Weird Cannabis Facts You’ve Probably Never Heard

Ancient Stash: The Oldest Cannabis Ever Found

In 2008, archaeologists discovered a 2,700-year-old burial site in China that contained nearly two pounds of cannabis, perfectly preserved. The stash was likely used for ritual or medicinal purposes, making it the oldest scientifically verified cannabis ever found.

NASA’s “Space Weed” Experiment… Sort Of

While no astronauts have toked in orbit, NASA did send cannabis sativa plant cells to space in 2019 aboard a SpaceX mission to see how they would react to microgravity. The goal? To study stress responses in plants, but the headline “space weed” definitely caught attention.

The U.S. Government Has Its Own Cannabis Farm

Despite federal prohibition, the U.S. government runs a legal cannabis grow operation at the University of Mississippi. Since 1968, it has been the sole supplier of federally approved cannabis for research purposes.

The First E-Commerce Sale Was… Cannabis?

One of the first online transactions was reportedly a cannabis deal in the early 1970s, when Stanford and MIT students arranged a weed purchase using the ARPANET — the internet’s ancestor.

Radioactive Hemp? It’s Real

In the 1990s, hemp was used in Chernobyl, Ukraine to clean radioactive soil through a process called phytoremediation. The plant absorbs toxins and heavy metals, showing how versatile cannabis plants can be.

Canada Once Issued Weed-Themed Coins

To celebrate legalization in 2018, Canada’s Royal Mint released glow-in-the-dark coins featuring a cannabis leaf. Talk about legal tender with a twist!

Cannabis in the Animal Kingdom

Some animals naturally consume cannabinoids. Studies show that pigs, dogs, and cats have endocannabinoid systems similar to humans — and wild animals like deer and elk have been caught nibbling on outdoor cannabis crops.

Shakespeare May Have Smoked Cannabis

Researchers found traces of cannabis in clay pipes excavated from Shakespeare’s garden. While it’s not confirmed he inhaled, it’s a fun theory that adds a twist to literary history.

Marijuana Once Had a Patent… by the U.S. Government

In 2003, the U.S. government patented cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants under Patent No. 6,630,507. Despite the patent, cannabis remains federally illegal.

World Record: The Largest Joint Ever Rolled

The world’s largest joint weighed over 4.2 pounds and stretched 30 feet long. It was rolled at the 2017 Harvest Cup in Massachusetts — no word on how long it took to smoke.

Final Thoughts

From ancient burial stashes to glow-in-the-dark coins and space experiments, cannabis history is full of weird and wonderful surprises. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just love trivia, these fun facts show how unique cannabis culture really is.

Health Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using cannabis, particularly if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking medication.