Marijuana Plants Burried in an Ancient Tomb

Archeologists have recently discovered some Marijuana plants in a Chinese ancient tomb. Prehistoric Eurasians used this plant for medical purposes or rituals. A recent study published in Economic Botany reveals that scientists unveiled 13 Marijuana plants, diagonally arranged like a sheet over the dead man’s body. It is claimed that the man might have been a shaman, a 35-year-old Caucasian person.

The deceased’s body was displayed on a bed made out of wood and a pillow made out of reeds. The Marijuana plants had sizes measuring between 19 and 35 inches. Another research indicated that the cemetery was 2,800 years old.

Hongen Jiang, a lead author of the study from National Geographic, argued that this was the first time when they managed to recuperate unmitigated cannabis plants. It was also the first tomb to be found with a shroud or sheet used in the burial ritual.

Archeologists claim that this is not the first time to find Marijuana on sites like the Chinese one. The origin of cannabis is not clear, and they might have been brought from somewhere else. Though, the cannabis plants discovered in this specific tomb had a certain setting on the man’s body, suggesting the plants were fresh and probably locally grown.

The place where the tomb was discovered lies near China’s Turpan Basin. Older research develops the theory that this area was “a stop on the Silk Road.” This sacred tomb was situated among other 240 other graves which were thought to belong to members of Subeixi tribes. The Subeixi members had a peaceful and rural life, cultivating cereals and further developing a balanced society consisting of pastoral and agricultural activities.

The tangible evidence lies on the ground of the idea that Subeixi together with other tribes situated in the area were using Marijuana plants for medical purposes. About ten years ago, researchers revealed a significant supply of cannabis flowers near a cemetery called Yanghai. These plants were thought to facilitate the link between the spiritual world and the human’s world.  Experts are not sure whether these plants have also been used as a stimulant for the appetite.

Recently, some cannabis seeds were discovered in a tomb in Siberia. The woman who died there may have suffered from breast cancer, and she might have used the plant to combat the symptoms of her illness.

Isn’t it strange how people from the past were already familiar with Marijuana’s plant’s medical attributions? Were there other unknown purposes of this plant? Did they also use it for recreational purposes? What do you think?

Image source: flickr