Elton John Thinks Legalizing Marijuana is ‘One of the Greatest Mistakes of All Time’
Elton John shared quite the hot take about marijuana legalization.
In a new interview with Time, Sir Elton said of marijuana, “I maintain that it’s addictive. It leads to other drugs. And when you’re stoned—and I’ve been stoned—you don’t think normally.
He then added, “Legalizing marijuana in America and Canada is one of the greatest mistakes of all time.”
Regarding whether marijuana is addictive, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, “Approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder. It is estimated that people who use cannabis have about a 30% likelihood of becoming addicted.”
However, the CDC also states, “Researchers disagree on whether cannabis is a ‘gateway drug'”‘ — the idea that cannabis use leads a person to use other more dangerous drugs, like cocaine or heroin. However, there is limited evidence suggesting that using cannabis increases the risk of using other drugs.”
In Canada, the Cannabis Act legalized marijuana in the country in October 2018. There are various rules and regulations to the legalization, including being allowed to “possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis, dried or equivalent in non-dried form in public.” In October 2019, edible cannabis products and concentrates could be legally sold.
In the United States, marijuana legalization is a bit more complicated. While marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, 24 states, Washington, D.C., and Guam have passed legislation to legalize recreational marijuana.
Sir Elton’s interview with Time was due to the publication naming hime “Icon Of The Year” for 2024. John said in a statement via social media, “What an honor! Reflecting on my journey – from the highs and lows of my early career to the peace and happiness of life now with my husband and two wonderful sons – I’m reminded of the incredible support and love that have shaped my path. This accolade is a personal milestone and a reminder to the world that being yourself is truly iconic. Thank you, Belinda [Luscombe, who wrote the ‘Time’ article], for your words and ”Time’, for this incredible recognition.”
