Elton John Speaks Out: Legalizing Cannabis is a Grave Mistake

[Social Media]

 

Sir Elton John, the legendary 77-year-old musician who has profoundly influenced music and culture, has voiced strong opposition to the legalization of marijuana in parts of North America. Reflecting on his own experiences and decades of sobriety, he called the move “one of the greatest mistakes of all time.”  

 

The artist, recently named Time magazine’s Icon of the Year, shared his perspective during an interview. He described marijuana as “addictive” and warned that it often leads users toward other, more dangerous substances. “When you’re stoned – and I’ve been stoned – you don’t think normally,” he admitted.  

 

The legalization of marijuana has gained traction in countries like Canada, where the drug is available legally to individuals aged 18 and over, with certain restrictions. Similarly, several U.S. states, including California, allow adults aged 21 and older to use the drug recreationally under regulated conditions. However, Sir Elton believes these measures overlook the broader dangers of the substance.  

 

In a candid moment, Sir Elton recalled how his own use of marijuana caused serious health issues. During a 1999 interview with Sir David Frost, he revealed that the throat problems he suffered in the 1980s while touring in Australia were a direct result of marijuana use. At the urging of his doctors, he gave up the drug, a decision that undoubtedly contributed to his decades of sobriety.  

 

Sir Elton’s journey toward helping others recover from addiction is equally notable. His own recovery, which spans 34 years, has enabled him to guide fellow celebrities like Eminem and Robbie Williams through their battles with substance abuse. This commitment to advocacy, combined with his remarkable achievements, has cemented his legacy as an artist and humanitarian.  

 

Aside from his views on cannabis, Sir Elton touched on his notoriously fiery temperament. Known for his short fuse, he joked that his husband, David Furnish, often has to handle his outbursts. “If I’m tired, if I’m exhausted, if I’m overwhelmed, I can snap,” he admitted. A moment of frustration was captured in the 1990s documentary *Tantrums and Tiaras*, filmed by Furnish, which showcased Sir Elton nearly abandoning a video shoot due to late wardrobe arrivals. However, he also credited this temperament for his creative brilliance, noting that his temper often helps him channel his energy into songwriting. “If I get a lyric and look at it, the song comes straight out,” he explained.  

 

As Sir Elton’s performing career winds down, he remains a towering figure in music. His final North American concert at Dodger Stadium, documented in the upcoming film *Elton John: Never Too Late*, marked the end of an era. The show was part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, a 330-date extravaganza that concluded with an emotional performance in Stockholm, Sweden.  

 

Sir Elton’s farewell to the stage coincides with his achievement of EGOT status—winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—a rare and coveted honor. However, the summer also brought health challenges, as he revealed an infection temporarily affected the vision in his right eye.  

 

Despite these challenges, Sir Elton’s influence remains undiminished. His warnings about cannabis legalization, paired with his steadfast commitment to helping others overcome addiction, reflect a legacy far beyond his music. For Sir Elton John, speaking out on matters close to his heart is just another way to leave a lasting impact.

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-12-13

 

 

 

[Cryingdick]

He is more of a poppers type of guy.

[daveAustin]

Gawd, the ‘sir’ has spoken! Your debauched experiences are your own. Not everyone has an addictive nature. Legalising weed is one of the ballsiest things a government can do, ruffling the feathers of the dinosaur electorate and potentially affecting revenues from alcohol duty. On that score, ‘sir’, if you really want to make a difference, speak up about alcohol. That is the real problem!

[pacovl46]

I'm sorry, but just because you couldn't get your head out of the coke trough for a couple of decades doesn't mean that cannabis is bad for everyone! 

 

Cannabis will be consumed whether it's legal or not. Making it legal was the only way that made sense! 

[Thingamabob]

Personally I couldn't care less about Elton John's views, on any subject.

[hotandsticky]

1 minute ago, Thingamabob said:

Personally I couldn't care less about Elton John's views, on any subject.

 

 

Yet you care enough to make a comment...................let it slide, he is entitled to his opinion.

[Thingamabob]

11 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

Yet you care enough to make a comment...................let it slide, he is entitled to his opinion.

Have a nice day.

[RichardColeman]

Hear the guy is blind now - must be an epic stevie wonder Elton john tour about to be announced

[BarBoy]

3 hours ago, Cryingdick said:

He is more of a poppers type of guy.

liquid gold all the way for that pole greaser! 

[Briggsy]

Here is my experience. Society must make laws according to my regrets over my mistakes.

 

That is not how it works, Elton.

 

Big decisions require a holistic view and built-in safeguards.

[The Old Bull]

Haven't smelt a whiff of weed on the breeze since they made it legal in Canada. Young people like to rebel but since smoking weed is legal it is no longer a form of rebellion so is less popular. You know where you are at with booze but weed is sneaky stuff you don't realize how stoned you are till you get up to walk across the room.

[Pouatchee]

1 hour ago, Thingamabob said:

Personally I couldn't care less about Elton John's views, on any subject.

 

Totally agree. However, when stars become the voice of reason we are in trouble. I am glad Taylor swift looks like an idiot after the trump victory. many news outlets and vocal stars predicted that swift's endorsement would change the tides. hahahaha

 

Elton John? Who gives a crap

[wombat]

9 minutes ago, Pouatchee said:

Elton John? Who gives a crap

Seconded

[JonnyF]

Another celebrity who thinks he is an authority and a source of great wisdom on various subjects.

[spidermike007]

He could not possibly be more wrong. It rarely serves as a gateway drug. That is a meme that the fake purists use often. Alcohol is infinitely more dangerous and addictive. 

[Tropicalevo]

4 hours ago, pacovl46 said:

Cannabis will be consumed whether it's legal or not. Making it legal was the only way that made sense!

 

That has to be the most dumb excuse ever.

Rape is also illegal but people do it. Would you therefore make rape legal?

[Cryingdick]

1 minute ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

That has to be the most dumb excuse ever.

Rape is also illegal but people do it. Would you therefore make rape legal?

That's a pretty dumb argument. 

[quake]

One more rich guy.

Who was a junkie and alcoholic, telling people what to do.

Up your, rocket man,  Elton. 

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

14 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

That's a pretty dumb argument. 

Well spotted.

It is the only response to a dumb statement.

[bendejo]

Yet another retired popstar warning of the evils of the world. 

Put it this way -- his audience isn't the kids, it the middle-aged parents.

 

Long live Keith Richard, he'd never make a speech like that, unless a court ordered him to.  He'll die with a needle in his arm.

 

[billd766]

3 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

Yet you care enough to make a comment...................let it slide, he is entitled to his opinion.

Plus he is speaking from the experience of decades.

[CallumWK]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

Another celebrity who thinks he is an authority and a source of great wisdom on various subjects.

 

Should fit in well on AN, because the forum is full of those