Medical Marijuana Is Kosher, Says Rabbi

Medical Marijuana in Israel
A nursing homne resident smokes medical marijuana in Kibbutz Naan, Israel. (Getty Images)

An Orthodox rabbi in Israel has declared the use of medical marijuana both "kosher" and a "mitzvah." The Hebrew word "mitzvah" means a "meritorious or charitable act."

Efraim Zalmanovich, a rabbi from near Tel Aviv, also stated that “taking drugs to escape this world in any excessive way is certainly forbidden.” But the medical use of marijuana is different because it relieves pain and offers solace for many conditions. More than 11,000 Israelis has access to medical pot, which is provided in pharmacies by the government.

Steve Bloom

Steve Bloom

Publisher of CelebStoner.com, former editor of High Times and Freedom Leaf and co-author of Pot Culture and Reefer Movie Madness.