Ancient Siberian Tomb May Hold Earliest Evidence of Cannabis Use

The seeds were unearthed at the Tunnug 1 site in the Uyuk Valley, a region linked to the Scythians, ancient nomadic peoples who ranged across Central Asia and parts of southern Russia. If confirmed, the find would push back the recorded timeline of psychoactive cannabis use by roughly 300 years.

Preserved human hair found nearby prompted the research team, led by Dr Gino Caspari of the University of Bern, to investigate whether the plant had actually been consumed by people buried at the site. The findings were published in the journal Science.

Researchers believe the seeds were placed in the tomb deliberately, pointing to a possible ritual function rather than casual use. Caspari noted that the context may even suggest cannabis was used to sedate individuals ahead of sacrificial ceremonies, though he stressed this remains speculative.

The discovery also aligns with accounts by the Greek historian Herodotus, who described Scythians inhaling cannabis smoke inside tents.

Not all experts are persuaded by the find. Volker Auwaerter, head of forensic toxicology at the University Medical Center in Freiburg, described the hair analysis as scientifically weak, arguing that the evidence falls short of proving intentional consumption.

Whether the Scythians were genuinely using cannabis for its psychoactive effects remains an open question.