Orthodox Union Certifies Medical Marijuana Products, Deem Their Use a 'Mitzvah'

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In July 2014, five companies were awarded licenses by the New York State Health Department to grow and sell marijuana in the state, and in New York City. One of them, a Minneapolis-based company called Vireo Health, which produces “pharmaceutical-grade cannabis-derived medicine,” announced Wednesday that all of its products had received kosher certification from the Orthodox Union. Vireo’s pot products—intended by law for use by patients who suffer from a variety of serious illnesses, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and HIV/AIDS, among many others—are apparently the first to have the “OU” trademark attached to it.

That kief, intended to alleviate pain and suffering? It’s kosher. Apparently it’s a mitzvah, too:

In Vireo’s announcement, the CEO of OU Kosher, Rabbi Menachem Genack, said: “Judaism prioritizes health and encourages the use of medicine designed to improve one’s health or reduce pain. Using medical cannabis products recommended by a...

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