Baton Rouge area residents don’t have to look far to find relief from a wide range of debilitating conditions. Over the past five years, Capitol Wellness Solutions’ accessibility, convenience and exhaustive product knowledge have turned it into an indispensable resource for all ages and genders. Randy Mire, CEO and founder of the only dispensary in the area licensed to sell medical marijuana, says there’s a common misconception about the customers they serve. “You’re more likely to find a middle-aged female suffering from anxiety or sleeplessness, or a customer suffering from chronic pain, cancer, epilepsy or PTSD in my dispensaries,” Mire says. AT A GLANCE Top executives: Randy J. Mire, CEO & Founder Phone: 225.800.9420 Address: 8037 Picardy Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Website: capitolpharmacy.com Capitol Wellness Solutions has made accessibility its primary mission. In September, they added a second location at 1940 O’Neal Lane to complement their original location at 8037 Picardy Ave. and in June they’ll open a third location in what was previously Gold’s Gym at 17097 Airline Highway in Prairieville. At each store, trained and knowledgeable pharmacists are available to answer questions and provide guidance in choosing from a variety of marijuana products, including flower, edibles, metered dose inhalers, tinctures and topical creams. They can also help in selecting the right dosage. Those who don’t want to travel can get many of their questions answered through the website at capitolpharmacy.com. The online store contains details about each product, including the effects and symptoms they will alleviate, and it will soon incorporate an AI chatbot to walk customers through the selection process, based upon their individual needs and preferences. “Trained and knowledgeable pharmacists are available to provide guidance in choosing from a variety of marijuana products, including flower, edibles, metered dose inhalers, tinctures and topical creams.” Through the website, patients can also: Choose a qualified physician from an online list, as well as find physicians who accept free “med cards.” Schedule a 10-minute telehealth appointment to qualify as a patient. They simply select the “Get Started” tab under their chosen medical professional and fill out the requested information to schedule a quick consultation. Choose the products that fit their needs. Their recommendations are then faxed or e-scribed by the prescriber directly to Capitol Wellness Solutions. Once they’re qualified by a doc tor, patients can then access Capitol Wellness Solutions’ online ordering system where they can select products, pay online and schedule pickup or free delivery. Of course, customers can also stop by the dispensary to speak to a pharmacist, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The staff at Capitol Wellness Solutions are professional and efficient at every stage of the process. Patients who place their order, pay online and schedule their pick-up time can be in and out of the dispensary within one minute, and those who complete everything online (other than payment) can be in and out within two minutes. It’s not surprising that the dispensary has experienced phenomenal growth. Capitol Wellness Solutions’ business volume doubled with the opening of their second location last year—but at the end of the day, it’s not about the numbers. Mire and his staff share a common passion to bring much needed relief to a hurting community. ...read more read less