Joss Stone has come under fire from anti-drugs campaigners after she condoned cannabis use in a new interview.
The 22-year-old singer admits she often smokes marijuana and she can't understand why the drug is illegal.
She tells Britain's Star magazine, "I smoke weed, but I don't think it's really a drug. It's more of a herb. I don't regret saying that at all. I think everyone smokes weed and people who say they don't are lying! Weed has been given this evil stamp, but how is it dangerous? It's going to make you laugh your a**e off? You might go to sleep? I think alcohol is much more harmful."
When asked if she smokes cannabis every day, she replied, "It depends if I'm working, and on what song. And whether it's a smoking studio or not! It's like having a drink."
Stone also played down the dangers of harder drugs, adding: "I hardly ever go to clubs. When I do, I'll drink three or four beers then move on to a vodka. I don't want to take all those horrible drugs. Although some sound fun, so I might dabble now and then!"
But her comments have infuriated anti-drugs campaigners in the U.K., who have accused Stone of trivialising a serious issue.
David Raynes, head of the National Drugs Prevention Alliance, says, "She should consider the effects that her comments have on other people, especially young fans who look up to her. People like Joss Stone should keep their mouths shut about things like this. It is terribly damaging and she clearly hasn't considered the wider effects of the drug, although she clearly didn't get to become a pop star because she is a student of social sciences. We already have a drug culture in the U.K. and she is simply adding to that."
Fellow British singer Lily Allen also found herself mired in controversy earlier this year when she appeared to defend cocaine use.
She said, "The only story is that drugs are bad and they will kill you. I know lots of people that take cocaine three nights a week and get up and go to work every day, no problem at all."
