Cannabis is a plant with a long, complex history that’s full of fascinating facts—some of which are downright bizarre. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just curious, these five strange cannabis facts are sure to surprise you.

1. Ancient Chinese Emperor’s Endorsement

Cannabis has been used by humans for thousands of years, but did you know that one of the earliest recorded uses of cannabis was endorsed by a Chinese emperor? Emperor Shen Nung, often referred to as the father of Chinese medicine, is said to have used cannabis for medicinal purposes around 2737 B.C. He recommended it for a variety of ailments, including gout, rheumatism, and even forgetfulness. This ancient endorsement highlights how cannabis has been recognized for its medicinal properties for millennia, long before it became a controversial topic in modern times.

2. The First E-Commerce Transaction Was for Cannabis

In a strange twist of internet history, the first known e-commerce transaction was reportedly a sale of cannabis. In the early 1970s, Stanford students used ARPANET, a precursor to the modern internet, to arrange a deal with their counterparts at MIT. The transaction involved an unspecified amount of cannabis, making it a pioneering moment not just for online commerce, but for the relationship between technology and cannabis culture. This little-known fact shows how cannabis has been intertwined with technological innovation from the very beginning.

3. Cannabis Was Once Used as Legal Tender

Believe it or not, cannabis was once so highly valued in the United States that it could be used as legal tender. During the 17th and early 18th centuries, hemp was a crucial crop in colonial America. Farmers were encouraged—and in some cases, required by law—to grow hemp because it was essential for making rope, sails, and other goods. In Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, hemp was so important that it was accepted as currency. This practice underscores just how valuable cannabis was to early American settlers, far from the controversy it stirs today.

4. There Are More Cannabis Dispensaries Than Starbucks in Some Cities

Cannabis legalization in various parts of the world has led to a boom in dispensaries, particularly in North America. In some U.S. cities, the number of cannabis dispensaries actually exceeds the number of Starbucks coffee shops. For instance, in cities like Denver and Portland, you’re more likely to find a dispensary on the corner than a Starbucks. This fact highlights the rapid growth of the cannabis industry and how mainstream cannabis has become in some regions, reflecting a significant shift in cultural attitudes.

5. The World’s Oldest Cannabis Stash

In 2008, archaeologists discovered what is believed to be the world’s oldest known stash of cannabis in a 2,700-year-old grave in the Gobi Desert. The stash, found in a shaman’s tomb, was well-preserved and still contained potent levels of THC. This discovery not only provides evidence of ancient cannabis use but also suggests that our ancestors were familiar with its psychoactive properties. The fact that this cannabis was buried with a shaman indicates its likely significance in ritual or medicinal practices, offering a glimpse into how ancient cultures might have viewed the plant.

These bizarre cannabis facts show that the history and culture of this plant are full of surprising twists and turns. From ancient emperors to modern e-commerce, cannabis continues to be a plant that defies expectations and challenges conventions.