In a candid interview with Time magazine as part of its Icon of the Year coverage, musician Elton John shared his thoughts on addiction, his personal journey to sobriety, and the societal implications of marijuana legalization in the United States and Canada.
Elton John, who has been sober for many years, expressed deep concern about the increasing normalization of marijuana. “I maintain that it’s addictive,” he said. “It leads to other drugs. And when you’re stoned—and I’ve been stoned—you don’t think normally.” He called the legalization of marijuana “one of the greatest mistakes of all time.”
The Growing Acceptance of Marijuana and Its Risks
Elton John’s concerns align with a broader cultural and legal shift in how marijuana is perceived. Over the past few decades, societal attitudes toward marijuana have evolved, with many focusing on its potential benefits. However, with increasing acceptance and use comes a darker side: marijuana addiction.
Marijuana addiction, or cannabis use disorder, describes a pattern of use that negatively affects an individual’s ability to function in daily life. While many people begin using marijuana occasionally, for some, it can develop into a habit that spirals out of control. Despite its reputation as a relatively safe substance, marijuana carries risks, including withdrawal symptoms, long-term effects on mood and cognition, and potential health consequences from chronic use.
Elton John’s Battle with Addiction
Elton John’s views are informed by his personal battle with addiction and his subsequent commitment to helping others overcome their struggles. Over the years, he has served as a sponsor for rapper Eminem and facilitated pop star Robbie Williams’ entry into rehab.
Yet, even with his efforts, Elton John acknowledges the heartbreak of those he couldn’t save. One of his deepest regrets is being unable to help his friend George Michael, who battled substance abuse before his untimely death in 2016 at age 53. “It’s tough to tell someone that they’re being an a-hole, and it’s tough to hear,” John reflected. “Eventually I made the choice to admit that I’m being an a-hole.”
Elton John’s longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin also spoke about the toll addiction took on their partnership. “When Elton was hooked on drugs, I was terrified for him. It was absolutely horrible,” Taupin said.
Recognizing the Health Consequences of Marijuana
As marijuana becomes more mainstream, it’s crucial to understand the potential health risks. While many users may think they know everything about marijuana, the growing body of research highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of addiction and the potential for long-term harm.
For Elton John, who has rebuilt his life through sobriety, these concerns underscore his advocacy for a healthier, more informed society. His story serves as a reminder of the challenges of addiction and the importance of support and intervention.
Weedless Community
Contributing Users
The Weedless.org Community has shared firsthand accounts that provide unique insight into the struggles faced by chronic marijuana users.
Recent Related Posts
About Weedless.org
Weedless.org is a free, web-based resource and community created by a team of healthcare professionals and researchers. We distill the facts about marijuana use and its effects into practical guidance for interested persons or for those who are thinking about or struggling to quit weed. Finding reliable, easy to understand information about marijuana should never be a struggle—that is why our core mission is to provide the most up to date information about marijuana use, abuse, addiction, and withdrawal. While we seek to empower individuals to have control over their use, we are not “anti-weed” and we support efforts to legalize adult marijuana use and study.