Elton John, named Time's 2024 Icon of the Year, has sparked controversy by criticizing the legalization of marijuana in the U.S. and Canada. Drawing from his own experiences with addiction, John argues that marijuana is addictive and leads to poor decision-making. His candid remarks have reignited debates on drug policies.
- Elton John opposes marijuana legalization
- He shares personal experiences with addiction
- Elton critiques the impact on decision-making
Elton John is not for weed
Elton John has never been one to shy away from expressing his opinions, and his latest remarks are no exception! In an interview with Time magazine, where he was honored as the 2024 Icon of the Year, John openly criticized the legalization of marijuana in the United States and Canada.
He argues that marijuana is addictive and a gateway to other drugs, stating, "I maintain that it’s addictive. It leads to other drugs." His comments have sparked renewed debate on the implications of legalizing marijuana.
John's stance on marijuana is deeply rooted in his own battles with addiction. He was first introduced to cocaine in the mid-1970s by his then-manager John Reid. Reflecting on his past, John explained, "You make terrible decisions on drugs."
His experiences have shaped his views on substance abuse, leading him to help others in their recovery journeys. Notably, he has served as a sponsor for Eminem and facilitated Robbie Williams' entry into rehab. However, he admits that he couldn't help everyone, like the late George Michael.
The legendary musician believes that being under the influence impairs judgment, leading to poor choices. "And when you’re stoned — and I’ve been stoned — you don’t think normally," he remarked.
“It’s tough to tell someone that they’re being an asshole, and it’s tough to hear,” John said. “Eventually I made the choice to admit that I’m being an asshole.”
John, who was first introduced to cocaine in the mid ’70s by his lover-turned-manager John Reid, explained that his views on marijuana stem from his own personal battles with drug addiction.
“You make terrible decisions on drugs,” he said. “I wanted love so badly, I’d just take hostages. I’d see someone I liked and spend three or four months together, and then they would resent me because they had nothing in their life apart from me. It really upsets me, thinking back on how many people I probably hurt.”
John's candid acknowledgment of his past mistakes highlights the personal toll of addiction. He recalls making impulsive decisions driven by a desperate need for love, which often resulted in strained relationships. His reflections serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of drug use.
Marijuana legalization has been a significant issue in both the United States and Canada, though the approaches and timelines have differed. In the U.S., marijuana legalization has evolved state by state. As of 2024, over 20 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana use, and many more have allowed medical marijuana.
However, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level under the Controlled Substances Act, which complicates issues such as banking for marijuana businesses and interstate commerce. The movement for legalization began gaining momentum in the early 2000s, with California being the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational marijuana.
Since then, other states have followed suit, spurred by changing public attitudes, tax revenue potential, and criminal justice reform concerns. Despite this state-level progress, the federal government has yet to fully endorse legalization, creating a patchwork of laws across the country.
While Canada took a more unified national approach, legalizing recreational marijuana on October 17, 2018, making it the second country in the world (after Uruguay) to do so.
The Cannabis Act legalized the possession, production, and sale of marijuana for adults aged 18 or 19 (depending on the province). The move was part of a broader effort to reduce the illicit cannabis market, improve public safety, and create economic opportunities.
Legalization also aimed at decreasing criminal justice burdens related to marijuana offenses. Since then, Canada has seen an expansion of both medical and recreational marijuana markets, along with regulations governing sales, advertising, and distribution.
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Both countries continue to grapple with issues such as ensuring public health and safety, controlling illegal markets, and addressing the social impacts of legalization. The debate over marijuana’s benefits and risks remains ongoing, particularly in relation to public health, addiction, and criminal justice.
