Archaeological Dig Yields Proof of an Early Joint Distribution

An archaeological dig at Beit Shemesh yielded evidence that hashish was used for medicinal purposes in antiquity and cast light on obstetrical practices in the 4th century C.E.

The therapeutic use of the narcotic derived from hemp is known from historical sources. But this is the first time it has been confirmed by archaeological evidence, according to anthropologist Joel Ziss of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

The evidence was examined by Professor Rafael Meshulam of the Hebrew University’s Pharmacy School. He found a chemical constituent present only in hashish in a small mound of burned grasses and fruit that had been deposited on the abdomen of a 14-year-old girl in the ninth month of pregnancy.

The girl measured only 4-feet 7-inches tall. The remains of a 9-month-old fetus were found in her womb. The corpse was found with those of 40 other people in what was a family tomb.

“Presumably, the hashish was burned so she could inhale it to ease the pain,” Meshulam said. “They then placed the burnt material on her abdomen. I presume they thought this would help.”

The professor added that the fetus could have been delivered only by Caesarian section.

Hashish, also known as cannabis sativa, was first mentioned as an effective drug in Egypt about 1550 BCE and has had an ignoble history.

It has been smoked, chewed or drunk for its narcotic effects and in the Middle Ages was administered to give courage to hired killers. The word assassin in fact is derived from hashish and first applied to a secret society whose members were chosen to murder the enemies of Shi’ite Moslem leaders.

According to the Antiquities Department, the narcotic was also used in Europe as late as the 19th century to intensify uterine contractions and reduce labor pains.

The JTA Daily News Bulletin will not be published Monday, June 8, which is Shavuot.