New research published in the Journal of Archaeological Science by a team from Shandong University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences provides some of the strongest evidence yet that cannabis was a core agricultural crop in northern China during the Late Neolithic period.
Using phytolith analysis—a method that examines microscopic mineral remains left by plants—researchers identified cannabis residues at two archaeological sites in Shandong province dating back roughly 4,500 to 3,400 years ago. Unlike traditional plant remains such as seeds or fibers, which often degrade over time, phytoliths are far more durable, allowing scientists to detect cannabis even when other evidence is absent.
The findings indicate that cannabis was not just present, but widespread and systematically cultivated. At both sites, cannabis phytoliths appeared in more than 50% of samples and were frequently found alongside staple crops like millet and rice. In fact, co-occurrence rates reached as high as 84% to 100%, suggesting cannabis was a routine part of agricultural production rather than a marginal or occasional plant.
Researchers also found these phytoliths primarily in domestic settings, including ash pits and housing structures, reinforcing the conclusion that cannabis played a practical, everyday role in early farming communities.
The study adds to growing evidence that cannabis was domesticated in East Asia as early as 12,000 years ago, initially serving multiple purposes including food, fiber, and potentially medicinal or ritual use. By around 4,000 years ago, the plant began diverging into varieties optimized for either fiber or psychoactive properties.
Historically, cannabis has been difficult to track in archaeological records due to poor preservation of organic material. This study demonstrates that phytolith analysis can overcome those limitations, offering a more reliable way to trace the plant’s early use and spread.
Overall, the findings suggest cannabis was already a key component of northern China’s agricultural system thousands of years ago, challenging the notion that it was a secondary or specialized crop during that period.
Sponsored
