Posted on December 13, 2024 at EveryBrainMatters.org

“I maintain that it’s addictive. It leads to other drugs,” John said. “And when you’re stoned — and I’ve been stoned — you don’t think normally. Legalizing marijuana in America and Canada is one of the greatest mistakes of all time.”

~ Sir Elton John

Elton John is not holding back when it comes to his opinion about the legalization of marijuana.

Elton John’s Perspective on Marijuana Legalization

Elton John has no hesitation in expressing his stance on marijuana legalization, especially in light of its growing acceptance in North America. In his Time interview, he says, “I maintain that it’s addictive. It leads to other drugs.“

The “Rocket Man” singer, who has lived through the highs and lows of addiction, makes it clear that his opinion isn’t just a casual observation—it’s based on personal experience. “And when you’re stoned—and I’ve been stoned—you don’t think normally,” John admits. “Legalizing marijuana in America and Canada is one of the greatest mistakes of all time.“

This firm stance aligns with John’s long-standing advocacy for helping others overcome addiction. He has supported high-profile figures like Eminem and Robin Williams on their journeys to sobriety, using his own life as an example to help others break free from substance abuse.

Elton John’s Addiction Struggles and Sobriety

Elton John’s battle with addiction is no secret. During the 1970s, while releasing iconic hits like “Bennie and the Jets” and “Candle in the Wind,” John fell into the grip of drugs and alcohol. His introduction to cocaine in 1974 led to a long and turbulent period of addiction. Reflecting on his experiences, he explains the dangers of substance abuse: “It leads to other drugs. You make terrible decisions on drugs.”

John doesn’t sugarcoat the negative effects addiction had on his personal life. “I wanted love so badly, I’d just take hostages,” he says, recalling how his relationships suffered due to his substance abuse. “I’d see someone I liked and spend three or four months together, and then they would resent me because they had nothing in their life apart from me.”

In 1990, John made the life-changing decision to get clean, and he has been sober ever since. Now, with over three decades of sobriety behind him, John proudly shares his journey and how it’s transformed his life. “34 years clean and sober. My life has never been better,” he posted on social media earlier this year.

A Tough Love Approach to Sobriety

Elton John has been outspoken about the challenges of recovery, not just for himself but for others he’s helped along the way. He understands that breaking free from addiction requires tough love and honesty. “It’s tough to tell someone that they’re being an a–hole, and it’s tough to hear,” John admits. “Eventually, I made the choice to admit that I’m being an a–hole.”

This candidness about his own flaws and the harsh reality of addiction has made him an influential figure in the sobriety community, where he continues to offer support to those in need.

Drugs Started Affecting His Work

Elton John’s longtime collaborator and friend, Bernie Taupin, also shared his insights in the Time interview. He reflected on the challenging period when John was struggling with addiction. “I was terrified for him. It was absolutely horrible,” Taupin admits. “A lot of the work that we did in the times when he was at his worst wasn’t the best of both of us.”

Taupin further explains that he couldn’t fully invest in their music during that time. “I wasn’t able to creatively invest any time in writing material that related to him until he actually found himself,” he says, underscoring how John’s recovery allowed them to reconnect and create music that truly resonated.

The Bigger Picture: Sobriety and Advocacy

Elton John’s commitment to sobriety and his firm stance on marijuana legalization come from a place of deep personal experience. Having seen the devastating effects of addiction, he’s dedicated to advocating for those struggling with substance abuse, whether through his own story or by supporting others in their recovery.

As he continues his career, John’s voice remains powerful, not just in music but in important social issues like drug addiction. His unflinching opinion on marijuana legalization reflects his ongoing mission to help others break free from the chains of addiction, just as he did.

Learning From Someone Who Has Been There

Sometimes, the biggest lessons come from people who have battled addiction and lived to tell about it. Elton John’s personal struggles and triumphant long-term recovery gives his opinion the weight of truth, and we should all take heed.

In a world where the conversation around legalizing marijuana continues to evolve, Elton John’s perspective serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding addiction and the long-term consequences it can have on individuals and society as a whole.