Private Israeli Firm Receives Certification to Produce Kosher Medical Cannabis

Israel is recognized as one of the most advanced and dynamic medical cannabis markets in the world. The country not only has one of the oldest systems for the distribution and production of therapeutic cannabis, but it is also a leading global center for innovative research into the plant’s medical uses. Currently, more than 100,000 people in Israel are registered medical cannabis patients.

It’s worth noting that the history of cannabis use is surprisingly intertwined with Jewish history. Archaeological findings suggest that Jews used the plant in religious rituals over two thousand years ago. In the 20th century, Israeli scientists and doctors, led by the renowned Raphael Mechoulam, were pioneers in the discovery of cannabinoids and the first modern researchers of the plant’s therapeutic properties.

However, until recently, a significant portion of the country’s population was effectively cut off from using cannabis for religious reasons. This mainly affected various groups of Orthodox Jews who refused to use cannabis, even for medical purposes, for one simple reason: the plant was not considered kosher according to kashrut laws. To avoid violating their faith’s rules, this group avoided cannabis and sometimes even opposed related reforms.

At the end of last month, the situation changed dramatically when a private company finally received kosher certification for its product from the country’s rabbinical council. The recipient of the certificate was Seach Medical Group, a company specializing in the development of therapeutic cannabis products.

Although the announcement of the certification has not yet significantly impacted the company’s stock price, it is expected that the effect will become more noticeable as the Orthodox Jewish community begins to use these now-permitted products more actively. Thanks to the kosher certification, Orthodox Jews can now freely use medical cannabis, including on Shabbat and other religious holidays.

It should also be noted that not all cannabis is considered kosher. In fact, Orthodox Jews are allowed to use it as medicine to save a life. However, since the plant contains the psychoactive and therefore intoxicating component THC, many Orthodox Jews have consciously avoided even this exception to prevent the impurity associated with intoxication. The appearance of kosher-certified cannabis on the market may gradually change their attitude toward its use, at least for strictly medical purposes.

In addition to opening new markets in Israel, the company can now also attract Orthodox clients from other countries and regions. The most promising markets in this regard are the United States, where more Jews live than in Israel (about 2.4% of the U.S. population identifies as Jewish), and the United Kingdom, which has the largest Orthodox Jewish community in Europe. These markets could potentially bring the company even greater profits than the Israeli market, as Orthodox communities in these countries are large, affluent, and often more open to innovation than their Israeli counterparts.