---
title: "Cannabis Use for Psychoactive Purposes Dates Back 2,800 Years, Study Suggests"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/tech/cannabis-use-for-psychoactive-purposes-dates-back-2800-years-study-suggests"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/cannabis-use-for-psychoactive-purposes-dates-back-2800-years-study-suggests"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/tech/cannabis-use-for-psychoactive-purposes-dates-back-2800-years-study-suggests.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/cannabis-use-for-psychoactive-purposes-dates-back-2800-years-study-suggests"
category: "Science & Tech"
area: "Asia-Pacific"
published: "2026-11-06T08:46:10.843Z"
source_reported: "2026-11-06T08:16:58.795Z"
updated: "2026-11-06T08:46:10.843Z"
trust_score: 60
critic_score: 65
hype_score: 25
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-11-06T10:00:06.731453+00:00"
---

# Cannabis Use for Psychoactive Purposes Dates Back 2,800 Years, Study Suggests

*Findings in a Siberian tomb indicate earlier use than previously documented in China.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 60 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to a study published in Science, with some experts quoted.
- Craft 65 of 100, higher is better. The reporting clearly separates claims from expert opinions and notes disagreements.
- Hype 25 of 100, lower is better. Headlines use mild emphasis, with some using playful language like 'Stoned Age'.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Archaeologists suggest cannabis was used for psychoactive purposes at least 2,800 years ago, based on findings in a Siberian tomb.
- The study analyzed cannabis seeds and preserved human hair from the Tunnug 1 site in southern Siberia.
- These findings indicate cannabis use for psychoactive purposes may predate previously known use in China by 300 years.
- Some independent experts have raised skepticism regarding the hair analysis and the strength of the evidence for psychoactive use.

Evidence suggests that cannabis was used for its psychoactive effects at least 2,800 years ago, according to a new study. Archaeologists excavating the Tunnug 1 site in southern Siberia discovered cannabis seeds and preserved human hair within a monumental tomb. The findings, published in the journal Science, propose that this use of cannabis for psychoactive purposes may be 300 years older than previously documented instances in China.

The research team, comprising scientists from Germany, Russia, Sweden, and Switzerland, analyzed materials from the Tunnug 1 site, which is associated with the Scythians, ancient nomads. The tomb contained over 1,000 cannabis seeds, which were radiocarbon dated. Alongside the seeds, preserved human hair was also found. Researchers noted the rarity of finding both plant material and human soft tissue with active compounds in the same context.

## Disagreement on Evidence Strength

While the study suggests psychoactive use, some independent experts have voiced reservations. Volker Auwaerter, head of forensic toxicology at the University Medical Center in Freiburg, Germany, described the hair analysis as "scientifically weak" and stated there was insufficient evidence to confirm cannabis use for its psychoactive properties. He suggested the hair could have acquired traces of cannabis through environmental exposure rather than consumption. However, Elisa Guerra Doce, a supporter of toxicological hair analysis in archaeology, indicated that such methods have been used to identify the consumption of psychoactive substances and supported the authors' conclusion that cannabis was consumed, not merely offered.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated digests mention the specific concerns raised by independent expert Volker Auwaerter regarding the scientific weakness of the hair analysis and the potential for environmental contamination. Similarly, none of the centre-rated digests detail Auwaerter's specific criticisms of the hair analysis or the strength of the evidence for psychoactive use.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 76 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 26% (20)
- Centre: 57% (41)
- Right: 17% (15)

10 of 86 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-11-06T10:00:06.731453+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 6 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-11-06T10:15:05.047Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Left-rated reports focused on the suggestion that people were using cannabis for psychoactive purposes nearly 2,800 years ago. Several reports highlighted the discovery of cannabis seeds and preserved hair in a Siberian tomb as evidence of the earliest known use for such effects. The Independent and The Independent (US) both used headlines stating people "may have been getting high off cannabis 'almost 2,800 years ago'." The Toronto Star, The Record, and The Seattle Times also led with the study's suggestion of early psychoactive cannabis use. Watauga Democrat's headline, "Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years," also reflected this emphasis.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports highlighted the discovery of cannabis seeds and preserved hair in a Siberian tomb as pointing to the oldest signs of cannabis use for highs, dating back 2,800 years. 7NEWS Australia noted that the "ancient burial site reveals early humans’ drug habits." Many reports, including those from CTV News, Washington Top News, Sun-Sentinel, My Mother Lode, and KPVI, used headlines similar to "Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests." Discover Magazine's headline focused on "Human Hair in a 2,800-Year-Old Tomb Points to What May Be the Earliest Known Cannabis High."

