Residue from early 17th century clay pipes found in Shakespeare's garden, and elsewhere in Stratford-Upon-Avon, were analysed in Pretoria using a sophisticated technique called gas chromatography mass spectrometry.
During the forensic study, chemicals from pipe bowls and stems which had been excavated from Shakespeare' garden and adjacent areas were identified and quantified.
Of the pipe fragments loaned from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to University of the Witwatersrand, cannabis was found in eight samples, four of which came from Shakespeare's property, 'The Independent' reported.
Shakespeare's sonnets suggest he was familiar with the effects of both drugs. He, possibly, preferred cannabis as a weed with mind-stimulating properties.
In Sonnet 76, Shakespeare writes about "invention in a noted weed", which could be interpreted to mean that he was willing to use "weed", or cannabis, while he was writing.
In the same sonnet it appears that he would prefer not to be associated with "compounds strange", which can be interpreted, at least potentially, to mean "strange drugs" (possibly cocaine).
Shakespeare, whose plays include 'As You Like It', 'Macbeth', and 'Othello', died in 1616 aged 52.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
