Shakespeare's 'cannabis sonnet'

When Shakespeare wrote about a "noted weed" he may have been referring to cannabis.

When Shakespeare wrote about a "noted weed" he may have been referring to cannabis.

A study has shown clay pipes from Stratford-upon-Avon at the time contain traces of the drug.

There is no evidence Shakespeare took it but the discovery may explain the phrase, which appeared in his Sonnet 76.

South African researchers also found evidence of other hallucinogenic drugs and even cocaine.

Dr Francis Thackeray of the Transvaal Museum in Pretoria said: "We do not claim that any of the pipes belong to Shakespeare."

more courts articles

Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London
Jack Grealish landed with £1,042 bill after admitting speeding in Range Rover Jack Grealish landed with £1,042 bill after admitting speeding in Range Rover
Man admits killing Irish pensioner (87) on mobility scooter in London Man admits killing Irish pensioner (87) on mobility scooter in London

More in this section

Thousands protest in Georgia against ‘Russia-style’ law on foreign influence Thousands protest in Georgia against ‘Russia-style’ law on foreign influence
More than 40 dead after flash floods on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island More than 40 dead after flash floods on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island
Internet use study Internet use linked to higher wellbeing, study suggests
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited