Sir Elton John, an icon in music and a symbol of resilience, recently voiced his concerns about marijuana legalization in the United States and Canada, calling it “one of the greatest mistakes of all time.” Speaking to TIME Magazine after being named their Icon of the Year, the legendary musician shared his belief that cannabis remains a gateway drug, leading users toward more dangerous substances.
A Personal Journey Through Addiction and Recovery
John’s strong stance on marijuana stems from his personal battle with addiction, which culminated in his decision to seek recovery in 1990. In his memoir Me, he recounted harrowing moments, including hijacking a Rolling Stones concert while high on cocaine and mistaking Bob Dylan for a gardener. By his own admission, his drug use was so extreme it stood out even in an industry rife with substance abuse.
Sober for 34 years as of August, Elton John has become a source of inspiration for countless others, including high-profile figures like Eminem, whose recovery he sponsored, and Robin Williams, whom he encouraged to seek rehab. Reflecting on his journey, John described hitting rock bottom as the turning point: “I hated myself so much. All I wanted to do was get well. I put all of the energy I had left toward my recovery.”
Why Marijuana Legalization Concerns Him
Now a vocal advocate for sobriety, John remains skeptical about the safety of legalizing marijuana. “I maintain that it’s addictive. It leads to other drugs,” he told TIME. “And when you’re stoned—and I’ve been stoned—you don’t think normally.”
While marijuana is often perceived as harmless, John’s husband, David Furnish, pointed out that even alcohol—widely accepted in society—is not as safe as many believe. For John, the normalization of these substances underscores the need for greater awareness about addiction and its impact.
Lessons Learned and Shared
Elton John’s recovery journey has been anything but isolated. He’s attended AA and NA meetings across the globe, even in countries where he didn’t speak the native language, to stay grounded. He credits much of his support to friends like Beatles guitarist George Harrison, who stood by him during his darkest moments.
Reflecting on 34 years of sobriety, John shared on social media: “My life has never been better.” His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of recovery and the importance of seeking help, no matter how daunting the path may seem.
A Sobering Reminder
While opinions on marijuana legalization vary widely, John’s perspective offers a compelling reminder of the complexities surrounding addiction. His journey underscores the importance of making informed decisions about substance use and recognizing the profound impact music, community, and support can have in healing.