Renowned British singer and songwriter Elton John has expressed strong opinions about the legalization of marijuana in the US and Canada. Today, it is a bold move to take that stance and announce it globally. Moreover, he cited his firsthand experience with substance abuse to support his stance. Overcoming his battles with addiction to alcohol and other drugs has led the singer to believe that legalizing marijuana is a grave mistake.
Elton John Opposes Legal Marijuana Use
Elton John’s conviction is rooted in his own personal struggles with substance abuse. Although marijuana is federally prohibited and classified as a Schedule 1 drug by the DEA, many US states defy this stance by considering or approving its recreational use and sale. While some states permit recreational cannabis use, other states have legalized it for medical purposes. Public opinion on the legalization of marijuana has undergone a major shift over the past two decades. A recent poll at the Pew Research Center shows that the majority of American citizens support cannabis use, reflecting the recent departure from previous attitudes from decades ago. Nevertheless, Elton John still stands against marijuana legalization, believing caution and careful consideration are essential in the ongoing debate.
Reclassification
In May, the Biden Administration sparked a national conversation by announcing plans to reschedule marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. Although marijuana has been a Schedule 1 drug for over 50 years, this decision not only leads to its reclassification but also can potentially ease federal restrictions on the substance. Legalizing marijuana may be popular among people today. However, everyone isn’t on board with this decision. Using research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opponents of this proposal highlight the potential risks of marijuana use. For instance, research shows that the substance can directly impact brain function. Particularly, the parts of the brain responsible for memory, learning, and decision-making can be impaired because of the drug.
Opposition and Support
Additionally, individuals also increase their risk of psychosis or schizophrenia with long-term or frequent cannabis use. For those under the age of 18, these risks are even greater. As a result of these concerns, some health experts argue that reclassifying marijuana could send the wrong message regarding its safety. Despite these arguments, however, advocates of marijuana reform continue to support the Biden Administration’s decision. Besides easing federal restrictions, the administration’s proposal is considered a crucial step toward addressing the racial disparities in marijuana enforcement.
Addiction and Recovery
Elton John struggled with drug addiction in the 1970s and 1980s when cocaine use was rampant in the music industry. Due to his rising fame and success, the singer would use cocaine as a coping mechanism to deal with the pressures of his lifestyle. By using cocaine, he could overcome his shyness and feel more confident when socializing, but this wouldn’t last long. Over time, the singer spiraled further and further out of control from cocaine use, leading to isolation and self-destruction. Luckily, Elton John would get a wake-up call once he met a young boy named Ryan White, who contracted HIV through contaminated blood products. Inspired by White’s resilience in the face of adversity, Elton John reevaluated his life and sought help.
Final Thoughts
For over thirty years, Elton John has remained sober, achieving sobriety in 1990. Since then, he’s been a vocal advocate for a drug-free lifestyle, encouraging his peers and fellow artists to follow in his footsteps. Notably, Elton John has supported several famous musicals with their substance abuse struggles and recovery. As a sponsor to rapper Eminem, Elton John helped him navigate his own problems with addiction. Additionally, he also tried to help the talented George Michael with his extensive drug use, but unlike Eminem, his support ended tragically as George would lose his life from addiction.
