Study finds ritual cannabis use in 2,800-year-old Siberian tomb

Researchers published a paper in Science that presents archaeological evidence of cannabis being used in ritual contexts in a tomb dating back about 2,800 years in Siberia. The analysis of plant residues and burial artifacts suggests the ancient people deliberately incorporated cannabis into ceremonial practices.

The study was authored by Jonathan Wosen and Theresa Gaffney and released on November 6, 2026. It adds to a growing body of research exploring the historical role of psychoactive plants in human societies.

While the finding does not directly impact modern drug development, it provides a deeper cultural backdrop for the long-standing relationship between humans and cannabis, which may inform future discussions on its therapeutic potential.

The discovery underscores the value of interdisciplinary work that combines archaeology, chemistry, and historical scholarship to illuminate past human behavior.