“Judaism prohibits the use of recreational marijuana.”

When the rules and laws of the Jewish law authorities are applied to the sale and use of drugs in general, such rules and laws support the conclusion that drugs, such as marijuana, are prohibited under Jewish law.## MARIJUANA IN JEWISH LAW The legality of marijuana in Jewish law is not as complex as in American law. Most Jewish law authorities do not specifically single out marijuana as an issue. Though, some Jewish law authorities do discuss drugs in general. Since marijuana is a drug, one can analyze its legality from authorities that discuss drug use and drug sales. When the rules and laws of the Jewish law authorities are applied to the sale and use of drugs in general, such rules and laws support the conclusion that drugs, such as marijuana, are prohibited under Jewish law. One of the most important commandments under Jewish law is the negative commandment, which states that one should not harm oneself. 156 A negative commandment is a commandment that states what an individual must not do. 157 This commandment is so important that it shows up twice in a matter of verses in Deuteronomy. 158 The first time this commandment shows up in Deuteronomy is in chapter 4, verse 9, in the form of a positive commandment. …

Pursuit of hedonistic pleasure is certainly not compatible with the values of Judaism but Iggerot Mosheh does not mean to imply that the bib lical prohibition extends to all such pastimes.… cumscription even more so 21—severely curtail the class of rebellious sons who are subject to punishment for gluttony and also narrow the circum stances in which punishment may be imposed. Indeed, according to one opinion recorded in Sanhedrin 71a, the rebellious son “never existed and will never exist in the future,” that is, the conditions and circumstances of culpability are so limited as to be applicable only to a null class. Pursuit of hedonistic pleasure is certainly not compatible with the values of Judaism but Iggerot Mosheh does not mean to imply that the bib lical prohibition extends to all such pastimes. Iggerot Mosheh states only that the prohibition encompasses acts that lead to uncontrolled desire and assuredly to acts that also result in deleterious behavior while failing to satisfy any positive human need. The identical line of reasoning might well be applied, mutatis mutandis, to cigarette smoking, gambling or avaricious practices. Yet, Iggerot Mosheh fails to ban cigarette smoking for any comparable reason. For that …

In contexts when a consensus of medical research and advice deem recreational cannabis safe, recreational cannabis consumption is allowed, where permitted by civil law.Psak #1: Approved on December 8, 2023, by a vote of 19 to one, with no abstentions (19-1-0). Voting in favor: Rabbis Aaron Alexander, Jaymee Alpert, Pamela Barmash, Emily Barton, Suzanne Brody, Nate Crane, Elliot Dorff, David J. Fine, Judith Hauptman, Barry Leff, Daniel S. Nevins, Micah Peltz, Joel Pitkowsky, Avram Reisner, Tracee Rosen, Rachel Safman, Robert Scheinberg, Miriam T. Spitzer, Ariel Stofenmacher. Voting Against: Rabbi Ellen S. WolintzFields. 2) In contexts when a consensus of medical research and advice deem recreational cannabis safe, recreational cannabis consumption is allowed, where permitted by civil law. 3) In accordance with Rabbi Reuven Hammer’s 2020 responsum “Teshuva Concerning Smoking,” in acknowledgement of the established adverse health effects of smoking, this responsum likewise prohibits recreational use of cannabis in its smoked form.

In contexts when a consensus of medical research and advice deem recreational cannabis safe, recreational cannabis consumption is allowed, where permitted by civil law.Psak #1: Approved on December 8, 2023, by a vote of 19 to one, with no abstentions (19-1-0). Voting in favor: Rabbis Aaron Alexander, Jaymee Alpert, Pamela Barmash, Emily Barton, Suzanne Brody, Nate Crane, Elliot Dorff, David J. Fine, Judith Hauptman, Barry Leff, Daniel S. Nevins, Micah Peltz, Joel Pitkowsky, Avram Reisner, Tracee Rosen, Rachel Safman, Robert Scheinberg, Miriam T. Spitzer, Ariel Stofenmacher. Voting Against: Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz Fields. 1) In contexts when a consensus of medical research and advice deem recreational cannabis safe, recreational cannabis consumption is allowed, where permitted by civil law. 2) In accordance with Rabbi Reuven Hammer’s 2020 responsum “Teshuva Concerning Smoking,” in acknowledgement of the established adverse health effects of smoking, this responsum likewise prohibits recreational use of cannabis in its smoked form.

