Organization To Offer Kosher Medical Marijuana In New York State
ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York state will soon have kosher medical marijuana available to people who are seriously ill and need it.
As WCBS 880's Ginny Kosola reported, Vireo Health said its medical marijuana capsules and vaporization cartridges were approved recently.
Inspectors from the Orthodox Union made the determination after visiting Vireo's facilities to ensure the plant was grown and processed in keeping with kosher standards.
"This is the first time in the history of the Orthodox Union that they are certifying medical cannabis products as kosher," said Vireo Health-New York President Ari Hoffnung.
Hoffnung said the marijuana is not intended for people with serious medical conditions.
"Cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS, Parkinson's, MS, epilepsy, and similar conditions" are among the conditions for which it may be used, Hoffnung said.
The company is one of five selected by the state to provide non-smokable medical marijuana products to patients with certain qualifying conditions. Four dispensaries will be opening sometime in January, located in Queens, White Plains, Binghamton, and Albany.
The program is slated to start next month.
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