Canadian Rabbi Approves Kosher Pot In Time For High Holy Days

A certification agency in Ottawa has certified the medical marijuana from one Canadian grower kosher, meaning that it meets specific religious dietary standards for consumption during the High Holy Days.

Rabbi Levy Teitelbaum, director of Ottawa Vaad HaKashrut, explained the rationale for the certification to the Ottawa Citizen. "Kosher certification is something that is relied upon by many people, including vegans, vegetarians and people who are careful about what they consume, as a symbol of trust," Teitlebaum said. "What this certification shows is the value placed on proper etiquette for kosher and for being able to care for people. That is a beautiful harmony."

The ruling comes just in time for the Jewish High Holy Days, the celebration of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, and the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur.

Although all plants (including cannabis) are kosher, the equipment used to handle the plants and to make packaging, edibles, and gel capsules must be inspected and certified in order to be deemed kashrut, or kosher.

After a leading ultra-Orthodox rabbi declared cannabis kosher for Passover, more and more Jewish authority figures like Teitelbaum have been giving the go-ahead to kosher pot for medicinal reasons on holidays.

"Medical products required for health and well-being are eligible for kosher certification," Teitelbaum explained to the publication. "With legalization of marijuana for recreational use, however, we will have to consider the ethics of using a product simply for enjoyment."

However you choose to celebrate the Jewish New Year, you're going to get hungry. Here is the ultimate Rosh Hashana restaurant guide.