Kosher Pot May Be Coming Soon

Useful news: The Orthodox Union is working on putting a kosher stamp on medicinal pot.

Time reports via The Jewish Daily Forward that the organization is currently in talks with “parties interested in offering kosher medical marijuana products”:

In the past, the Orthodox Union has refused to certify cigarettes and e-cigarettes due to their clear health risks, but Rabbi Moshe Elefant, who leads kosher certification at the Orthodox Union, said it “would not have a problem” certifying medical marijuana since it has health benefits.

Good? As with the rest of America, there’s still pushback against overall marijuana use in the Jewish community. The Forward explains:

Although Orthodox rabbis appear to have accepted the medical benefits of cannabis, they remain much more cautious about recreational marijuana. Most Orthodox rabbis say it’s strictly prohibited.

Such a view marks a clear divide between Orthodox Jewry and progressive Jews who support across-the-board regulation of pot.

The fact that Jewish leaders are open to the idea of giving medical marijuana the OK is a step forward, regardless. Time also points out that while you might think the kosher label is a given since marijuana is a plant, it’s more for “other forms like edible substances and capsules.”