An Orthodox rabbi in Israel has declared the use of medical marijuana both "kosher" and a "mitzvah." The Hebrew word "mitzvah" means a "meritorious or charitable act."
Efraim Zalmanovich, a rabbi from near Tel Aviv, also stated that “taking drugs to escape this world in any excessive way is certainly forbidden.” But the medical use of marijuana is different because it relieves pain and offers solace for many conditions. More than 11,000 Israelis has access to medical pot, which is provided in pharmacies by the government.
