Scythian gold from another discovery, detail. (Petros Giannakouris, AP)

These 2,400-year-old solid-gold bongs were used by Scythians for cannabis

File this incredible story under: 2,400-Year-Old Marijuana News.

Archaeologists in southern Russia recently found nearly seven pounds of truly spectacular, well preserved and solid gold artifacts from the Scythains, a nomadic people often written about by Greek historian Herodotus. In addition to the importance of the artistic depictions on the artifacts — which included jewelry, cups and a couple bucket-shaped vessels — the scientists made another important discovery when they had criminologists test the black residue inside the bucket-shaped containers.

These solid gold artifacts were found in Russia and contained traces of marijuana and opium, indicating they were ancient bongs of sorts.
(1tv.ru)

The results showed traces of marijuana and opium, proving that these containers are indeed ancient bongs of sorts.

From National Geographic’s excellent report:

The results came back positive for opium and cannabis, confirming a practice first reported by Herodotus. The Greek historian claimed that the Scythians used a plant to produce smoke “that no Grecian vapour-bath can surpass … transported by the vapor, [they] shout aloud.”

Because the sticky residue was found on the inside of the vessels, Belinski and Gass think they were used to brew and drink a strong opium concoction, while cannabis was burning nearby. “That both drugs were being used simultaneously is beyond doubt,” said Anton Gass, an archaeologist at the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation in Berlin.

Click through to National Geographic’s page for better photos of the ancient bongs — it’s worth it, we promise.