Singer Elton John condemns legalisation of marijuana in the US and Canada

Iconic British musician Elton John spoke about his views on drugs, especially marijuana, in a recent interview.

- Jan Lee

The 77-year-old Rocket Man (1972) singer, who was picked as Time's Icon of the Year, told the magazine: "Legalising marijuana in America and Canada is one of the greatest mistakes of all time."

John has been open about his addiction struggles in multiple interviews. He was introduced to cocaine by his former lover and manager John Reid in 1974, around the peak of his fame. He soon became addicted, to the point where he had a cocaine overdose in 1975.

John has been sober for over 30 years and helped stars such as American rapper Eminem and English singer Robbie Williams get clean.

He believes marijuana is a gateway to addiction. "I maintain that it's addictive. It leads to other drugs. And when you're stoned - you don't think normally."

Recreational use of marijuana, also known as cannabis or weed, is illegal in Singapore. It is legal in some American states and in Canada.