### Right

- Right-rated reports focused on the discovery of ancient cannabis use in Siberia, with several using headlines like "Siberian Tomb Reveals 2,800-Year-Old Cannabis Use" (Independent Journal Review) or "In Siberia, They Found the Most Ancient Traces of Cannabis Use" (vz.ru). BNR Nieuwsradio's headline stated, "Siberian Nomads Were Already Using Weed 2,800 Years Ago." Arab News reported that "Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests," and noted that "skepticism remains among some experts regarding the findings." Dagens Nyheter reported on a "Drug Test in Siberian Burial Mound Reveals Cannabis Use 2,800 Years Ago."

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- low: 1
- mixed: 7
- high: 39
- unknown: 10
- veryHigh: 29

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [fakti.bg](https://fakti.bg/life/1097998-kosa-na-2800-godini-sochi-kam-nai-starata-upotreba-na-kanabis) — 2,800-Year-Old Hair Points to Oldest Cannabis Use
- [SoCientífica](https://socientifica.com.br/trancas-de-2-800-anos-numa-tumba-real-da-siberia-guardaram-a-prova-mais-antiga-do-uso-de-maconha) — 2,800-Year-Old Braids in a Royal Tomb in Siberia Kept the Oldest Evidence of Marijuana Use
- [newsweek.ro](https://newsweek.ro/stiinta/ritual-infiorator-descoperit-intr-un-mormant-vechi-de-2800-de-ani-urme-de-canabis-gasite-in-parul-mortilor) — Ritual Înfiorător Descoperit Într-UN Mormânt Vechi De 2.800 Ani. Urme De Canabis Găsite În Părul Morților • Newsweek Romania
- [La Razón](https://larazon.es/ciencia/que-tienen-que-ver-tumba-hace-2800-anos-guerrero-siberiano-marihuana_202611066aed93de4196933d7ed2f151.html) — What Do a 2,800-Year-Old Grave, a Siberian Warrior and Marijuana Have to Do with It?
- [LiFO](https://lifo.gr/now/entertainment/brethike-i-arhaioteri-apodeixi-hrisis-kannabis-prin-apo-2800-hronia) — Oldest Evidence of Cannabis Use Found 2,800 Years Ago
- [vijesti.me](https://vijesti.me/vijesti/nauka/835048/studija-nalaza-u-sibiru-kanabis-se-koristio-radi-opojnog-dejstva-prije-najmanje-2800-godina) — Study of Findings in Siberia: Cannabis Was Used for Intoxicating Effects at Least 2,800 Years Ago
- [n1info.rs](https://n1info.rs/magazin/lifestyle/studija-nalaza-u-sibiru-kanabis-se-koristio-radi-opojnog-dejstva-pre-najmanje-2800-godina) — Study of Findings in Siberia: Cannabis Was Used for Intoxicating Effects at Least 2,800 Years Ago
- [vz.ru](https://vz.ru/news/2026/11/6/1472870.html) — In Siberia, They Found the Most Ancient Traces of Cannabis Use.
- [wissenschaft.de](https://wissenschaft.de/artikel/cannabis-rausch-schon-vor-2800-jahren) — Cannabis Noise Already 2800 Years Ago
- [Globo](https://g1.globo.com/ciencia/noticia/2026/11/06/cientistas-evidencia-antiga-maconha-tumulo-siberia.ghtml) — Scientists Find Older Evidence of the Use of Marijuana in 2,800-Year-Old Grave in Siberia
- [Agi.it](https://agi.it/scienza/news/2026-11-06/cannabis-scopi-ricreativi-39900713) — Almost 3,000 Years Ago Cannabis Was Used for Recreational Purposes
- [RNN Red Nacional De Noticias](https://rnn.com.do/el-cannabis-se-utilizaba-como-sustancia-psicoactiva-hace-ya-2-800-anos) — Cannabis Was Used as a Psychoactive Substance 2,800 Years Ago
- [Unknown](https://chosun.com/economy/science/2026/11/06/GM2DAOJYMZRTGYJSG42WIMRWMU) — Siberian Nomads Smoked Marijuana Since 2,800 Years Ago
- [7NEWS Australia](https://7news.com.au/technology/science/ancient-serbian-burial-site-reveals-humans-have-been-using-cannabis-for-longer-than-previously-thought-c-23124095) — Ancient burial site reveals early humans’ drug habits
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/world/2026/11/seeds-preserved-hair-in-tomb-point-to-oldest-signs-of-cannabis-high-2800-years-ago-study-suggests) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests – WTOP News
