Iconic singer and songwriter Elton John has expressed strong disapproval of marijuana legalization in parts of the United States and Canada, describing it as “one of the greatest mistakes of all time.” His comments came during an interview with Time magazine as part of their Icon of the Year coverage.
John, who has been open about his struggles with addiction and his decades-long journey to sobriety, emphasized the dangers he perceives in the widespread acceptance of cannabis. “I maintain that it’s addictive,” he stated firmly. “It leads to other drugs. And when you’re stoned—and I’ve been stoned—you don’t think normally.”
A Voice from Experience
Having battled his own demons with substance abuse, John has been sober for over 30 years. His personal experiences have not only shaped his views but also inspired him to support others in their recovery journeys. Among those he has helped is rapper Eminem, for whom he served as a sobriety sponsor, and English pop star Robbie Williams, whom he assisted during his first stint in rehab.
Despite his successes in aiding others, there are regrets. John spoke candidly about his inability to help his friend and fellow musician, George Michael. Michael struggled with substance abuse for years and passed away in 2016 at the age of 53 due to heart and liver disease.
“It’s tough to tell someone that they’re being a hole, and it’s tough to hear,” John admitted, reflecting on his attempts to help Michael. “Eventually, I made the choice to admit that I’m being an ahole,” he said, alluding to the challenges of confrontation in such delicate matters.
Addiction’s Impact on Creativity
John’s longtime collaborator and lyricist, Bernie Taupin, shed light on how addiction affected their work together. “When he was hooked on drugs, I was terrified for him. It was absolutely horrible,” Taupin recalled. He noted that during John’s most difficult periods, their creative output suffered. “A lot of the work we did when he was at his worst wasn’t the best of either of us,” Taupin said. “I couldn’t invest creatively in writing material that related to him until he actually found himself. Once he did, it became easier for me to reflect on those experiences and incorporate them into our work.”
A Sobering Warning
John’s criticism of marijuana legalization stems from his broader concerns about the normalization of substance use. While cannabis has gained widespread acceptance for both medical and recreational purposes in various parts of the world, John warns of the potential risks. His comments highlight the ripple effects addiction can have on mental clarity, relationships, and artistic potential.
By sharing his experiences and perspective, John continues to advocate for sobriety and greater awareness of the dangers of substance abuse, urging society to reconsider the broader implications of legalizing drugs.
