In 1967, a magazine published a story about extracting hallucinogenic chemicals from bananas to raise moral questions about banning drugs.

The story behind the answer

True. In 1967, the underground newspaper Berkeley Barb published a satirical article claiming you could extract a hallucinogen—“bananadine”—from banana peels. The piece was meant to mock drug prohibition and public panic: if everyday fruit could get you “high,” would authorities try to ban bananas? The hoax spread widely, inspiring experiments with banana peels and even prompting official inquiries.

Context tip: tie it to Donovan’s 1966 hit “Mellow Yellow,” which fueled rumors about bananas and getting high. The “banana ban” satire highlighted how media reports and moral fears can drive policy discussion more than evidence. Memory hook: 1967 + Mellow Yellow + bananadine = the Great Banana Hoax, a cheeky critique of drug bans.