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Did Shakespeare Ever Smoke Weed?

Western literature’s most celebrated author has, in ages, puzzled many people. Shakespeare’s life has remained a point of interest for many researchers and scholars. How can a man be that creative? Where did he get his ideas? What motivated him? These are among the many questions that mystify his long history of successful literature that continues to impact the society in spite of the ever-changing societal norms. One of the most exciting researches on Shakespeare’s life is the use of cannabis.

Researchers from have spent a fortune and gone to great lengths to establish Shakespeare’s use of cannabis. Before going into details, note that the use of marijuana was not illegal especially in the U.K until the early 20th century. As such, its use may not be that surprising.

This article will explain the scope examining whether Shakespeare ever smoked weed.

Shakespeare’s Weed Association

A team of scientists led by Francis Thackeray of the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa conducted a research to identify the substance consumed by Shakespeare using the clay tobacco pipe back in 2001.

Using a technique known as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, the scientists close examined a total of 24, 400-year-old pipes from Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon property. From the sample, eight of the pipe’s fragments tested positive of a chemical signature similar to that of cannabis and four of which were from Shakespeare’s back garden. Furthermore, two pieces depicted remnants of Peruvian cocaine.

Drawing from the findings, it is, with little to no doubt, possible that Shakespeare indulged in a blow of cannabis. With its notable features, therefore, it can be said that his literature was inspired by a stimulant, making it even more interesting. However, given that the tests were not conclusive and because the pipes might not have been used by Shakespeare, the debate remains an open obscurity, giving room for more research.

Mark Griffiths’ Re-Ignites the Mystery

A Country Controversy is one of Shakespeare’s plays that Griffiths refers to while exploring the possibility that the author smoked weed. In his appeal, Griffiths exploits the text in the play “that which maketh time itself wither with sondering” to show reference to cannabis. Griffiths’ article re-ignites the debate, leaving Shakespeare’s fans in trepidation. In the spirit of examining Shakespeare’s work, marijuana reference is noted in various works such as in Sonnet 76 where “new-found methods and compounds strange” as well as ‘invention in a noted weed’ seem to point to cannabis use.

The question of whether Shakespeare ever smoked weed is a vague topic that will continue to mesmerize people. However, what is and will remain to be indisputable is the relevance and the ingenuity of his work.

Through the course of the years, cannabis consumption has posed various questions, and most of which explore the health benefits accruing from it. One of such health benefits is CBD oil for pain management. Despite the negative attributes associated with weed, numerous health benefits are present. With its non-psychoactive components such as the Cannabidiol used to make CBD oil, you can consume cannabis without getting high, and your mind can enjoy the cognitive benefits that it brings.