Orthodox Rabbi Says Medical Marijuana Use Is "Kosher," Warns Against Use For "Pleasure"

Jerusalem - Israeli Orthodox Rabbi and author of a book on alcohol and drug use in Judaism, Efraim Zelmanovich has issued a ruling stating that the use of marijuana for medical purposes, and when prescribed by a doctor, is kosher, while sternly warning that marijuana use for “pleasure” is strictly forbidden.

NRG.co.il Reports that Zelmanovich went on to say that use of medical marijuana as a last resort, when all other medications fail, is a “mitzvah.”

Zelmanovich’s approach to the use of analgesics was altered after Rabbi doctors ultimately consented to administer morphine to his dying mother as a last resort to ease her suffering.

Zelmanovich explained his unconventional approach by saying that as he studies Torah, he he is trying to learn how to “behave,” and that includes expanding his interest in “social things,” and “how we can help ourselves.”

Rabbi Zelmanovich is calling on Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni to also issue explicit permission to use medical marijuana.

There are currently around 11,000 licensed medical marijuana patients in Israel.