Was Cannabis Used in Burial Rituals 2,800 Years Ago?

The Footprints of History on a Controversial Plant

Cannabis has long occupied the minds of researchers and historians, with numerous accounts of its uses throughout history ranging from medicine to recreation. However, recent archaeological discoveries take us on a fascinating journey deep into the distant past, revealing a surprising new side to this plant, which was closely tied to ancient spiritual and funerary rituals, far from its well-known contemporary uses.

Conclusive Evidence from the Heart of Siberia

An archaeological team has found conclusive evidence—the oldest of its kind in history—following a detailed analysis of the contents of an archaeological tomb dating back about 2,800 years in the cold region of Siberia. Advanced scientific tests showed clear remains of cannabis inside ancient vessels used in elite burial ceremonies, proving beyond a doubt that ancient humans employed the properties of this plant in bidding farewell to their dead and linked it to their metaphysical beliefs.

A Window into Ancient Human Beliefs

This scientific discovery is not limited to merely documenting the use of a plant; rather, it opens a wide window for understanding the depths of the human psyche and the ways ancient civilizations dealt with death and immortality. These findings indicate that cannabis played a pivotal role in mourning rituals, possibly to help the living cope with loss or to purify the soul through smoke and sacred fragrances, changing our view of the history of human interaction with mind-altering plants.

By: Hany Sallam

Source: scientificamerican.com

Published by Hany Sallam

Hany Sallam, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Scientific Magazine Ahram
An independent Arabic science magazine operating since 2008, dedicated to simplifying science, technology, space, natural phenomena and scientific stories for Arabic readers. The magazine includes sections such as “Zodiac Group” and “Stories and Tales”, alongside science topics that combine knowledge with a spirit of discovery. It operates independently and is not affiliated with Al-Ahram Press Foundation or any governmental body.