(Smoking) Dope 'keeps George Michael sane'

[enquirewithin]

Dope 'keeps George Michael sane'



11.31, Fri Oct 20 2006
George Michael has been speaking openly about smoking cannabis during a TV interview - even appearing to light up a joint.
He sparked up backstage at a gig in Madrid while talking to ITV's South Bank Show.
George defends his dope habit, saying it keeps him sane and happy. But he admits it's not very healthy. He says it can have a 'terrible, terrible effect'.
The singer denies his life is out of control after twice being caught slumped at the wheel of his car. Earlier this year he admitted being in possession of Class C drugs when he was arrested in London's West End.
George is about to release a new album marking 25 years of his singing career.
Twenty Five is due for release on November 13.

http://www.itn.co.uk/news/index_d5dc...109a43afd.html

George Micheal knows how to smoke!!!

[grecian]

maybe now the media can start bashing cannabis as a gay scene drug aswell

[Alfa]

I think that it is important that the idols like George Michael help normalize cannabis with such statements. To me it seems a much more balanced approach and more understandable reason to smoke cannabis than the smoking dope is cool approach of many hip hop artists.

[Miss DarkSoLovely]

Originally Posted by Alfa

I think that it is important that the idols like George Michael help normalize cannabis with such statements. To me it seems a much more balanced approach and more understandable reason to smoke cannabis than the smoking dope is cool approach of many hip hop artists.

Amen.
I say good for George.

[matti_2003]

The documentry is on Tuesday (ITV) if anyone is interested.

[korky8097]

Will that documentary be airing in the U.S.?

[grecian]

Originally Posted by korky8097

Will that documentary be airing in the U.S.?

The South Bank Show is aired in the US as well as many other countries, but i do not know when or on what channel, although I have read that Bravo occasionaly shows it in the US. I believe the audio is avaliable through podcast free of charge; info is on the link below:

http://www.itv.com/page.asp?partid=6479

I hope this is of some help to you.

[grecian]

Singer George Michael has been dubbed "stupid" and "naive" by mental health charity Rethink for being filmed smoking cannabis on an ITV programme.

Michael is seen lighting what appears to be a cannabis joint on a South Bank Show special in Madrid, and says: "This stuff keeps me sane and happy."

The charity expressed concerns that the drug can be a cause of serious mental health problems.

A spokeswoman for the 43-year-old star declined to comment on the issue.

Worried

The ITV show said: "The interview was conducted in Madrid and at his home in England. We must make it clear that when he was smoking he was in Madrid where cannabis is legal."


It's a great drug, but obviously it's not very healthy
George Michael

Paul Corry from Rethink said: "Cannabis is not a risk-free drug. For a significant minority of people it is a trigger for developing a severe long term mental illness like schizophrenia.

"Those most at risk are young people, the core of George Michael's audience, and people who use it over a long period of time and in large amounts," he added.

Drug and alcohol treatment charity Addaction are also worried about the singer's actions.

Denial

The group's William Butler said: "We are concerned about the message this can send out to young people, especially when there is such confusion about the legality of cannabis."

Michael, who was being filmed during his greatest hits tour, also said: "It's a great drug, but obviously it's not very healthy. You can't afford to smoke it if you've got anything to do. Anything at all would be foolish."

The former Wham star added that it could be a "terrible, terrible drug" and that it could "chill you out to such a degree that you could lose your ambitions," but denied having a drug problem on camera.

The singer has been found slumped at the wheel of his car twice. He was cautioned by police for possessing cannabis after the most recent incident earlier this month.