Am Yisrael High: The Story of Jews and Cannabis

Am Yisrael High: The Story of Jews and Cannabis

From New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery by Marshall Poe

April 20, 2026 · 1h 8m

About this episode

This episode features a panel discussion on the historical and spiritual connections between Jews and cannabis.

Mentioned in the Bible and discussed in numerous traditional texts, cannabis has long been a part of Jewish life. For millennia, Jews have been buying, selling, and using cannabis for religious and medicinal purposes and as an intoxicant. The opening of YIVO’s latest exhibit, Am Yisrael High: The Story of Jews and Cannabis, will feature a panel discussion moderated by Eddy Portnoy, who will provide a brief overview of the relationship between Jews and cannabis. He’ll then moderate a discussion with Ed Rosenthal, Adriana Kertzer, Rabbi/Dr. Yosef Glassman, and Madison Margolin. Their discussion will consider the many connections of the Jews to cannabis – religious and spiritual, historical, scientific, and more. Find more information about the exhibit here: https://yivo.org/Cannabis This panel discussion originally took place on May 5, 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/drugs-addiction-and-recovery

People in this episode

Guests: Ed Rosenthal, Adriana Kertzer, Madison Margolin, Rabbi Dr Yosef Glassman

Topics covered

  • Jews
  • cannabis
  • religion
  • medicinal use
  • history
  • spirituality

Keywords

  • YIVO
  • exhibit
  • panel discussion

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Am Yisrael High: The Story of Jews and Cannabis, Bible

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