- [INTELLINEWS](https://intelli.news/2026/11/05/no-solo-cosa-de-hippies-arqueologos-descubren-restos-de-cannabis-en-cabellos-de-2-800-anos-de-antiguedad) — Not only Hippies: Archaeologists Discover Cannabis Remains in 2,800-Year-Old Hair
- [El Diario](https://diario.mx/escaparate/2026/nov/05/fueron-estos-antiguos-nomadas-siberianos-los-primeros-consumidores-de-marihuana-1147284.html) — Were These Ancient Siberian Nomads the First Marijuana Users?
- [The Messenger](https://the-messenger.com/news/world/article_db188402-efe0-5294-87d2-fb5651725b91.html) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [Discover Magazine](https://discovermagazine.com/human-hair-in-a-2-800-year-old-tomb-points-to-what-may-be-the-earliest-known-cannabis-high-49905) — Human Hair in a 2,800-Year-Old Tomb Points to What May Be the Earliest Known Cannabis High
- [Sun-Sentinel](https://sun-sentinel.com/2026/11/05/switzerland-cannabis-siberia) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [BNR Nieuwsradio](https://bnr.nl/nieuws/lifestyle/10615092/siberische-nomaden-zaten-2-800-jaar-geleden-al-aan-de-wiet) — Siberian Nomads Were Already Using Weed 2,800 Years Ago.
- [NewScientist](https://newscientist.com/article/2597653-tomb-in-siberia-reveals-humans-were-using-cannabis-2800-years-ago) — Tomb in Siberia reveals humans were using cannabis 2800 years ago
- [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/world/11284405/seeds-preserved-hair-in-tomb-point-to-oldest-signs-of-cannabis-high-2800-years-ago-study-suggests.html) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/asia/central-asia/cannabis-siberia-china-tombs-scythians-b3080116.html) — People may have been getting high off cannabis 'almost 2,800 years ago'
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/asia/central-asia/cannabis-siberia-china-tombs-scythians-b3080116.html) — People may have been getting high off cannabis 'almost 2,800 years ago'
- [Independent Journal Review](https://ijr.com/discover/science-2026-11-05-siberian-tomb-reveals-2800yearold-cannabis-use-236ce690) — Siberian Tomb Reveals 2,800-Year-Old Cannabis Use
- [Washington Times](https://washingtontimes.com/news/2026/nov/5/seeds-preserved-hair-tomb-point-oldest-signs-cannabis-high-2800-years) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [Watauga Democrat](https://wataugademocrat.com/news/national/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_659d3dc9-19f1-5fa1-ba15-b2978ca094c9.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [KPVI](https://kpvi.com/interests/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_53355480-4cf6-5713-94f3-aa7c6759437d.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [NE Iowa Publishing](https://communitynewspapergroup.com/news/nation/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_1be29af9-8116-52ff-9fb4-b10c75a20a1c.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [WFMZ](https://wfmz.com/science_and_tech/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_0a07cfb5-e0bb-5a0f-9577-44864c5fb319.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [Idaho County Free Press](https://idahocountyfreepress.com/news/national/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_9682c84b-1c7f-5ec8-87dc-924f91602f13.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [http://www.wfxg.com](https://wfxg.com/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_4674aaf3-2408-53be-985a-b92c037dbf9d.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [Purdue Exponent](https://purdueexponent.org/news/national/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_b88fd8b0-b7b0-5709-a842-3d7ae6f9f426.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [Delaware Business Now](https://delawarebusinessnow.com/news/national/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_824e2278-b374-5732-afaf-ef69d2ce186f.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [iosconews.com](https://iosconews.com/news/nation/article_21d7e750-84d1-58af-8841-bf2c6fed2404.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [Internewscast](https://internewscast.com/local-news/2800-year-old-tomb-offers-earliest-evidence-of-cannabis-high) — 2,800-Year-Old Tomb Offers Earliest Evidence of Cannabis High