A number of poskim have forbidden the use of recreational marijua na,6 including Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach,7 Rav Chanan Aplalow,8 Rav Eliezer Shlomo Shik,9 Rav Ezra Basri,10 Rav Chaim Yosef David Weiss of Antwerp,11 and Rav Yaakov Ariel.12 Rav Yaakov Zalmanovitch permits marijuana for medical use but prohibits it recreationally.13… A recent Pew Research Report indicates that an overwhelming majority of U.S. adults (91%) believe that marijuana should be legal. Ma rijuana has become part of everyday life for millions of Americans.5 In light of the legalization of recreational marijuana and its increasing pub lic acceptance and consumption, we must ask—does Halakhah permit use of recreational marijuana? A number of poskim have forbidden the use of recreational marijua na,6 including Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach,7 Rav Chanan Aplalow,8 Rav Eliezer Shlomo Shik,9 Rav Ezra Basri,10 Rav Chaim Yosef David Weiss of Antwerp,11 and Rav Yaakov Ariel.12 Rav Yaakov Zalmanovitch permits marijuana for medical use but prohibits it recreationally.13 In a personal letter, the Lubavitcher Rebbe expressed his disapproval of ma rijuana.14 Rav Moshe Feinstein published the most detailed teshuvah on recreational marijuana in 1973.15 He prohibited use for the following reasons 1. It harms the body 2. It impairs judgement 3. It interferes with tefillah and the performance of mitzvot 4. It leads to addiction 5. It violates kibbud av v-em, the obligation to honor one’s parents. 6. It violates kedoshim tihyu, the obligation to be holy

Rav Moshe Feinstein zt"l said that it is poshut – simple – to him that taking marijuana is from the " issurim hachamurim" – the most stringent of prohibitions – and we are required to expend all of our energy to remove this impurity from the Jewish people and especially from the younger generation. … The previous halachic discussion pertains specifically to the recreational use of marijuana. However, when marijuana is prescribed by a doctor for a patient to treat a specific ailment there is little question regarding its permissibility.… [3] The use of the word mitzvah by the Tur implies that maintaining one’s health is not simply good advice but rather an obligation. [4] Many Poskim are of the opinion that someone who is careless with his health actually transgresses a Biblical prohibition. [5] In Sefer Nishmas Avraham, Rabbi Dr. Avraham Sofer Abraham writes in the name of Rav Shlomo Zalman Aeurbach zt”l that someone who takes any type of drugs, including marijuana, transgresses this prohibition. [6] Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l said that it is poshut – simple – to him that taking marijuana is from the “ issurim hachamurim” – the most stringent of prohibitions – and we are required to expend all of our energy to remove this impurity from the Jewish people and especially from the younger generation. [7] Many other Gedolim of the previous generation have issued similar rulings. [8] Aside from the fact that more of our People are using it, abusing it and suffering from its negative consequences, not much has changed since these halachic rulings were issued. Certainly, the recent legalization in marijuana in Canada should have no bearing on halacha. … Medicinal Use The previous halachic discussion pertains specifically to the recreational use of marijuana. However, when marijuana is prescribed by a doctor for a patient to treat a specific ailment there is little question regarding its permissibility. [13] That said, in my humble opinion, medicinal use of marijuana is not permitted unless it is prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner. The idea that a doctor requires a license to practice is a Torah precept. [14] Since there are obvious dangers involved in the practice of medicine and the prescription of drugs, only someone who is licensed can practice it. Someone who is not licensed, including the patient himself, should not determine when an otherwise dangerous substance can be taken. …

A recent vote found overwhelming halachic support for medical marijuana—and narrower, qualified support for recreational use# The Conservative Movement Moves on Cannabis ## A recent vote found overwhelming halachic support for medical marijuana—and narrower, qualified support for recreational use by

Our negative vote on the latter six is not because we do not believe recreational usage of marijuana is permissible; to the contrary, we believe it is permissible, but we disagree with psak 3HM 427:8.2023b Rabbis David J. Fine and Barry Leff Dissenting Opinion to “Medical and Recreational Cannabis Usage” by Rabbi Raysh Weiss, PhD Rabbi Weiss’s paper on medical and recreational marijuana usage contains seven piskei din, the first being on the permissibility of medical usage of marijuana, and the last six on recreational consumption. Votes were held separately for psak 1 and psakim 2-7. We both voted in favor of psak 1, and against the latter six. Our negative vote on the latter six is not because we do not believe recreational usage of marijuana is permissible; to the contrary, we believe it is permissible, but we disagree with psak 3, which states, 3) In accordance with Rabbi Reuven Hammer’s 2020 responsum “Teshuva Concerning Smoking,” in acknowledgement of the established adverse health effects of smoking, this responsum likewise prohibits recreational use of cannabis in its smoked form. One of us, Rabbi Fine, voted against Rabbi Hammer’s 2020 responsum (Rabbi Leff was not on the CJLS at that time). 1 One problem with psak 3 is that the data in Rabbi Hammer’s paper is all based …

