Would You Get Stoned With The Scythians?

Key Points:

• Archaeologists uncovered evidence at Tunnug 1 in southern Siberia, dating back 2,800 years, showing that the Scythians used cannabis as a psychoactive drug, making it the earliest definitive proof of marijuana consumption by humans.
• The discovery included nearly a thousand whole cannabis seeds and traces of cannabinol (a THC byproduct) found in human hair strands from the burial mound, supporting the idea that Scythians engaged in ritualistic cannabis use.
• Historical accounts by Herodotus describe Scythians using heated hemp seeds to create thick vapors for a communal smoke experience, which aligns with the archaeological findings of cannabis use in funerary practices.
• While some experts question the scientific strength of the hair analysis and suggest other drugs like opium were preferred, many archaeologists view the evidence as a significant insight into the interconnected cultures of the Eurasian steppes.
• The Scythians’ funerary customs included a "spectral cavalcade" of sacrificed horses and humans, a practice corroborated by bone remains found at the site, highlighting the complex and sometimes brutal nature of their rituals alongside their cannabis use.