Russel Draffen is a cannabis and hemp processing specialist that focuses on advancing current cannabis processes, final product formulations, research and development, and customized laboratory build outs. Russel knows the medicinal benefits cannabis has to offer and has dedicated his career to advancing cannabinoid science.

Russel has worked for Evonik Industries, a large international chemical producer in Mapleton, IL, where he was able to be extensively trained by tenured experienced Chemists on developing methods for laboratory analytic equipment, scaling process reactions at the R & D level, and for quality assurance and research purposes.  He was also trained in Industrial chemical processes, first aid trained and certified, and Pro-board-certified Industrial firefighter I.  He added value to the team by improving current laboratory procedures, setting up new laboratory equipment, maintaining analytical equipment, and converting their old Gas Chromatography integrators to updated efficient software, and building new methods for new products that were created from Research and Development.

Revolution Enterprises is where Russel began his career in medical cannabis processing at Delavan, IL. Here he was able to fully develop his passion for medicinal cannabis and witness the medicinal benefits through all the customer and patient response from the products developed. At Revolution he helped finish out the initial laboratory buildout, developing the core laboratory operating processes, and creating the product formulations that are still successful today. His passion for developing products that effectively increase people’s quality of life, made him a valuable member and leader to the Revolution team.

Continuing his cannabis journey, Russel joined Sea Hunter Therapeutics, later merging to TILT holdings, where he was brought on as Sea Hunters and Commonwealth Alternative Care’s Laboratory Director located in Taunton, MA. Russel was able to help finish out the laboratory build and develop core operating procedures still successful today. While here he pushed the current limits of cannabis processing and post processing and grew what was the current World’s largest THCA crystal. (https://www.commonwealthaltcare.org/cannabis-news/2019/9/15/learn-more-about-the-worlds-largest-thca-crystal).

Russel Draffen holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Illinois State University.