Dec 13
Recreational Weed? Elton John Disapproves, Says Legalization 'One of the Greatest Mistakes'
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Elton John, who famously has had his share of struggles with substance use, says that legalizing marijuana in the U.S. – and in Canada – was "one of the greatest mistakes" in history.
The Hollywood Reporter relayed that the iconic out singer-songwriter explained to TIME Magazine that "he isn't as blasé about weed as many other people," as THR put it.
"I maintain that it's addictive," Sir Elton declared in his interview with TIME, which chose the "Tiny Dancer" singer as 2024's Icon of the Year. "It leads to other drugs. And when you're stoned – and I've been stoned – you don't think normally."
The rock star's own history with substance use played a part in his biopic, 2019's "Rocketman," the Dexter Fletcher film in which Taron Egerton played him. A new documentary, "Elton John: Never Too Late" also delves into the subject.
Those who favor legal marijuana for recreational use make the argument that THC – the plant's active ingredient – is less addictive than alcohol, though the subject of addiction is nuanced.
Users anecdotally report that marijuana use helps ease anxiety and pain, though the former claim appears to be offset by evidence for the opposite effect in some users, and the latter claim is not well supported by studies.
Moreover, advocates for legal weed point to the medicinal uses of marijuana, which include helping patients undergoing chemotherapy manage nausea and a supposedly therapeutic effect for people with glaucoma, an eye disease.
Sir Elton – who himself recently said he had "lost [his] eyesight" after suffering an infection – is adamant that the potential harm outweighs the benefits.
"Legalizing marijuana in America and Canada is one of the greatest mistakes of all time," the singer declared.
John also shared his take on how drug use in general can be harmful. "You make terrible decisions on drugs," he asserted, before assessing the impact drug use had on his relationships by adding, "It really upsets me, thinking back on how many people I probably hurt."
Watch a trailer for "Elton John: Never Too Late" below.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
