Only two years after becoming fully operational, Puerto Rico Alchemy (also known as “PRA”) has cemented its position as Puerto Rico’s leading craft cannabis manufacturer. In 2021 and 2022 they won seven awards for best liquid and solid concentrate, best vape oil, and gummies. Located in the island’s northern coastal town of Barceloneta, PRA was founded in 2018 by two best friends, Rene V. Fernandez and Eric Mitchell, who met in college while pursuing degrees in engineering and bonded over their passion for cannabis and surfing. After graduation they both worked at the same construction engineering firm, where they met Paul Sherman, who later would become their cannabis consulting partner. Paul, also a cannabis enthusiast, decided to ride the green wave of cannabis and, in 2015, moved to Oregon to co-found Willamette Valley Alchemy. Years later, when medical cannabis became legal in Puerto Rico, Rene and Eric, knowing first-hand about the versatility and myriad of benefits that high-quality, full-spectrum cannabis extractions can provide to a wide range of patients, decided to leave their engineering careers, break open their piggy banks, and start PRA.
PRA’s mission is to provide patients access to leading sources of cannabinoids and, in the process, deliver something more than a product: an experience of well-being enhanced by the unique flavor and aroma of each strain. They achieve this by collaborating with the top cannabis growers on the island and meticulously selecting strains with an exceptional genetic lineup. Then, at PRA’s state-of-the-art hydrocarbon extraction lab, they use a proprietary blend of solvents to retain only the desired cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. The result is liquid gold with high ranges of THC and terpenes that is smooth and aromatic and, most importantly, free of any impurities. These processes, along with PRA’s commitment to excellence, are the recipe for their award-winning products.
Although PRA is a small company composed only of its founders, Rene and Eric, and four other employees, Adrian, Manuel, JJ, and Carlos, their zest for what they do is mighty. They respect the cannabis plant and recognize it as the star of the show. To that end, they do not use additives, fillers, or introduce any terpenes. Instead, they are mindful of keeping their products as organic as possible to highlight the authentic personality of the different strains. As Rene told us, “PRA is about crafting cannabis culture, not only through its products, but also through its mission. It is about quality. It is about the experience.”
