—– Forwarded Message —–
From: bobby ardoin <rjardoin1956@gmail.com>
To: “tmamou19@aol.com” <tmamou19@aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 12:15:40 PM CDT
Subject: Apothecary Shoppe / Fred’s photos
Headline: Apothecary Shoppe Under Construction
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
The Apothecary Shoppe – a state-licensed medical marijuana dispensary – announced plans to open in Opelousas with a ceremonial Wednesday morning groundbreaking ceremony held at the Interstate 49 South Service Road location site.
Co-owner Blair Vidrine said he expects the 3,000-foot pharmacy to open sometime in July.
Vidrine told the attendees, which included state, parish and local officials, that medical marijuana at the shop will be distributed to patients with various types of debilitating conditions only after consultations and prescriptions issued by licensed physicians.
No age limit is required for patients who receive the products, Vidrine said.
The medical marijuana industry, Vidrine said, is growing due to the diversity of products.
Locating the Apothecary Shoppe is Opelousas provides patients with better access to products, according to Vidirine.
Vidrine and the Apothecary Shoppe ownership operates similar dispensary businesses in New Iberia and Lafayette.
Justin Fuselier, an Opelousas native, will be employed as the pharmacist at the Opelousas location, said Vidrine.
During a St. Landry Now.com interview, Vidrine explained that the Apothecary Shoppe is licensed to dispense medical marijuana for medical conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, inflammations and a variety of other medical conditions and emergencies.
Vidrine added that the business is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Health. LDH officials, Vidrine said, also oversee regulations for physicians and marijuana growers in the state.
On its website the Apothecary Shoppe advertises a variety of medical marijuana products that are dispensed in the form of flowers, pre-rolls, gummies, vaporizes, concentrates and edibles.
Mayor Julius Alsandor said the Apothecary Shoppe will be a place for providing needed products for area residents.
“This new business is important for our city and it shows that we are going to continue to grow. This is another step in positivity for Opelousas,” said Alsandor.
