Siberians smoked weed 2,800 years ago.
In Tova, in southern Siberia, scientists examined the huge Scythian mound Tunnug-1, which dates back to the 8th century BC. More than 1,400 hemp seeds were found inside. And in hair samples from buried people, traces of cannabinol were found - a breakdown product of THC, the main psychoactive substance of cannabis.
This is the oldest direct evidence of the use of cannabis for its intoxicating effect. Scientists suggest that the Scythians could have inhaled cannabis smoke during funeral rites. Cannabis can also be used to calm people who are about to sacrifice.