Ancient Israelis used marijuana in religious ceremonies

Israeli researchers found cannabis at a nearly 3,000-year-old temple, showing that ancient Israelis used marijuana as part of a religious ceremony.

Image of the altar seen from above, where researchers found traces of marijuana and animal dung - (Image: Reuters).

Traces of marijuana were found on an altar at the temple of Tel Arad , in the Negev Desert, about 10 km from the city of Arad in southern Israel.

This site was discovered more than 50 years ago but new analysis of strange organic matter on the limestone altar has brought surprising results.

Archaeologist Eran Arie, who led the research project on behalf of the Israel Museum and Volcani Institute of Israel, said the strange substance contains traces of marijuana and animal dung - which has a burning effect.

Arie said there was no evidence that cannabis was locally grown in the 8th century BC. This indicates that someone has tried to import marijuana because of its " psychoactive effects ".

In addition, a trace of frankincense was also found on an altar in the temple.