Morgan Freeman: Marijuana Should Be Legalized “Across the Board”
NEW YORK – May 11, 2015 (UPI) — As an avid marijuana user, Morgan Freeman supports the legalization of the drug by citing its medicinal benefits.
Seven years ago, the actor was involved in a severe car accident which led to a shattered arm, elbow and shoulder. In an interview with The Daily Beast, he admits that marijuana is the “only” thing that relieves the pain.
“They used to say, ‘You smoke that stuff, boy, you get hooked!'” Freeman first said with a chuckle. “My first wife got me into it many years ago.”
The 77 year-old actor strengthens his stance by saying: “How do I take it? However it comes! I’ll eat it, drink it, smoke it, snort it! This movement is really a long time coming, and it’s getting legs—longer legs. Now, the thrust is understanding that alcohol has no real medicinal use. Maybe if you have one drink it’ll quiet you down, but two or three and you’re [expletive].”
Other than helping with the fibromyalgia pain in his arm caused by the accident, he says there are other health benefits to using the drug. “They’re talking about kids who have grand mal seizures, and they’ve discovered that marijuana eases that down to where these children can have a life. That right there, to me, says, ‘Legalize it across the board!'” he said.
One example in history affected by the legalization of weed Freeman pointed out was Woodstock 1969. “They said, ‘We’re not going to bother them or say anything about smoking marijuana,’ and not one problem or fight. Then look at what happened in ’99,” he said referencing the riots that resulted since the festival became less-marijuana friendly in 1999.
Despite the actor’s injuries he remains to have a busy work schedule, releasing four movies just this year. His latest film 5 Flights Up, which co-stars Diane Keaton is currently in theaters.
