Elton John believes legalizing marijuana ‘is one of the biggest mistakes ever’

CNN
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Elton John doesn’t hold his tongue when it comes to legalized marijuana.

In an interview with Time magazine as part of their Icon of the Year coverage, the legendary singer shared his thoughts on the legalization of cannabis in parts of the United States and Canada.

“I maintain that it is addictive,” he said. “It leads to other drugs. And when you’re stoned – and I’ve been stoned – you don’t think normally.”

“Legalizing marijuana in America and Canada is one of the biggest mistakes of all time.”

John comes at it from the perspective of being sober for many years.

“He is Eminem’s sponsor. He orchestrated English pop star Robbie Williams’ first stint in rehab,” the publication pointed out.

One artist he regrets not being able to help was the late George Michael, who struggled with drug addiction before dying of heart and liver disease in 2016. He was 53.

“It’s hard to tell someone they’re an a-hole and it’s hard to hear,” John said of trying to help Michael with sobriety. “Finally, I made the choice to admit that I’m an a-hole.”

John’s longtime writing partner, Bernie Taupin, said that when John was addicted to drugs, “I was scared of him. It was absolutely horrible.”

“A lot of the work we did in those times when he was at his worst was not the best of either of us,” Taupin said. “I wasn’t able to creatively invest time into writing material that related to him until he actually found himself, and then it was easier for me to reflect on it.”