Unusual substance found in William Shakespeare's garden

William Shakespeare may have been under the influence while penning some of his most famous plays.

According to research from the South African Institute of Science, clay tobacco pipes dating over 400 years ago, were found in the playwright's garden. Using a technique called gas chromatography mass spectrometry, scientists were able to analyze the particles left behind. This method is so sensitive that anything smoked out of the pipes leaves a residual trace, even after centuries.

But what exactly was Shakespeare smoking?

Results of this study (including 24 pipe fragments) revealed traces of cannabis in eight samples, nicotine in at least one sample, and in two samples definite evidence for Peruvian cocaine from coca leaves.

To avid readers, this may not come as a shock. In several of Shakespeare's sonnets, the author writes about strange drugs and "weed" (in Sonnet 76, he mentions the "invention of a noted weed").

Chances are he wasn't high while writing "Romeo and Juliet," but hey, you never know.

More from AOL.com:
Table service is McDonald's next act of desperation
Man croons at McDonald's window, worker isn't impressed
4 surprising US islands for adventure seekers