Don E. Wirtshafter
Strategic Advisor
An attorney, entrepreneur, and historical preservationist whose career has spanned more than four decades in the development of the industrial hemp and medical cannabis industries.
During the formative years of the modern medical-cannabis industry, Mr. Wirtshafter helped facilitate relationships connected to the early development of GW Pharmaceuticals, whose research ultimately led to Epidiolex®, the first FDA-approved cannabidiol medicine, and whose success culminated in its acquisition by Jazz Pharmaceuticals in a transaction valued at approximately $7.2 billion.
Over five decades he has assembled and preserved rare books, antique apothecary bottles, manuscripts, scientific publications, legal documents, photographs, trade catalogs, pharmaceutical materials, medical instruments and historical ephemera spanning botanical medicine, pharmaceutical development, agriculture, science, law, commerce and public policy from the seventeenth century through the modern era.
The Wirtshafter Collection serves as the archival foundation of Ars Medica Archives, where he leads its stewardship and historical direction. As Strategic Advisor to HyGyHya, he provides mentorship, strategic introductions, relationship development, and industry guidance.
Don E. Wirtshafter
Strategic Advisor
Questions about Don E. Wirtshafter
Don E. Wirtshafter serves as Strategic Advisor to HyGyHya Global Industries, providing mentorship, strategic introductions, relationship development, and industry guidance to support the company's growth and long-term development.
Mr. Wirtshafter is an attorney, entrepreneur, and historical preservationist whose career has spanned more than four decades in the industrial hemp and medical cannabis industries. He is a longtime member of the International Cannabinoid Research Society, with more than thirty years of involvement.
It is one of the most significant private global collections documenting the history of botanical medicine, hemp, cannabis, pharmaceuticals, law, science, commerce, public policy, and prohibition. It serves as the archival foundation of Ars Medica Archives, where Mr. Wirtshafter leads its stewardship and historical direction.