Our negative vote on the latter six is not because we do not believe recreational usage of marijuana is permissible; to the contrary, we believe it is permissible… Rabbi Raysh Weiss. Dissenting and concurring papers are not official positions of the CJLS. Rabbi Weiss’s paper on medical and recreational marijuana usage contains seven piskei din, the first being on the permissibility of medical usage of marijuana, and the last six on recreational consumption. Votes were held separately for psak 1 and psakim 2-7. We both voted in favor of psak 1, and against the latter six. Our negative vote on the latter six is not because we do not believe recreational usage of marijuana is permissible; to the contrary, we believe it is permissible, but we disagree with psak 3, which states, 3) In accordance with Rabbi Reuven Hammer’s 2020 responsum “Teshuva Concerning Smoking,” in acknowledgement of the established adverse health effects of smoking, this responsum likewise prohibits recreational use of cannabis in its smoked form. One of us, Rabbi Fine, voted against Rabbi Hammer’s 2020 responsum (Rabbi Leff was not on the CJLS at that time). 1 One problem with psak 3 is that the data in Rabbi Hammer’s paper is all based …

At the most basic level, we should be cognizant of a responsa R. Moshe Feinstein zt”l authored half a century ago 1, in which he categorically prohibits recreational marijuana use 2 for no fewer than six reasonsRecent legislative developments in the State of New Jersey require clarification regarding halakhic attitudes regarding recreational use of cannabis-based products. Decriminalization is a complex public policy question naturally out of the scope of this presentation, but it cannot be, and must not be, conflated with the question of halakhic propriety. At the most basic level, we should be cognizant of a responsa R. Moshe Feinstein zt”l authored half a century ago 1, in which he categorically prohibits recreational marijuana use 2 for no fewer than six reasons: (1) its ill health effects, (2) its impact on clarity of thought, (3) the potential for addiction, (4) a violation of Ramban’s mandate of kedoshim tihiyu, (5) the likelihood that it will lead to other sinful conduct and, (6) in the case of children, contravening the will of their parents.

1. General recreational use: In contexts where a consensus of medical research and advice deems recreational cannabis safe, recreational cannabis consumption is allowed where permitted by civil law.Psakim #2–7: Recreational and Ritual Use (Approved 9–6–5) 1. General recreational use: In contexts where a consensus of medical research and advice deems recreational cannabis safe, recreational cannabis consumption is allowed where permitted by civil law. 2. Smoking prohibition: Following Rabbi Reuven Hammer’s 2020 responsum “Teshuva Concerning Smoking,” and acknowledging the established adverse health effects of smoking, this responsum prohibits recreational use of cannabis in its smoked form. 3. Youth prohibition: Consumption of recreational cannabis by youth is prohibited, based on available data indicating numerous health risks, including long-term cognitive decline and reproductive consequences. …

Despite Feinstein’s ruling a half-century ago deeming recreational marijuana use Jewishly unethical, the Jewish relationship with the drug far predates the modern day. … In the 1970s, Orthodox Jewish leaders opposed recreational marijuana use with “remarkable unanimity,” Grossman said. … The acceptability of marijuana among Jews appears to have a generational and denominational divide, 2021 Tribe12 fellow and medicinal marijuana advocate Gabrielle Schwartz believes.The two conflicting viewpoints make one thing clear: When it comes to weed, like most Jewish issues, its history and use in Jewish spaces is complicated. Despite Feinstein’s ruling a half-century ago deeming recreational marijuana use Jewishly unethical, the Jewish relationship with the drug far predates the modern day. Eddy Portnoy, director of exhibitions at the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research in New York, explores this connection in his exhibit “Am Yisrael High: The Story of Jews and Cannabis.” … YIVO’s “Am Yisrael High” exhibit poster by Steve Marcus | In the 1970s, Orthodox Jewish leaders opposed recreational marijuana use with “remarkable unanimity,” Grossman said. One of the central spiritual arguments against recreational marijuana use is found in the Torah portion Kedoshim, which opens with “You shall be holy.” … The acceptability of marijuana among Jews appears to have a generational and denominational divide, 2021 Tribe12 fellow and medicinal marijuana advocate Gabrielle Schwartz believes. Schwartz, who does content marketing for a cannabis-related television network, grew up in a Reform community; she first used marijuana as a young teenager under the supervision of her mother, which wasn’t uncommon among her family’s group of friends.

