Elton John has expressed strong opposition to marijuana legalization in the United States, calling it “one of the greatest mistakes of all time.” In an interview with Time Magazine, published on December 13, 2024, he stated that he believes marijuana is addictive and can lead individuals to use other drugs. He also shared his personal experience, noting that when under the influence of marijuana, people do not think clearly.
John’s comments come at a time when marijuana legalization has been gaining traction across various states, starting with Colorado and Washington in 2012, which were the first to allow recreational use. Time highlighted that John has played a significant role in helping people overcome drug addiction, mentioning his support for fellow musicians like Eminem and Robbie Williams, though he was unable to assist George Michael in the same way.
The musician’s views on drug use are explored in depth in his new Disney+ documentary titled “Elton John: Never Too Late.” This film looks back on his life, including his struggles with drug addiction, a suicide attempt, and his journey towards sobriety. Co-director R.J. Cutler noted that the documentary captures two pivotal moments in John’s career: his initial rise to fame and his decision to stop touring after 50 years.
In a recent interview on “Good Morning America,” John revealed another personal challenge: he has experienced significant vision loss due to an infection. He mentioned that he has been unable to see out of his right eye for four months and is uncertain about his ability to continue recording music. He expressed hope for recovery but acknowledged the difficulties he faces in his current situation.
This article originally appeared in USA TODAY, highlighting John’s influential voice in the ongoing conversation about marijuana legalization and its implications.
