Scientists Sniff Out Ancient Stash of Pot

2 lbs. of green plant material found in 2700 year-old grave
By Kristina Loew,  Newser User
Posted Dec 3, 2008 5:24 PM CST
Scientists Sniff Out Ancient Stash of Pot
Containers of medical marijuana at the Alternative Herbal Health Services cannabis dispensary in San Francisco.    (Getty Images)

Scientists excavating a grave in China’s Gobi desert have found what they believe is the world’s oldest marijuana stash, reports Discovery News. Two pounds of still-green plant material were found in a 2,700-year-old grave belonging to a Caucasian man researchers believe may have been a shaman.

Scientists originally thought they found coriander, but testing revealed it was cannibis. The discovery casts doubt on long-held theories that hemp was used only to make clothing and rope. Researchers point out that someone took the time to remove the less potent parts, making it pretty clear what the plant was being used for. The centuries-old stash doesn't have the punch it once did; because of decomposition, it would have little effect today.
(More ancient customs stories.)

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