2,800 years ago, people were already getting high. Archaeologists found THC and CBN in hair braids from a burial mound in Siberia, along with more than 1,400 cannabis seeds dated to the early 8th century BC. It is the oldest evidence of humans using cannabis for its psychoactive effects.
What did the archaeologists actually find?
The burial mound sits in Siberia’s Uyuk Valley. In the central burial chamber, researchers found braids of hair carrying THC and CBN, the compounds that show the body processed cannabis for its effect. More than 1,400 cannabis seeds were found alongside them, dated to the early 8th century BC.
Study lead Gino Caspari explains the logic plainly: the body builds cannabis molecules into hair the same way drug tests work. The later evidence in the region points to inhalation, which means the plant was being burned and breathed in, not just handled or eaten.
Why does this change the story of cannabis and people?
Humans have used the plant for fiber, seed, and oil for far longer, possibly since 8,000 BC. This is the first hard evidence of use for the effect itself. The plant’s relationship with people is older than most of the arguments still had about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do scientists know the cannabis was used for the high?
THC and CBN turned up in hair braids from the burial, which shows the body processed the plant’s psychoactive compounds. Later evidence in the region points to inhalation.
How old is the evidence?
The seeds and the burial date to the early 8th century BC, about 2,800 years ago.
Did people use cannabis before this?
Yes, for fiber, seed, and oil, possibly since 8,000 BC. This is the first hard evidence of use for the effect itself.
Source: Ganjapreneur, Ancient Burial Site Reveals Oldest Evidence of Humans Getting High on Cannabis
For a look at how growers and geography shaped later cannabis populations, see what makes a strain a landrace.