How Neil Young Deals With Marijuana-Induced Paranoia

Say what you will, Dylan fans, but Neil Young is the greatest songwriter (and person) ever to have graced the Earth (in my opinion).

The rock demigod has not only remained relevant throughout his nearly five-decade career, but has consistently furthered himself as an icon of music, environmentalism, pacifism and much more.

As with many creative geniuses, Young has peppered marijuana use through various stages of his career. In 2011, he took an extended leave of absence from the stuff in order to gain a “different perspective” while writing his memoir “Waging Heavy Peace.” Luckily for Young, marijuana is back in his life, as we learned during his recent interview with Howard Stern. The singer admitted to smoking weed on rare occasions nowadays, which prompted a discussion about paranoia. Stern noted that he had given up weed due to the oft-cited side affect, and Young came back with a remedy: Peppercorns.

“Try black pepper balls if you get paranoid,” he said. “Just chew two or three pieces. I just found this out myself. Try it.”

Neil’s not crazy. In fact, Marijuana.com first covered the rumored remedy for weed-induced paranoia back in August. While the piece didn’t suggest actually chewing the peppercorns, a study suggested that inhaling the pepper’s aroma would do the trick.

Medical studies can vary in their efficacy and reliability, but Neil Young is infallible. With his expert recommendation, all cannabis users who suffer from paranoid side effects should keep this common kitchen good close at hand.