Elton John Calls Marijuana Legalization ‘One Of The Greatest Mistakes’

Elton John has serious concerns about the shifting legal status of marijuana.

In a Time interview published online Wednesday, the musician took issue with the legalization of the drug in parts of North America.

“I maintain that it’s addictive,” said John, who was named the magazine’s 2024 “Icon of the Year.”

“It leads to other drugs,” he added.

The “I’m Still Standing” singer focused his criticism on marijuana’s impact on the mental state of users.

“And when you’re stoned—and I’ve been stoned—you don’t think normally,” he explained. “Legalizing marijuana in America and Canada is one of the greatest mistakes of all time.”

In Canada, recreational cannabis use was legalized for adults back in 2018, with medical use permitted years earlier.

Meanwhile, more than 20 states in the U.S., as well as the District of Columbia, have legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults, with an even larger number allowing medical use. Though it remains illegal at the federal level, earlier this year the Justice Department formally moved to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous drug, recognizing its medical uses. The proposal has yet to be approved.

Referring to his past experience with addiction, John told Time, “You make terrible decisions on drugs.”

The star — who’s opened up previously about his use of alcohol and drugs like marijuana and cocaine — got sober in 1990 following the death of his friend Ryan White, who’d contracted HIV from a blood transfusion.

“It all came to a climax, really, at the Ryan White funeral in Indianapolis—a really sad and emotional week—and I came back to the hotel thinking I’m just so out of line” John told Time. “It was a shock to see how far down the scale of humanity I’d fallen.”

Since then, he’s worked to help other high-profile figures confront their substance use issues. John has said that he’s the Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor for rapper Eminem, and singer Boy George has called John “very supportive” in his own sobriety journey.

Read more on John at Time.

Need help with substance use disorder or mental health issues? In the U.S., call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA National Helpline.