In a fiery interview with Time magazine, legendary musician Elton John did not hold back his criticism of marijuana legalization in the United States and Canada. The “Rocket Man” singer labeled the policy change as “one of the greatest mistakes of all time,” citing his personal struggles with addiction as the foundation for his concerns.
“I maintain that it’s addictive. It leads to other drugs,” John stated emphatically. “And when you’re stoned—and I’ve been stoned—you don’t think normally.”
The outspoken star reflected on his decades-long battle with substance abuse, which culminated in his sobriety in 1990. For 20 years, John battled the grip of drugs and alcohol, a period he described as chaotic and destructive. His turnaround came after attending the funeral of Ryan White, an HIV-positive teenager whose story profoundly moved the musician. That moment pushed him to confront his addictions and seek a better path.
Since then, Elton John has become a vocal advocate for addiction recovery, famously helping other artists such as Eminem and Robbie Williams to overcome their own struggles. His remarks about marijuana legalization stem from his belief that the drug can act as a gateway to more dangerous substances, leading to devastating consequences for users and their loved ones.
These bold statements have reignited debates about the societal impact of marijuana legalization. Supporters argue that it reduces crime rates and provides medical benefits, while critics, like John, fear it trivializes the dangers of substance abuse.
For Elton John, the issue is deeply personal. His longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin previously expressed grave concern for the artist during his darkest years, revealing that addiction had severely impacted John’s ability to perform and create music.
As marijuana legalization continues to expand across North America, Elton John’s warnings serve as a poignant reminder of the complex and deeply personal nature of addiction—and the potential unintended consequences of this controversial policy shift.
