Siberian tomb may hold earliest direct evidence of cannabis use about 2,800 years ago

Summary

Researchers have found what may be the earliest direct evidence of cannabis use, in a tomb in Siberia associated with the Scythians, a nomadic, horse-riding people who roamed the Eurasian steppe. Euronews reports that people may have been getting high on cannabis earlier than previously thought, based on a new scientific study tied to the ancient tomb discovery. Smithsonian reports that cannabis seeds and hair containing traces of THC were found in the tomb, which suggests use roughly 2,800 years ago.

Timeline

1. Euronews

   9 Nov 2026, 12:09 UTCSource ↗

   Euronews reports that people may have been getting high on cannabis about 2,800 years ago, earlier than previously thought, according to a new scientific study tied to a new ancient tomb discovery.

2. Smithsonian

   9 Nov 2026, 16:00 UTCSource ↗

   Smithsonian reports that a tomb discovered in Siberia and associated with the Scythians may provide the earliest direct evidence of cannabis use.