A recent vote found overwhelming halachic support for medical marijuana—and narrower, qualified support for recreational use. … The Conservative movement’s Rabbinical Assembly Committee on Jewish Law and Standards—which sets halachic (Jewish law) policy for affiliated rabbis and the Conservative/Masorti movement worldwide—has issued a teshuva (responsum) approving the use of marijuana. … Recreational use was more controversial but passed 9-6, with five abstentions.# Cannabis gets a kosher stamp from Conservative rabbis A recent vote found overwhelming halachic support for medical marijuana—and narrower, qualified support for recreational use. TJI Pick … A recent vote found overwhelming halachic support for medical marijuana—and narrower, qualified support for recreational use. The Conservative movement’s Rabbinical Assembly Committee on Jewish Law and Standards—which sets halachic (Jewish law) policy for affiliated rabbis and the Conservative/Masorti movement worldwide—has issued a teshuva (responsum) approving the use of marijuana. The ruling called “ Medical and Recreational Cannabis Usage” declared medical marijuana justified under the principle of protecting life and health, with a vote of 19-1. Recreational use was more controversial but passed 9-6, with five abstentions. The ruling addressed required that usage is deemed safe and permitted by civil law, and addressed related issues including the dangers of smoking, consumption by youth, consumption in an official Jewish communal context, consumption on fast days, and the blessing required for eating hash cookies or other edible forms of the drug.

The first conclusion —that medicinal usage is acceptable —is a no-brainer. … One of those conclusions was that because smoking anything is not acceptable according to halacha, it is unacceptable to smoke weed.… A guest will speak as well. It’s Ben Kraim, a co-founder of the website calledtokinjew.com. (If you don’t get it right away, say it out loud.) David Fine Rabbi Fine explained the panel and the process. “Raysh Weiss has been working on it for a long time,” he said. “We voted on it at the end of 2023. The first conclusion —that medicinal usage is acceptable —is a no-brainer. We didn’t really need a paper to say that.” The Law Committee’s perhaps arcane rules allow for a range of opinions on the same subject to be accepted, even if they contradict. In this case, the first conclusion, or psak —passed overwhelmingly. Psakim two through seven, which asked, among other questions, including whether it is necessary to say a bracha before consuming edibles —the answer is yes —were presented together as a unit and also passed, although with a tighter margin. One of those conclusions was that because smoking anything is not acceptable according to halacha, it is unacceptable to smoke weed. Rabbis Fine and Leff, in their joint, pithy, two-page dissent, wrote that they believe that it is excessive to say that any kind of smoking is so dangerous that it may not be allowed, and that smokers of anything, no matter how little, no matter how infrequently, should be seen as inherently bad. Raysh Weiss “There is no doubt that consumption of either tobacco or marijuana can be harmful to one’s health,” they write. …

In a 1973 opinion, Orthodox rabbi Moshe Feinstein stated that cannabis was not permitted under Jewish law, due to its harmful effects. [8] [9] [10] In 2013, Orthodox rabbi Efraim Zalmanovich stated that medical, but not recreational, cannabis is permitted. … In December 2023, the Rabbinical Assembly Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, a body related to Conservative Judaism, issued the first teshuva on cannabis use, finding "overwhelming halachic support" for medical cannabis, and some support for non-medical use as well. [14]In Canada, especially in Toronto, differences between Jews and Christians with regard to attitudes toward cannabis usage were detected in the high school population, in which surveys show that more than twice as many Jewish students have used cannabis as Catholic ones. [7] In a 1973 opinion, Orthodox rabbi Moshe Feinstein stated that cannabis was not permitted under Jewish law, due to its harmful effects. [8] [9] [10] In 2013, Orthodox rabbi Efraim Zalmanovich stated that medical, but not recreational, cannabis is permitted. In 2016, Belarusian-Israeli rabbi Chaim Kanievsky declared that medicinal cannabis was kosher for Passover. [11] In January 2016, the Orthodox Union certified some medical cannabis products made by Vireo as kosher, their first medical cannabis certification. [12] In the United States, the Jewish Social Policy Action Network in Philadelphia and Rabbi Eric Cytrin of Temple Beth El in Harrisburg, have supported medical legalization efforts for cannabis in Pennsylvania. [13] In December 2023, the Rabbinical Assembly Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, a body related to Conservative Judaism, issued the first teshuva on cannabis use, finding "overwhelming halachic support" for medical cannabis, and some support for non-medical use as well. [14] ## Kashrut