- [20minutos](https://20minutos.es/ciencia/hallan-una-tumba-siberiana-2-800-anos-evidencia-mas-antigua-uso-psicoactivo-cannabis_7057928_0.html) — Found in a Siberian Tomb of 2,800 Years Old the Oldest Evidence of Psychoactive Use of Cannabis
- [Arab News](https://arabnews.com/offbeat/seeds-preserved-hair-in-tomb-point-to-oldest-signs-of-cannabis-high-2800-years-ago-study-suggests-3010058) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [CTV News](https://ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/article/seeds-preserved-hair-in-tomb-point-to-oldest-signs-of-cannabis-high-2800-years-ago-study-suggests) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [WBAL](https://wbal.com/seeds-preserved-hair-in-tomb-point-to-oldest-signs-of-cannabis-high-2800-years-ago-study-suggests) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2
- [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/europe/seeds-preserved-hair-in-tomb-point-to-oldest-signs-of-cannabis-high-2-800-years-ago-study-suggests/article_86c0483e-3103-5750-b7c2-3c49836d4fda.html) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [The Record](https://therecord.com/news/world/europe/seeds-preserved-hair-in-tomb-point-to-oldest-signs-of-cannabis-high-2-800-years-ago-study-suggests/article_2a4d9be6-82a4-5905-9713-5b9cbd66e509.html) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [Newsday](https://newsday.com/news/nation/cannabis-siberia-herodotus-caspari-switzerland-s09353) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/seattle-news/science/seeds-preserved-hair-in-tomb-point-to-oldest-signs-of-cannabis-high-2800-years-ago-study-suggests) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/cannabis-siberia-herodotus-caspari-switzerland-2af72e5afb915d835b233f14b20ad185) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [abc News](https://abcnews.com/Technology/wireStory/seeds-preserved-hair-tomb-point-oldest-signs-cannabis-137890937) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/tech/2026/11/05/seeds-preserved-hair-in-tomb-point-to-oldest-signs-of-cannabis-high-2800-years-ago-study-suggests) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [The Herald Journal](https://hjnews.com/world/seeds-preserved-hair-in-tomb-point-to-oldest-signs-of-cannabis-high-2-800-years/article_2080505d-73a0-5c9a-be2b-0b5db22dc054.html) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [The Star Democrat](https://stardem.com/ap/world/seeds-preserved-hair-in-tomb-point-to-oldest-signs-of-cannabis-high-2-800-years/article_9dff9266-1813-55a0-b89a-68d44e123f9e.html) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [The Marijuana Herald](https://themarijuanaherald.com/2026/11/marijuana-2800-years-ago) — Study Finds Evidence of Marijuana Use in Burial Rituals 2,800 Years Ago, With Cannabinoids Detected in Human Hair
- [newsbudz.com](https://newsbudz.com/marijuana-herald/366824/study-finds-evidence-marijuana-use-burial-rituals-2800) — Study Finds Evidence of Marijuana Use in Burial Rituals 2,800 Years Ago, With Cannabinoids Detected in Human Hair
- [Dagens Nyheter.](https://dn.se/varlden/drogtest-i-sibirisk-gravhog-avslojar-cannabisbruk-for-2-800-ar-sedan) — Drug Test in Siberian Burial Mound Reveals Cannabis Use 2,800 Years Ago
- [Gizmodo](https://gizmodo.com/horseback-riding-siberian-nomads-got-high-on-cannabis-2800-years-ago-the-oldest-evidence-yet-2000835823) — Siberian Burial Site Reveals First Known Use of Cannabis as Drug
