When we think of cannabis history, we think of ancient medical uses, or 19th century cannabis cultivators that pioneered the legacy cannabis market.

Those facts are fine and dandy, but it’s time to shed some light on cannabis HERstory.

There’s no better way to highlight the female healers and leaders who utilized cannabis to enhance the lives of their people.

Let’s get started with my own personal favorite:

Princess Ukok of Siberia had tattoos and used cannabis to self-medicate her own ailments- what a goddess, right?

How Old is the Cannabis Princess of Siberia?

The Cannabis Princess of Siberia was a 25 year old woman who lived 2,500 years ago.

Also known as The Ice Maiden,The Altia Princess, Ochy-bala, and Devochka, is a mummy found in 1993.

She lived during the 5th century BC and was found in the Republic of Altai, Russia.

Living in the 5th century on the Eurasian Steppes (Ukok Plateau), the remains of the Cannabis Princess were found in an underground burial chamber by Russian Archeologist Natalia Polosmak.

Princess Ukok was part of the Pazyryk people that lived during the 2nd and 6th century.

She got her name from where she was found (Ukok Plateau), which is near the border of China. Today the land is known as The Autonomous Republic of Altai.

Until Polosmak’s discovery in 1993, the Cannabis Princess of Siberia’s tomb remained frozen for nearly 2500 years.

What Was Princess Ukok Buried With?

Inside the tomb of the Ice Maiden more than just her coffin was uncovered.

She was buried with two noble warriors and three horses saddled and ready to ride.

It is assumed the warriors and horses were buried so the princess can easily navigate her way to the afterlife.

There were tables, horsemeat, horse heads, and you guessed it: cannabis.

A scan of Princess Ukok’s mummified remains done in 2014 shows that she had breast cancer.

It’s assumed she used cannabis to cope with the unwanted symptoms associated with her illness.

Her cannabis was found in a pouch next to her body.

Was the Siberian Ice Maiden Really a Princess?

While we may never know the truth, it is assumed the Ice Maiden was a high priestess or some form of royalty.

The fact she was buried with three horses and two warriors shows her status was quite revered by her people.

Final Thoughts: Siberian Princess Ukok

It’s findings like this that show cannabis was an essential tool for healing in the ancient world.

From Ayurveda to the world’s oldest pharmacopeia, cannabis has been mixed with other herbs and elixirs to enhance wellbeing and help heal people for thousands of years.

The Cannabis Princess shows us that the 5th century BC was far more progressive than the 19th century when it comes to cannabis and stature.

She used cannabis as medicine and had tattoos. Two things that were harshly stigmatized up until recently.

About the author: Heather Burton

Heather lives with her husband and two children in beautiful British Columbia. Her passion has always been to enhance the lives of others by helping them reach their business goals.

Content management is her specialty, and writing is what she does best. Working specifically in the cannabis market, Heather strives to help dispensaries, patients, doctors, manufacturers and recreational users by giving them the voice they need. When she is not writing, you can find her anywhere outdoors and away from the screen.