Ancient Israelites may have got high on cannabis during religious rituals, according to new research.
Cannabis
Traces of the drug were found on a 3,000 year-old shrine at the Tel Arad temple.
The site was discovered over 50 years ago but new analysis revealed the shock findings.
Eran Arie, lead author of the study, says the discovery is the earliest evidence of cannabis use in the region, and said that the findings contained traces of both cannabis and animal dung.
Arie added it was unlikely that the cannabis was produced locally, which indicates that it was imported over long-distance trade routes.
Arie also suggested it demonstrates how the Israelites used mind-altering substances during worship.