- [Il Fatto Quotidiano](https://ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/11/05/cannabis-riti-funebri-siberia-scoperta-notizie/8562311) — Cannabis in Funeral Rites 2,800 Years Ago: Find Traces of Thc
- [Channel News Asia](https://channelnewsasia.com/business/siberian-burial-site-reveals-ancient-use-cannabis-intoxicant-6528796) — Siberian burial site reveals ancient use of cannabis as an intoxicant
- [Hola News](https://holanews.com/el-cannabis-se-utilizaba-como-sustancia-psicoactiva-hace-ya-2-800-anos) — Cannabis Was Used as a Psychoactive Substance 2,800 Years Ago
- [dailymail.com](https://dailymail.com/sciencetech/article-16268081/Cannabis-used-intoxicant-2800-years-ago.html) — The STONED Age! Cannabis was first used as intoxicant 2,800 years ago
- [Eldiario.es](https://eldiario.es/sociedad/jinetes-nomadas-estepa-siberiana-consumian-cannabis-ceremonias-2-800-anos_1_13640734.html) — Nomad Riders of the Siberian Steppe Already Consumed Cannabis for Their Ceremonies 2,800 Years Ago
- [De Morgen](https://demorgen.be/nieuws/stoned-in-de-bronstijd-archeologen-vinden-vroegste-bewijs-voor-wietgebruik~b3128a19) — Stoned in the Bronze Age? Archaeologists Find Earliest Evidence of Weed Use
- [KIFI](https://localnews8.com/cnn-other/2026/11/05/earliest-evidence-of-cannabis-use-found-in-ancient-siberian-tomb) — Earliest evidence of cannabis use found in ancient Siberian tomb
- [KRDO](https://krdo.com/cnn-other/2026/11/05/earliest-evidence-of-cannabis-use-found-in-ancient-siberian-tomb) — Earliest evidence of cannabis use found in ancient Siberian tomb
- [KVIA](https://kvia.com/cnn-other/2026/11/05/earliest-evidence-of-cannabis-use-found-in-ancient-siberian-tomb) — Earliest evidence of cannabis use found in ancient Siberian tomb
- [KEYT](https://keyt.com/news/national-world/cnn-other/2026/11/05/earliest-evidence-of-cannabis-use-found-in-ancient-siberian-tomb) — Earliest evidence of cannabis use found in ancient Siberian tomb
- [KESQ](https://kesq.com/cnn-other/2026/11/05/earliest-evidence-of-cannabis-use-found-in-ancient-siberian-tomb) — Earliest evidence of cannabis use found in ancient Siberian tomb
- [KMIZ](https://abc17news.com/cnn-other/2026/11/05/earliest-evidence-of-cannabis-use-found-in-ancient-siberian-tomb) — Earliest evidence of cannabis use found in ancient Siberian tomb
- [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-11-cannabis-intoxicant-early-years.html) — Cannabis was used as an intoxicant as early as 2,800 years ago
- [La Vanguardia](https://lavanguardia.com/ciencia/20261105/11676953/restos-cabello-hallados-antigua-tumba-siberia-revelan-consumia-cannabis-rituales-funerarios-2-800-anos.html) — Remains of Hair Found in an Ancient Grave in Siberia Reveal that Cannabis Was Already Consumed in Funeral Rituals of 2,800 Years Ago
- [watson](https://watson.ch/wissen/drogen/773960589-cannabis-konsum-vor-2800-jahren-belegt) — Already 2800 Years Ago, People Were Smoking – This Is What Finds in Siberia Show.
- [Science Alert](https://sciencealert.com/2800-year-old-siberian-sacrificial-tomb-reveals-earliest-known-evidence-of-cannabis-intoxication) — 2,800-Year-Old Siberian Sacrificial Tomb Reveals Earliest Known Evidence of Cannabis Intoxication
- [Popular Science](https://popsci.com/science/oldest-cannabis-use-siberia) — Oldest evidence of cannabis use discovered in 2,700-year-old royal tomb
- [404 Media](https://404media.co/oldest-evidence-of-getting-high-on-cannabis-discovered-in-2800-year-old-tomb) — Oldest Evidence of Getting High on Cannabis Discovered In 2,800-Year-Old Tomb: ‘Absolutely Crazy’
- [Nautilus](https://nautil.us/oldest-evidence-of-human-cannabis-use-has-a-ghoulish-twist-1286377) — Oldest Evidence of Human Cannabis Use Has a Ghoulish Twist
