Why is an Orthodox Rabbi Supporting Marijuana Legalization?

“Because it’s the right thing to do. Period.” Says the Philadelphia regulated substances attorney, Executive Director of the Cannabis Growers Association of Pennsylvania, and observant Jew- Steven Auerbach.

“American Jews have always championed the rights of others- from marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to speaking up for gender equality, and to now advocating on behalf of Pennsylvania’s sickest children and veterans.”

“When I think of how much suffering there is in this world- Cancer, AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis- and how one non-lethal plant can help end this suffering. . . anyone who passively allows this prohibition to continue will ultimately be called to answer for this sin.”

“Can you imagine what uncomfortable questions our grandchildren will ask of us about this time: ‘Grandpa, what was it like living under prohibition?’ ‘What was it like knowing that the sickest amongst us didn’t have access to the medicine they needed?’ ‘What was it like living in a time when we jailed more people per capita than North Korea?’

“To these questions, I know that I did everything in my power to join forces with Pennsylvanians of all ages, races, national origins, political affiliations, and religions to facilitate a lasting change.”

“As a former civil rights lawyer I can’t begin to tell you what joy it brings knowing that my law firm, Keystone Cannabis Law, is empowering local businessmen (and women) to enter the marijuana market. I wake up every morning grateful knowing that my clients are exclusively residents of Pennsylvania, they will only hire Pennsylvanians, and that all employees of our dispensaries will be given a salary capable of supporting their families.”

“I look forward to the day when this plant will finally be taken off the street and put behind the counter- brining jobs, taxable revenue, and an exit strategy for the war on drugs to our Commonwealth.”