Elton John has strong opinions about marijuana legalization.
The iconic rock star, named Time magazine’s Icon of the Year, shared his thoughts in an interview reflecting on his career. His battle with addiction shaped his stance on drug use.
“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.”
John went further, calling marijuana legalization in the U.S. and Canada “one of the greatest mistakes of all time.”
When asked about alcohol, John paused, looking to his husband, David Furnish, for input. Furnish noted that while alcohol is ingrained in society, studies show it’s not as harmless as people think.
John’s struggles with addiction began in 1974, the year he released hits like “Bennie and the Jets.” That’s when he first tried cocaine, a decision he now regrets.
“You make terrible decisions on drugs,” he admitted. “I wanted love so badly, I’d just take hostages. I hurt so many people.”
Bernie Taupin, his songwriting partner, recalled the darker times. “I was terrified for him,” Taupin said. “Our work suffered until he found himself again.”
In 1990, John got clean and hasn’t looked back. In July, he celebrated 34 years of sobriety, sharing his pride online.
“It’s tough to hear you’re being an a–hole,” John said, “but I made the choice to change.”
Sobriety brought clarity and joy to John’s life. He cherishes simple pleasures like buying new records and books.
“If I had to choose, I’d give up playing music before listening to it,” he confessed. Music, he said, “has kept me going.”
Reflecting on his faith, John shared that a higher power helped him through addiction, depression, and loneliness. “He’s been there all the time, I think. I just didn’t acknowledge him.”
As a father to two sons, Zachary and Elijah, John wouldn’t wish his fame on them. “It’s been an incredible life, but it’s been a slog,” he said.
In the end, John hopes to be remembered for kindness and his music. “If people remember that we tried to change the world a little bit, that’s enough for me.”