Over the past two years, plant-based food consumption has grown by 49% across the EU, reaching a total sales volume of €3.6 billion.
Why does medical marijuana need kosher certification?
2025-05-15
Many years ago, when Coor beer received OU kosher certification, many argued that beer itself was kosher and didn't need certification. The same controversy also applies to water and other uncertified products. The latest controversy is the OU's recent kosher certification of medical marijuana. Previously, some argued that medical marijuana was no different from other non-kosher medications used to treat patients. I've long understood that even the most benign products, like water, require certification due to the complex processes involved in modern mass production. Furthermore, if many people strive to ensure that all their food is kosher, why not provide kosher certification? This is especially true if manufacturers are using kosher certification as a marketing tool. Might there be people who adhere to Jewish dietary laws and are seriously ill and need kosher-certified marijuana to alleviate their pain? In recent years, many over-the-counter medications have become kosher-certified. Wouldn't it be better for all medications to be kosher?
The first reaction of those who see kosher labels on food packaging is ridicule, believing such products do not need kosher certification and are a disservice to kosher practices. Kosher certification simply relieves consumers from worrying about whether a product, even water, complies with kosher dietary laws. Perhaps they don't worry about the kosherness of the factory production lines or the purification agents used. It is a symbol of reassurance for kosher eaters and should not be ignored. Even a sick rabbi wouldn't mind knowing that his or her medicine is kosher.