symptoms, the next thing you know, she brings in her friends who have qualifying conditions to also get treatment. We provide follow-up care and education, unlike other local clinics. In fact, my largest expense is for non-clinical staff to help take care of patients beyond the physician certification."
Mixing cannabis and alcohol amplifies risks like nausea, cognitive issues, and anxiety. Separating use is safer. Medical cannabis can manage symptoms effectively, reducing the need for alcohol as a coping tool, thus promoting healthier habits.
Cannabis can aid mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD by regulating mood and reducing stress. Best methods include tinctures, vaporization, & CBD-rich products. Combining THC/CBD also offers effective symptom relief.
Taking a tolerance break from cannabis helps reset your body's cannabinoid receptors, restoring its effectiveness. After the break, reintroduce cannabis slowly to maximize therapeutic benefits. Ratio-based products can enhance the therapeutic effects.
"Wonderful doctors and very knowledgeable staff. Highly recommend Kaya Life for those looking for a new Medical Cannabis Physician!"
"they showed great patience with my questions, didn't rush my time with the doctor, provided care on a truly personal level. They made me feel I was their top priority"
"Great doctor! Very professional, straightforward, and concerned with my wellbeing as a patient! During COVID even!!"
"Dr. Zarate was very helpful to me and my mom, huge thanks to her and lacy in the front for helping make my life all the better lo these many months of quarantine."
"Dr Johnson is extremely helpful and caring. She spent a significant amount of time with me to explain the process and review my options."
"Dr Zarate was attentive and listened to my concerns and offered possible suggestions to products that might be more suitable to me."
"Outstanding, friendly and HELPFUL staff!! A truly pleasant and informative experience all around! Would truly recommend Kaya to anyone!!! They made it SO easy!"
"Dr. Zarate listened closely to my Parkinson’s Disease story, my pain and stiffness issues, then diagnosed me properly and recommended the right types of treatment."
"This was so much more than I had hoped for. Educational, fun,and easy to say the least. Everything was perfect and the staff was very professional and well spoken"
"They are always very helpful and proficient in what they do. They always answer all my questions and always great to see. Keep up the GREAT work"
Our clinic is located in South Walton County’s stunning Emerald Coast, where residents enjoy upscale dining and luxury beach houses...Read more
Our patients find relief from their symptoms at our popular clinic framed by the natural beauty of sand, sea, wildlife and a sporting lifestyle...Read more
Raise your quality of life with regular consultation and care from our doctors in the “City of Five Flags,” known for its temperate climate and miles of beaches...Read more
Pain control is the most commonly reported use of medical cannabis in the United States, especially the symptoms of chronic pain experienced in patients of advanced age. Additionally, there is extensive use of CBD to relieve PTSD, insomnia, anxiety, spasticity, and epilepsy.
Both THC and CBD, along with more than 100 active components found in the cannabis plant, are usually non-addictive and clearly preferable to treatment with opiates. When patients suffer from kidney ailments, ulcers, or GERD and cannot tolerate NSAIDS, such as Aleve or Advil, prescriptions for MMJ can be safely used. It can greatly ease the pain associated with MS and the tremors of Parkinson’s Disease when there are few other options.
Consult the list of qualifying conditions and their associated ailments and talk with your doctor to see if your problem responds well to therapy with CBD and/or THC medications.
Yes, the Florida Board of Medicine allows medicinal use of marijuana by Florida residents and seasonal residents when certified by a qualified physician licensed to practice in the State of Florida.
To qualify for a Florida medical marijuana card, an FL resident or a seasonal resident first needs to be diagnosed with one of the conditions on Florida’s list of chronic medical and debilitating conditions eligible for cannabinoid treatment.
With a Physician Certification signed by a local MMJ physician, a patient is eligible to obtain a medical marijuana card and can patronize dispensaries to purchase various products for treatment
Kaya Life helps qualified patients every step of the way in obtaining a Florida medical ID card, including issuing a Physician Certification, so they can get certified by the OMMU for legal use related to their condition. These certifications are good for up to 210 days and include the initial visit and three 70-day refills. With your Florida MedCard, you may purchase a variety of cannabis products.
OMMU stands for the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. If you’re submitting your application for approval for your ID card by post, it usually takes about 2½ weeks, including time for postal delivery. You may also apply online, which takes about 10 business days. Our physicians and staff members are always available to assist you with your application process. There are different requirements for residents who possess a Florida driving license and seasonal residents without one for obtaining OMMU approval. You can find the OMMU Florida Login and additional information on their website.
While we are not a dispensary, people looking for one to purchase their medication can find a list of Florida cannabis dispensaries on our website of dispensaries that are close to our three physicians’ offices in the Florida Panhandle. This list includes the dispensaries’ addresses, phone numbers, hours, and other details.
