Efraim Zalmonovich is an Orthodox Jewish rabbi known for declaring medical cannabis to be kosher in 2013.[1] Zalmanovich is rabbi of Mazkeret Batia, Israel.[2]
In 2013, Zalmonovich issued a halahkic ruling that consuming recreational cannabis is forbidden, but consuming medical cannabis is a mitzvah. This ruling was at odds with an earlier ruling by Rabbi Hagai Bar Giora who earlier in 2013 opined that there is no issue with smoking cannabis.[1] Zalmonovich's views were informed by personal experience: “My mother and sister were diagnosed with cancer and suffered from terrible pain. So I asked the doctors for as much marijuana for them as possible.”[3]
He further noted that cannabis is however not chametz, and that on Jewish holidays where starting a fire is forbidden, one may not strike a flame to ignite cannabis, but it is allowed to light it from a candle already burning, or consume a cannabis edible.[3]
