Not just a hippie thing: archaeologists discover cannabis remains in 2,800-year-old hair

An international research team has discovered the oldest evidence of psychoactive cannabis use in a 2,800-year-old tomb in southern Siberia. Analysis of hair fibers revealed cannabinol and other chemical signals linked to THC, indicating ancient cultures may have used cannabis for its mind-altering effects in rituals. The team, led by Gino Caspari from the Max Planck Institute, also found 1,400 cannabis seeds dated to the 8th century BC. This discovery adds to the growing archaeological evidence of ancient societies experimenting with psychoactive plants. The permafrost at the site has preserved these findings exceptionally well, suggesting a more complex history of cannabis use than previously thought. The research highlights the significance of cannabis in ancient rituals and its long-standing relationship with human culture.