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Arkansas Pharmacy Owner Combines Drugs and Guns in Unique Store
John Lykins runs Lowell Pharmacy, which sells both prescription medications and firearms under one roof.
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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John Lykins, a licensed pharmacist in Lowell, Arkansas, has been operating his drug store Lowell Pharmacy since 2003. In 2008, he obtained a federal firearms license and began selling guns alongside his pharmacy products. Lykins' store offers a wide range of items, from prescription medications to rifles and handguns, as well as a snack counter and gunsmithing services. The store has become a popular destination for locals looking to purchase both drugs and firearms.
Why it matters
Lykins' business model highlights the unique intersection of the pharmaceutical and firearms industries in some parts of the United States. While the combination of drugs and guns may raise concerns about public safety, Lykins argues that his store provides a convenient one-stop-shop for his community's needs, including a program that allows veterans to temporarily store their weapons if they are experiencing mental health issues.
The details
Lykins started selling guns at his pharmacy in 2008 after purchasing a surplus of Glock pistols from an FBI auction. Since then, his store has expanded to offer a wide variety of rifles and handguns, with the Sig Sauer 365 being the biggest seller. Customers must be at least 18 years old to purchase long guns and 21 years old to buy handguns, and they must undergo a background check before any sale. Lykins also operates a program called The Armory Project, which allows veterans experiencing mental health issues to temporarily store their weapons with him for free until they are deemed ready to handle them again.
- Lykins has operated Lowell Pharmacy since 2003.
- Lykins obtained his federal firearms license in 2008.
- Lykins started selling guns at his pharmacy in 2008 after purchasing surplus Glock pistols from an FBI auction.
The players
John Lykins
A licensed pharmacist who owns and operates Lowell Pharmacy, a drug store in Lowell, Arkansas that also sells firearms.
The Armory Project
A program run by Lykins that allows veterans experiencing mental health issues to temporarily store their weapons with him for free until they are deemed ready to handle them again.
What they’re saying
“It started when I bought 100 surplus Glock pistols from an FBI auction. Then it took off from there. I've got a large supply of rifles and hand guns.”
— John Lykins, Pharmacy Owner (New York Post)
“To buy a long gun, a person must be 18 years of age and show valid ID. They fill out a form, and we send it to the FBI to check for any prior criminal activity.”
— John Lykins, Pharmacy Owner (New York Post)
What’s next
Lykins plans to continue expanding his product offerings at Lowell Pharmacy, potentially adding more firearms and related accessories to meet the demands of his local customer base.
The takeaway
Lykins' unique business model highlights the blurred lines between the pharmaceutical and firearms industries in parts of the United States, raising questions about public safety and the role of community-based businesses in providing access to both necessary medications and potentially dangerous weapons.
