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Published 11:01 12 Dec 2024 GMT
Updated 11:04 12 Dec 2024 GMT

Sir Elton John has voiced his opinion on the legalisation of cannabis and described the decision to legalize it across much of North America as 'one of the greatest mistakes of all time'.
The 77-year-old, who has been sober for over 30 years after struggling with addiction during his early career, claimed that marijuana is addictive and and can lead to more severe drug use.
Sir Elton was speaking to TIME magazine after the publication named him 'Icon of the Year', and opened up during the interview about his struggles with substances in the past.
"It’s tough to tell someone that they’re being an a--hole, and it’s tough to hear," John reflected. "Eventually I made the choice to admit that I’m being an a--hole."
On the subject of weed, he explained: "I maintain that it’s addictive. It leads to other drugs. 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."
John has used his sobriety to help others achieve the same success. He has famously helped many people kick drugs including US rapper Eminem and Robbie Williams.
On the other side of the pond, the recreational use of cannabis has been legalized in 24 states, three U.S. territories, and D.C. Another seven states have decriminalized its use.
Sir Elton has also recently updated fans on his rapidly deteriorating vision - an issue that is delaying the completion of his next album.
He revealed to ABC News that it has been "four months since he could see out of his right eye and this vision in his left eye is not the greatest" after he suffered a severe infection.
The Rocketman singer said he felt “stuck” as he opened up about the ongoing health battle.
"I don't know. It's been a while since I've done anything, and well, I just have to get off my backside," he said.
"I unfortunately lost my eyesight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the south of France and it's been four months now since I haven't been able to see, and my left eye is not the greatest.
"So, there's hope and encouragement that it will be okay, but... I'm kind of stuck at the moment, because I can do something like this [the interview], but going into the studio and recording, I don't know, because I can't see a lyric for a start."
He continued: "I don't know. It's been a while since I've done anything, and well, I just have to get off my backside.
"I unfortunately lost my eyesight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the south of France and it's been four months now since I haven't been able to see, and my left eye is not the greatest.
"So, there's hope and encouragement that it will be okay, but... I'm kind of stuck at the moment because I can do something like this [the interview], but going into the studio and recording, I don't know, because I can't see a lyric for a start."
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