Elton John Labels Marijuana Legalization a 'Grave Mistake'

The music icon, sober since 1990, criticizes the legalization of cannabis in the US and Canada, citing addiction risks and personal experiences with substance abuse.

Elton John, named Time's 2024 Icon of the Year, strongly opposes marijuana legalization, calling it one of the 'greatest mistakes of all time.'
John argues that marijuana is addictive, can lead to the use of harder drugs, and impairs decision-making, reflecting on his own struggles with substance abuse.
The singer's stance is shaped by his history with addiction, which he overcame in 1990, and his efforts to support others, including acting as a sobriety sponsor for artists like Eminem.
John's criticism comes as marijuana is legal for recreational use in over 20 US states and fully legalized in Canada, with ongoing debates about its public health implications.
The Biden administration has initiated steps to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, though concerns about addiction and mental health risks remain prominent in the discourse.