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/sci-tech/2026/11/05/seeds-preserved-hair-in-tomb-point-to-oldest-signs-of-cannabis-high-2800-years-ago-study-suggests) — Seeds, preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests
- [Floyd Chronicle & Times](https://floydct.com/news/national/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_a7006fc5-1cf2-53f8-a88c-a4a387f867fe.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [Webster County Citizen](https://webstercountycitizen.com/news/national/article_98b5699f-4994-52d0-bb5a-47b8e45500aa.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [The Laconia Daily Sun](https://laconiadailysun.com/around_the_web/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_ed88460f-8965-5b0f-bd2f-7cbc3e9622da.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [Shelby News](https://shelbynews.com/news/national/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_d7b526d3-b675-589d-a416-1f4956802ce3.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [News-Graphic.com](https://news-graphic.com/news/national/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_f3ba92c5-ff31-5dc2-9cd8-a912921de9ee.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [News-Herald](https://news-herald.net/news/national/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_63f3ca21-8717-5054-9d3f-b34a439ae09f.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [ashepostandtimes.com](https://ashepostandtimes.com/news/national/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_db7e1a56-f5a8-5a3b-a2f8-d2c92ba0badf.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [The Guam Daily Post](https://postguam.com/news/national/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_e67e1e17-4390-53f7-a213-4416b1c8844a.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [Ashley County Ledger](https://ashleycountyledger.com/news/national/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_e1af3349-7600-5b5d-9e82-0fd1d6fa3f4b.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [Chronicle-Tribune](https://chronicle-tribune.com/news/wire/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_c9a01635-ca5f-5402-997a-620b1ad7e773.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [The Courier-Times](https://thecouriertimes.com/stoned-age-people-have-been-getting-high-on-cannabis-for-2-800-years/article_a44fe95e-c234-58ff-85b8-401170f4c767.html) — Stoned Age? People have been getting ‘high’ on cannabis for 2,800 years
- [Scientific American](https://scientificamerican.com/article/ancient-humans-used-cannabis-in-burial-rituals-2-800-years-ago) — Ancient humans used cannabis in burial rituals 2,800 years ago

## Questions

**What evidence suggests early cannabis use?**

Archaeologists found cannabis seeds and preserved human hair in a 2,800-year-old tomb at the Tunnug 1 site in southern Siberia. Analysis of these materials suggests the plant was used for psychoactive purposes.

**How does this finding compare to previous knowledge?**

The study suggests that cannabis use for psychoactive purposes may have occurred at least 2,800 years ago, potentially predating previously known use in China by 300 years.

**Are there any doubts about these findings?**

Yes, some independent experts, such as Volker Auwaerter, have expressed skepticism about the hair analysis and the strength of the evidence for psychoactive use, suggesting the hair might have been exposed to cannabis rather than having consumed it.

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MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/tech/cannabis-use-for-psychoactive-purposes-dates-back-2800-years-study-suggests. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Cannabis Use for Psychoactive Purposes Dates Back 2,800 Years, Study Suggests", https://mediabias.news/tech/cannabis-use-for-psychoactive-purposes-dates-back-2800-years-study-suggests