tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20257999.post8731564898465239696..comments2024-03-28T09:43:50.919+02:00Comments on Life in Israel: The OU and Mehadrin MarijuanaRafi G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00699851287106903971noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20257999.post-31056533327942226372015-02-26T10:00:01.739+02:002015-02-26T10:00:01.739+02:00Will those still refraining from eating quitniyoth...Will those still refraining from eating quitniyoth during Pesah, refrain from eating marijuana during Pesah? (true medical reasons aside)<br /><br />I doubt it.<br /><br />Seriously though, maybe this isn't an issue. Shouldn't people distinguish between seeds and leaves (ie. coriander)? I don't know this inyan. Do they?Esser Agarothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12853681733864707489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20257999.post-71803317984221627142015-02-25T17:59:44.128+02:002015-02-25T17:59:44.128+02:00I'm going to suggest, as a healthcare provider...I'm going to suggest, as a healthcare provider with some knowledge of this topic (though not an expert), that you don't know what you're talking about.Mordechai Y. Scherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06774262478551329181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20257999.post-29535418289696186222015-02-25T17:18:01.003+02:002015-02-25T17:18:01.003+02:00Do we want to promote the attendant brain damage?Do we want to promote the attendant brain damage?RAMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20257999.post-29983334119100288932015-02-25T15:48:17.462+02:002015-02-25T15:48:17.462+02:00I haven't asked anyone at OU, but it is entire...I haven't asked anyone at OU, but it is entirely possible that one of the processors or marketers reached out to OU.<br /><br />As for the need for a hechsher, that depends on two perceptions. We call it 'medical'; but is it considered a medicine or a supplement? If it is considered a supplement, then many Jews will consider that it would be preferable to ensure it is kosher, similar to vitamins and the like. Similarly, since some traditional Chinese remedies are treif, people take them using utensils that they set aside and don't otherwise use in their kitchen. Most 'medical' marijuana is, in fact, used as an adjunct to help control side-effects of medications or symptoms of illness; but not as actual therapy to directly treat or cure disease itself. (Despite some feeble claims; there is so far no significant research that shows marijuana has curative effects for disease.) Most uses of marijuana that I've seen involve taking it by mouth, so we go back to the supplement issue. Personally I would argue that it isn't much different than ondansetron or other drugs used to manage side effects or symptoms, and therefore shouldn't need a hechsher when swallowed like a pill or mixed into a rov of food (especially since it is a plant and inherently doesn't need a hechsher). The OU has to respond to market requests. If use among Jews is increasing and they want the reassurance of a hechsher, then OU or another hechsher will see themselves as needing to provide that. If the marijuana is going to become an ingredient in other foods or supplements (likely, in my opinion) then it will need OU approval anyway for a commercial list of ingredients.Mordechai Y. Scherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06774262478551329181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20257999.post-25334407515174552322015-02-25T15:32:27.191+02:002015-02-25T15:32:27.191+02:00I think he said explicitly that the hechsher is ne...I think he said explicitly that the hechsher is needed only for processed capsules and edibles.Yehoshuanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20257999.post-51508960815384901792015-02-25T15:05:17.322+02:002015-02-25T15:05:17.322+02:00It seems that some states prohibit marijuana leave...It seems that some states prohibit marijuana leaves, permitting only capsules and other processed marijuana.<br /><br />Nevertheless, this is not something they should get involved in. Are they that desperate for money? That's what it looks like. Pay and you can get an OU symbol.MiMedinat HaYamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12873881615861319718noreply@blogger.com