Just this: Why does smoke calm down bees so a handler can work with them? Is there some kind of drug involved? (All “Bee” puns welcome) 
The short answer is “The fact that smoke calms bees has been known since ancient times; however, the scientific explanation was unknown until the 20th century and is still not fully understood. Smoke masks alarm pheromones (which include various chemicals, e.g., isopentyl acetate[1]) that are released by guard bees or bees that are injured during a beekeeper’s inspection. The smoke creates an opportunity for the beekeeper to open the beehive and work while the colony’s defensive response is interrupted. In addition, smoke initiates a feeding response in anticipation of possible hive abandonment due to fire. When a bee consumes honey the bee’s abdomen distends, making it difficult to make the necessary flexes to sting. (The latter has always been the primary explanation of the smoker’s effect, since this behavior of bees is easily observable.)”
The slightly longer answer can be found here.
And it seems to work. I kept bees in high school long ago, and used a smoker every time I had to open a hive. Some beekeepers even work without protective clothing as long as they can smoke the hive first. Just be wary of that rogue bee that doesn’t smoke.