Elton John, in a candid interview with Time magazine as part of being named its 2024 Icon of the Year, shared his strong stance against the legalization of marijuana in the U.S. and Canada.
Drawing from his personal experience with drug addiction, John expressed that he believes legalizing marijuana is one of the “greatest mistakes of all time.”
A Personal Perspective on Addiction
John, who has been sober for years and has helped several artists recover from addiction, such as serving as Eminem’s sponsor, explained that his opposition to marijuana stems from his own struggles. “I maintain that it’s addictive.
It leads to other drugs,” he said. He added that marijuana impairs judgment and decision-making, saying, “When you’re stoned — and I’ve been stoned — you don’t think normally.”
The Impact of Drugs on Relationships
Reflecting on his own past, John discussed how drug use affected his relationships. “You make terrible decisions on drugs,” he admitted, recalling how his need for love led him to make poor choices in his personal life. “I’d just take hostages,” he said, revealing the pain and regret he feels for how his behavior may have hurt others.
A Message of Sobriety and Support
Despite his strong views on marijuana, John’s sobriety has allowed him to support others in their recovery.
He shared that, as a recovering addict himself, he is committed to helping others overcome addiction, though he acknowledged that some, like George Michael, were unable to accept help in time.
