Back in the day, most people trying cannabis for the first time had no idea how much to take. When hasheesh eating became popular amongst Westerners in the 19th century, many newcomers ate far too much and, inevitably, some strange tales emerged… such as that of poor Mr. Binns.
MR. BINNS TRIES HASHEESH
New York Times, March 7, 1884. Reprinted from the Baltimore Sun, March 6.
A well-dressed young man, who gave the name of Binns, came to the City Hospital. He had yielded to a strange desire to enjoy a dose of hasheesh, a drug that produces curious results. He told the doctor that he had some doubts as to the locality of his face, which to him seemed situated at least two feet from where it really was. Then he was dubious whether he had any legs or was simply walking on his chin. The latter idea seemed to have a firm hold on him, for he stamped his feet on the ground a dozen times. His request to be relieved was pitiful. He feared that some one would steal an arm or leg from him. After medical treatment, Bins felt better.