A 2700 year old mummy found in China has been conclusively identified as the world's oldest pothead. The light-haired, blue-eyed Caucasian man (don't ask - I don't know!) had almost two pounds of weed stashed in a leather basket and a wooden bowl. Researchers believe the man was a shaman.

The extremely dry conditions and alkaline soil acted as preservatives, allowing a team of scientists to carefully analyze the stash, which still looked green though it had lost its distinctive odour.

"To our knowledge, these investigations provide the oldest documentation of cannabis as a pharmacologically active agent," says the newly published paper, whose lead author was American neurologist Dr. Ethan B. Russo.

Remnants of cannabis have been found in ancient Egypt and other sites, and the substance has been referred to by authors such as the Greek historian Herodotus. But the tomb stash is the oldest so far that could be thoroughly tested for its properties.

Another finding from the tests? The marijuana had a high level of THC; researchers tried to germinate 100 seeds, of course. No success. Damn shame. I hear Chinese Thunderstick is a hoot!

(Hat tip to BeOneCity.com)