The STONED Age! Cannabis was first used as an intoxicant 2,800 years ago, study finds

Published: 14:00 EDT, 5 November 2026 | Updated: 14:00 EDT, 5 November 2026 Humans have been getting stoned for at least 2,800 years, a new study has revealed. Scientists from the University of Bern uncovered cannabis seeds in a tomb in Siberia, belonging to high–ranking members of the Scythian society – a horse–riding culture of the Eurasian steppe.Using radiocarbon dating, the team discovered that the seeds were placed in the grave in the early eighth century BC. In addition, the scientists found traces of cannabis in human hair collected inside the tomb.This suggests that the drug had either been inhaled or ingested by one of the tomb's residents. 'The molecular traces in the hair and the cannabis seeds come from the same grave and suggest that cannabis was used for its intoxicating properties,' said Dr Gino Caspari, who led the study, published in the journal Science. Scientists from the University of Bern uncovered cannabis seeds in a tomb in Siberia, belonging to high–ranking members of the Scythian society – a horse–riding culture of the Eurasian steppe In addition, the scientists found traces of cannabis in human hair collected inside the tomb. This suggests that the drug had either been inhaled or ingested by one of the tomb's residentsWhile cannabis is one of the most commonly used drugs in the world today, exactly when humans started using it has remained unclear. Previous studies have shown that cannabis was cultivated in East Asia at least 6,000 years ago, likely initially for its oil–rich seeds. However, direct evidence of its use has been lacking. One of the key issues is that plant parts such as flowers, leaves and resins are perishable – meaning they rarely survive. In their new study, the team explored a tomb in the South Siberian Republic of Tyva.There, they found about 1,400 cannabis seeds – six of which were in good enough condition to date back around 2,800 years. 'The seeds show that cannabis played an important role in the rituals surrounding the burial,' said Dr Caspari.However, the seeds alone do no prove that cannabis was consumed by the tomb's residents. In their new study, the team explored a tomb in the South Siberian Republic of Tyva. There, they found about 1,400 cannabis seeds – six of which were in good enough condition to date back around 2,800 years The seeds (pictured) alone do no prove that cannabis was consumed by the tomb's residents. Thankfully, the researchers also found human hair in the tomb, which contained 'clear signals' consistent with cannabinol (CBN)Thankfully, the researchers also found human hair in the tomb, which contained 'clear signals' consistent with cannabinol (CBN). CBN is produced by the oxidation of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most important intoxicating compound in cannabis. In addition, the team detected weak signals that are consistent with THC.While the discovery within the hair indicates cannabis use, the scientists still don't know how the drug was consumed, or how much of it was taken.The researchers now hope to analyse the seeds further to understand whether they were specifically selected or cultivated for higher levels of active compounds.'We have already begun sequencing some of the plant samples,' says Dr Caspari.'DNA preservation is excellent in this case. This will help us learn more about the history of the domestication and spread of this crop soon.' CANNABIS: THE FACTS Cannabis is an illegal Class B drug in the UK, meaning possession could result in a five year prison sentence and those who supply the drug face up to 14 years in jail.However, the drug is widely used for recreational purposes and can make users feel relaxed and happy. But smoking it can also lead to feelings of panic, anxiety or paranoia.Scientific studies have shown the drug can alleviate depression, anxiety and stress, but heavy use may worsen depression in the long term by reducing the brain's ability to let go of bad memories.It can also contribute to mental health problems among people who already have them, or increase users' risk of psychosis or schizophrenia, according to research.Marijuana can be prescribed for medical uses in more than half of US states, where it is used to combat anxiety, aggression and sleeping problems. Researchers are also looking into whether it could help people with autism,eczema or psoriasis.Cannabis oil containing the psychoactive chemical THC, which is illegal in the UK, is claimed to have cancer-fighting properties, and one 52 year-old woman from Coventry says she recovered from terminal bowel and stomach cancer by taking the drug.