Researchers found all 789 grams of dried cannabis buried beside, what they believe, to be a shaman of the Gushi culture. It was found in Turpan in northwest China.
Dry conditions and the alkaline soil preserved the stash, which enabled scientists to study it.
“To our knowledge, these investigations provide the oldest documentation of cannabis as a pharmacologically active agent,” says Dr. Ethan B. Russo, a neurologist.
However, they can’t determine if the cannabis they found was ingested or smoked. No pipes or other clues were discovered in order to reach a good conclusion.
The researchers also speculated that the large cache was meant for afterlife use.
“It was common practice in burials to provide materials needed for the afterlife. No hemp or seeds were provided for fabric or food. Rather, cannabis as medicine or for visionary purposes was supplied,” Russo added.
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