Elton John believes legalizing marijuana ‘is one of the greatest mistakes of all time’

Elton John has strong opinions about the legalization of marijuana, calling it “one of the greatest mistakes of all time.” In an interview with Time magazine, part of their “Icon of the Year” coverage, the music legend opened up about his views on cannabis legalization in the US and Canada, which he believes is problematic for both individuals and society.

John expressed his concern about marijuana’s addictive qualities. “I maintain that it’s addictive,” he stated, “It leads to other drugs. And when you’re stoned—and I’ve been stoned—you don’t think normally.” His personal experience with drugs has shaped this opinion, and he argues that legalizing marijuana only increases the potential for harm. For him, the decision to allow legal cannabis use is deeply misguided.

Elton John’s perspective on the issue comes from a place of personal recovery. He has been sober for many years, having battled his own struggles with addiction in the past. Over the years, John has become a strong advocate for sobriety, helping others who are dealing with substance abuse issues. His role as Eminem’s sponsor is well-known, as well as his involvement in helping fellow British singer Robbie Williams through rehab. However, John has also had his share of regrets in trying to help those close to him. One such person was the late George Michael, a close friend and fellow musician who struggled with addiction throughout his life. Michael died in 2016 from heart and liver disease at the age of 53, a loss John feels deeply.

Reflecting on his efforts to help George Michael, John admitted that the process of trying to assist someone in addiction can be incredibly challenging. “It’s tough to tell someone that they’re being an ahole, and it’s tough to hear,” John said. Eventually, John had to acknowledge that his attempts to help sometimes came off harshly, which led to a realization about his approach. “Eventually I made the choice to admit that I’m being an ahole,” he said.

John’s longtime collaborator, Bernie Taupin, spoke candidly about his own fears when John was struggling with addiction. “I was terrified for him. It was absolutely horrible,” Taupin admitted. As a creative partner, Taupin found it difficult to connect with John during the worst years of his addiction. The time they spent writing together when John was heavily involved with drugs was not their most productive. “A lot of the work that we did in the times when he was at his worst wasn’t the best of both of us,” Taupin explained. “I wasn’t able to creatively invest any time in writing material that related to him until he actually found himself.”

This painful chapter in John’s life shaped his views on drugs and their impact on both the individual and their relationships. He has been open about the toll addiction took on his career, creativity, and personal life. However, it also led him to a place of recovery and purpose, where he could use his experiences to support others struggling with addiction.

Today, John continues to speak out about the dangers of drugs, and he remains critical of the widespread normalization of marijuana use. His experience has taught him that addiction is a slippery slope, and legalizing substances like marijuana only exacerbates the problem. As someone who has seen the destructive effects of addiction firsthand, John is passionate about raising awareness and encouraging others to make healthier choices.

In the end, Elton John’s remarks about marijuana legalization are rooted in his own difficult journey to sobriety and his desire to help others avoid the pitfalls of addiction. He maintains that while people may view marijuana as harmless, it is ultimately a gateway to more serious drug use. His advice is clear: stay sober, avoid substances that can alter your mind, and be mindful of the long-term consequences.

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