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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

(Newser) – 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.

Containers of medical marijuana at the Alternative Herbal Health Services cannabis dispensary in San Francisco.
Containers of medical marijuana at the Alternative Herbal Health Services cannabis dispensary in San Francisco.   (Getty Images)
 An area of the Gobi desert is seen near Yinchuan, China, in this 2004 file photo.
An area of the Gobi desert is seen near Yinchuan, China, in this 2004 file photo.   (Getty Images)
 An area of the Gobi desert is seen near the sand lake theme park in Yinchuan, China, in this 2004 file photo.
An area of the Gobi desert is seen near the sand lake theme park in Yinchuan, China, in this 2004 file photo.   (Getty Images)
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What is in question, however, is how the marijuana was administered, since no pipes or other objects associated with smoking were found in the grave.
- Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Guest
Dec 11, 2008 10:19 PM CST
probably was much more than 2 lbs at one point
Guest
Dec 4, 2008 7:51 PM CST
Re the way cannabis was administered. There are other ways of taking cannabis besides smoking it. You can also eat it. From the description it sounds like the "shaman" was preparing it for oral or topical administration.
Shannonals
Dec 4, 2008 7:10 PM CST
World’s oldest marijuana stash in China?? Now this is a story I would never thought of hearing

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