Beth Din gives kosher approval to Israeli company’s cannabis oil

The London Beth Din has approved an Israeli company’s cannabis oil as kosher, in a first for the UK.

Provacan is a CBD oil, or cannabidiol, that is legal in the UK, because it contains no psychoactive substances. It has been developed by cannabis biotech company CiiTECH, which works with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The product, which sells for around £40 per 10ml bottle in Holland & Barrett, is marketed as a food supplement with “a powerful cannabinoid entourage effect”.

The company first focused on products for obesity and other metabolism-related disorders such as diabetes, and now works on products for neurological and dermatological-related conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), migraines, psoriasis and eczema.

“We’re proud and excited to boast the first cannabis product to be certified as kosher,” said company founder Clifton Flack. “This is a milestone for the normalisation of this powerful and important plant.”

The stamp of approval was given by Kosher London Beth Din (KLBD), Europe’s largest certification agency which works with companies such as Mars, Hovis and Warburtons.

A KLBD spokesman said: “Although CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant, it is not psychoactive, and its use and sale is legal in the UK. It has experienced a surge of popularity due to its claim to offer a range of health and medicinal benefits.”

Clifton added: “We receive many product requests and understand that our customer base has differing needs. Adding kosher certification to our armoury of accreditation allows us to market the highest quality cannabis products to both Jewish and non-Jewish communities.”