Two main concerns have been expressed: a) OU endorsement of marijuana products may create an impression that recreational use of marijuana is acceptable, and this may lead to increased use of marijuana and other addictive substances.Recently, the OU granted certification to pharmaceutical-grade medical marijuana extract products manufactured by Vireo Health of New York. There has been much confusion and misinformation about these products, and the OU has received numerous communications expressing surprise about the OU decision to grant certification to marijuana products. Two main concerns have been expressed: a) OU endorsement of marijuana products may create an impression that recreational use of marijuana is acceptable, and this may lead to increased use of marijuana and other addictive substances. b) OU products designed for medicinal use will most likely make their way into the wrong hands. While these concerns are understandable, they reflect a misunderstanding of the nature of these products and the manner in which they are dispensed.

Caring for the body by keeping it clean and healthy is a religious duty that honors God; neglecting and abusing the body is a sin that profanes Him.June 26, 2006 It is no mere coincidence that men steeped in Torah law and learning chose to take up medicine as a profession. The Sages saw a clear connection between medicine and religion, between the body and the soul. Our bodies, they taught, belong to God and have been given to us on loan, as it were, during our stay on earth. Caring for the body by keeping it clean and healthy is a religious duty that honors God; neglecting and abusing the body is a sin that profanes Him. Thus, questions of nutrition or body care are approached halachically as earnestly and scrupulously as are questions of Jewish ritual. “The human figure,” says the Zohar, “unites all that is above and all that is below; therefore, the Ancient of Ancients has chosen it for His form.” “The body is the soul’s house. Shouldn’t we therefore take care of our house so that it doesn’t fall into ruin?” Philo inquired. Certainly, without eating, the house may very well fall into ruin. …

Even if it’s technically legal, and therefore kosher, support among Orthodox rabbis for recreational cannabis is limited. … Feinstein wrote that a man using cannabis violates the Torah because it “destroys his mind, and prevents him from understanding things properly.” … Still, Rabbi Sruli Baron, director of Tobin Bridge Chabad in Everett, doubts that Orthodox Judaism will unequivocally forbid recreational marijuana usage.… However, broccoli, carrots, and cannabis would all lose their kosher certification if non-kosher bugs or additives interfere with the growing process. Kashrut is also dependent on the status of the civil law, so if marijuana is illegal, then it is not kosher. Even if it’s technically legal, and therefore kosher, support among Orthodox rabbis for recreational cannabis is limited. Many still refer to a letter written in 1973 by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, a leading scholar of the 20th century. Feinstein wrote that a man using cannabis violates the Torah because it “destroys his mind, and prevents him from understanding things properly.” Feinstein argued that its use contradicts the mitzvah of taking care of one’s physical and mental health. According to the Talmud, one should only pray with a clear head, and Feinstein believed marijuana would prevent that. Still, Rabbi Sruli Baron, director of Tobin Bridge Chabad in Everett, doubts that Orthodox Judaism will unequivocally forbid recreational marijuana usage. “Moderation is key whenever indulging in any mind-altering activity,” said Baron. “Any substance, or dosage of a substance, that causes you to lose control is contrary to Jewish law.” More secular Jews, however, are enthusiastic proponents, and have spent their careers fighting for legalization. …

Although some might make a case that God uses illness to punish the wicked for their sins, Jewish tradition acknowledges illness as part of life, a time we turn to God – and others – for support and comfort. … Suffering is no mitzvah (good deed). Promoting the relief of suffering is what God commands us to do as part of tikkun olam, repair of the world.“Rabbi,” Bob asked, “is what I did wrong?” Although some might make a case that God uses illness to punish the wicked for their sins, Jewish tradition acknowledges illness as part of life, a time we turn to God – and others – for support and comfort. With confidence, I told Bob this: “God isn’t punishing Steve for anything he’s done wrong. God doesn’t operate that way. By relieving Steve’s suffering, you’re partnering with God to enhance the quality of your brother’s life – creating a path to wholeness that hadn’t existed before. Marijuana is helping you do the Lord’s work.” Suffering is no mitzvah (good deed). Promoting the relief of suffering is what God commands us to do as part of tikkun olam, repair of the world. “Go ahead,” I continued, “smoke marijuana with your brother, Bob. But, if you get caught, please don’t tell the cops the rabbi told you to do it.”